The Chatham animal abuser woman, Rebecca Anderson, has evaded incarceration after abandoning her cancer-afflicted dog to perish alone and in agony at her deserted residence.
Rebecca Anderson, 22, from Chatham, Medway, Kent, shown little regret for her conduct during the protracted and agonising death of the dog.
The RSPCA conducted many visits to Rebecca Anderson’s residence in March and April 2024 following a report regarding the condition of a bull-breed dog named Major. No one answered the door, and Anderson did not respond to texts requesting her to make contact.
In late April 2024, the animal charity was approached by a witness with access to the site, who reported discovering a deceased dog that appeared emaciated.
A subsequent autopsy revealed that the dog had succumbed to symptoms related to a cancerous bone tumour.
Despite her pet’s evident suffering and challenges with respiration and ingestion, Rebecca Anderson had not pursued veterinary care.
RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod said: “Following the post-mortem, the pathologist said that due to a lack of veterinary treatment, the bone tumour in Major’s chest led to him experiencing unnecessary suffering for a period of at least four weeks before he died..
“They concluded that if Major had been taken to a vet and been diagnosed, there would have at least been the option to humanely euthanise him or to instigate palliative treatment.”
While it was acknowledged that Major’s bone cancer, or osteosarcoma, was terminal, vets said it would be obvious to “any reasonable person” observing the dog that his problems required medical treatment.
He should have received palliative care in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs combined with opioid painkillers.
Inspector Ormerod added: “It is a pet owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care.
“Poor ‘Major’ died a drawn-out, painful death, because his owner Rebecca Anderson failed to seek veterinary treatment for him which could have alleviated his suffering.
“For those with concerns about the health of their pet, please check our online advice about finding a vet.”
Rebecca Anderson was handed a four-month suspended prison sentence and an unspecified ban on keeping animals.
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