Bridgwater couple given ban after leaving injured puppy to suffer

A couple who left a French Bulldog puppy to suffer from injuries including a broken leg and facial cuts have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Sheldon Turner and Lucy Blackmore, from Bridgwater in Somerset, were sentenced at Taunton Magistrates Court on 5 November.

Police said they found the puppy, called Pepsi, in a container with a hosepipe weighing the lid down.

She had a fractured front leg that had been untreated for between two and six weeks and had to be amputated.

"Despite being aware of Pepsi's health issues, they did not seek vet help for her," said RSPCA Deputy Ch Insp Simon Coombs.

"But for the intervention of the Police and RSPCA her situation would have continued – as it had done for the six weeks since she came to them, apparently already with the health issues and injuries," he added.

The court was told police went to the property on Warren Close in Bridgwater in December 2023 after concerns had been raised about the safety of a dog on the premises.

Vets examined Pepsi and found evidence of bruising and lacerations that would have been caused within 24 hours of her being found.

"Owning a dog like Pepsi is a privilege, so it is heartbreaking to think what she went through" said Mr Coombs.

Dogs feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion."

RSPCA staff nursed Pepsi back to health and she will be put up for adoption soon, the charity said.

Turner, of Regents Court, had two other dogs confiscated by the RSPA and was ordered to complete an 18-month community order, including 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was also ordered to pay a combined £594 in fines.

Blackmore, of Warren Close, was ordered to pay a combined £760 in fines.

Both can appeal their bans after five years.