THE disgraced former owner of a South Cumbria kennel has narrowly escaped jail after admitting a catalogue of failings which led to the fatal mauling of a Dachshund and the serious injury of a Shih Tzu.

Julie Elizabeth Thompson, 49, the former owner of Backbarrow kennel, Happy Houndz, appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Barrow on January 15 where she pleaded guilty to seven separate charges dating back to May 25, 2017.

The court heard how Thompson, of Westgate, Carnforth had broken the law by placing the two dogs, Shih Tzu, Suki, and Dachshund, Pippa together on the day they were attacked by the two Staffordshire Bull terriers occupying the adjacent kennel.

Daniel Millican, prosecuting on behalf of South Lakeland District Council said: "She failed to take such steps which led to the tragic loss of a family pet.

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"We have to question whether commercial gain has been put before the welfare of these animals.

"She might have been well intentioned but she was incompetent and I'm sure this has been an upsetting matter for all those involved."

Suzanne Kavanagh, defending called the incident an "extremely sad and traumatic case."

Miss Kavanagh told the court that on the day in question, Thompson had "taken in more dogs than she would have liked".

The court then heard how the care home worker made the "horrific discovery" after returning from a 30 minute lunch break.

"She did everything she could and acted as best she could in the circumstances she discovered.

"She's deeply remorseful and it's had catastrophic impact on her life," she added.

Pippa's owners, Gillian and Michael Humphries sat alongside Suki's owners Anne and John Fitzgerald, for the entire proceedings.

Mr and Mrs Humphries, of Keswick Avenue Barrow, had been on holiday in Malta when they received a call from Thompson's husband telling them their "wee dog had died."

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Bolton-le-Sand couple Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald had specifically chosen to house Suki at the Backbarrow business because of it's 'excellent' reputation.

They kept the tragic news secret from their daughter who was getting married the following day, and had to cancel their upcoming holiday to care for the fragile pup.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Fitzgerald said: For us, this was all about trust. We believed that they would take care of our pet and not put her in danger. They failed us and they failed Gillian Humphries. We are just lucky that Suki survived when Pip didn’t."

Presiding Magistrate George Butler said he recognised the case was "emotive" and "found great harm" in Thompson's actions before sentencing her to an eight week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months.

She must also complete 80 hours of unpaid work, pay £1200 court costs and a victim surcharge of £115.

The kennels has since been bought out by Alan Clarke and re-branded as the South Lakes kennel and daycare.
Former RSPCA worker Mr Clarke condemned Thompson's actions and said he was running a "happy and safe" kennels and said he was keen to move on from the past.

A series of failings

THE owner of a Jack Russell who fell victim to an alleged savage attack at a troubled South Cumbria kennels has spoken of his regrets in not raising the alarm sooner.

Shipyard worker Chris Coward attended the hearing of Happy Houndz's former owner Julie Elizabeth Thompson on January 15.

The 54-year-old sat in the public gallery at the South Cumbria Magistrates' Court with John and Anne Fitzgerald, and Gillian and Michael Humphries, in a bid to campaign for justice after his beloved pup, Patch, died at the Backbarrow business on November 14, 2016 after an attack by a Staffordshire Bull terrier.

Mr Coward, of Mulberry way, expressed his regret at not asking South Lakeland District Council for help, but said he did not know who to turn to after unsuccessful contact with the RSPCA and police.

Speaking after the hearing he said: "I had faith in them doing the right thing and it was unfortunate that if I had taken action this might not have happened."