Magistrate and her daughter convicted after allowing '˜Westies' to suffer

A magistrate and her daughter from Leigh have been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to two West Highland white terriers.
One of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skinOne of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skin
One of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skin

Gail Bradshaw, 64 - a magistrate at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court for the past 30 years who has deliberated on RSPCA cases - and Nicola Bradshaw 29, both of Minehead Avenue, appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court for a two-day trial which concluded on April 9.

The pair were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two West Highland white terriers called 'Poppy' and Holly by failing to provide proper and necessary care to their severe and chronic skin conditions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald said: “The severity of the skin conditions and fur loss suffered by these dogs was the worst I’ve seen in my 15-year career.

One of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skinOne of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skin
One of dogs found wearing baby jumper that had stuck to her weeping skin

“They were in an absolutely shocking state.

“When I first saw Poppy she was wearing a filthy baby jumper. Gail Bradshaw said she put it on her to keep her warm and to stop her scratching herself raw. When the vet tried to remove the jumper it had stuck to Poppy’s weeping skin around her armpits, chest and front legs.”

The court heard that visits to the vets with Poppy in 2014 and 2015 established the cause of her fur loss and skin infection but the Bradshaws were inconsistent in following the treatment plans.

When the advice was followed improvements were seen but the lack of consistency in following the treatment properly would cause Poppy to deteriorate again. A new treatment plan was put in place in March 2015 by the vet with the advice to return in 7-10 days but Poppy was never taken back.

Gail Bradshaw said she didnt think the vet treatment was working so decided to self treat the condition after seeking advice from the internet and friends.Gail Bradshaw said she didnt think the vet treatment was working so decided to self treat the condition after seeking advice from the internet and friends.
Gail Bradshaw said she didnt think the vet treatment was working so decided to self treat the condition after seeking advice from the internet and friends.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inspector McDonald said: “Gail Bradshaw said she didn’t think the vet treatment was working so decided to self treat the condition after seeking advice from the internet and friends. However over the following two years Poppy's condition deteriorated to the state she was found in when I attended.

“When Holly started to get similar symptoms in early 2017 she was never taken to the vet. This is despite both dogs having 'ultimate' Petplan insurance which could have covered the treatment.”

Upon conviction magistrates said that Gail Bradshaw’s recollection of the previous vet visits were vague and that she offered no credible explanation for not following the treatment plans or seeking further vet treatment. Once Poppy and Holly came into RSPCA care their conditions improved rapidly, where they remain pending the outcome of the case. In respect of Nicola Bradshaw, who declined to give evidence or be cross examined, they said that she had declined to offer any evidence or explanation.

The case was adjourned until 2pm on Tuesday May 8 at Preston Magistrates’ Court for a pre-sentencing report.