Dinnington woman jailed for starving dog

Chaneen Insley, 24, admitted causing prolonged suffering to her Jack Russell, Oscar, who was found dead at her former home in Quantock Way, Loundsley Green, Chesterfield.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday how Insley left her pet to suffer a ‘slow and lingering’ death and fed him potato peelings.

The four-year-old dog’s body was badly decomposed when discovered by housing officers who were clearing the property.

Deputy district judge Jim Davies said: “You watched this animal, a former pet, face a slow, lingering and painful death only throwing it some potato peelings on occasion and after the animal died you in fact left the carcass there to rot. It was a serious incident of prolonged neglect of an animal.”

“In my judgement this falls in to the most serious category. I am satisfied having heard everything that has been put forward that there is only one sentence that can be imposed. Only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

Brian Orsborn, prosecuting for the RSPCA said Oscar’s body was discovered in the pantry on top of a tumble dryer, covered with a sheet. The offence took place between 1st September and 12th December. Insley now lives in St Pancras Close, Dinnington.

Mike Willis, defending, said Insley had suffered several personal traumas. In 2009 her baby died of cot death and her other two children were taken in to care.

She was also in a violent relationship. Her home was repossessed and she was being moved in to a smaller property.

He added: “She is ashamed by what has happened. Due to a network of circumstances she ended up in this situation, an inexcusable situation. Everything was too much for her.”

Insley was also ordered to pay costs of £168 to be awarded to the RSPCA from central funds.