Birmingham Mother Receives Animal Ban After XL Bully Starves to Death
A mother from Birmingham has been prohibited from keeping animals for a decade after her XL Bully type dog was starved so severely it had to be euthanised. Renee Cooper, aged 40, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animal, with the court hearing the dog endured at least three weeks of neglect in her garden.
Court Hears Details of Severe Neglect and Suffering
At Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 22, Cooper pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and an additional animal welfare offence. The prosecution, led by Janita Patel for the RSPCA, revealed that the charity was alerted on October 14, 2024, when the dog, named Lyah, was taken to a PDSA veterinary clinic in a collapsed and emaciated state.
Ms Patel described the dog as being extremely underweight, skeletal, and covered in wounds that were contaminated with faeces. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Lyah was in poor bodily condition with no underlying health issues that could have caused a loss of appetite. An expert witness estimated that the animal had suffered both physically and mentally for a minimum of three weeks prior to its death.
Defendant's Admission and Court Sentencing
Cooper, who resides on Claerwen Grove in Northfield, acknowledged ownership of the dog during the proceedings. She stated that Lyah lived outdoors and claimed she provided food and water but failed to check daily whether the animal was consuming it. She admitted to being irresponsible for not monitoring the dog's well-being.
District Judge Michelle Smith characterised the case as very serious but opted against a prison sentence, considering Cooper's circumstances, including her two dependent children. Instead, the judge imposed an intensive supervision court order, which includes:
- Up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity
- 12 sessions of a mental health treatment programme
- A ten-year ban from keeping any animals
Judge Smith emphasised that a reasonable owner would have sought veterinary care, highlighting the severity of the neglect. This case underscores the legal consequences of animal cruelty in the UK, particularly involving breeds like the XL Bully, which have been subject to increased scrutiny and regulation.
