Donna Marie Joanna Hickton, 57, of Hawkins Drive, Preston, Hull, was also handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, following an RSPCA prosecution.
Hull Magistrates’ Court heard that Dakota, a black Shih Tzu-type dog, had been left with untreated eye, ear, skin and dental conditions.
Her eye problems were believed to have caused suffering for at least 18 months and were so severe that vets ultimately had to remove both eyes.
The RSPCA became aware of Dakota in July 2025 following reports of a “matted, scratching” dog with an eye “bulging out”.
When Animal Rescue Officer Emily Lomas attended an address in Hull, another woman brought Dakota outside and explained that she had been caring for the dog for a year, but that Hickton was her owner.
Ms Lomas said Dakota was blind and had “bilateral cherry eye”, which she was excessively scratching with her paw.
She added that the dog’s skin appeared “very yeasty and flaky”, her coat was matted and she had “horrendously bad-smelling breath”.
The officer also found no drinking water when she inspected the area where Dakota was living.
Dakota was taken to a vet, who found that she was suffering from “multiple untreated chronic conditions” and certified that she was suffering. Police then seized her and placed her in the RSPCA’s care.
Both of Dakota’s eyes had a significant yellow discharge matted into the fur beneath them, indicating a long history of conjunctivitis.
Tests confirmed that she was suffering from dry eye caused by a lack of tear production. Significant scarring was also found on the front of her eyes, which was believed to have been caused by repeated untreated corneal ulcers.
The vet determined that Dakota was blind and said her half-closed eyes would have been “significantly painful” and irritated.
She was also suffering from serious dental disease, with fur matted around the base of her teeth and several incisors wobbling when examined.
A large number of teeth had to be extracted under anaesthetic.
Dakota’s ears contained a yellow discharge and smelled of yeast, while her coat was greasy and matted. She also had dry skin and flea dirt.
She required treatment for her ears, a deep clean and groom, and medicated baths for her skin.
Although Dakota was already blind, her eye conditions were causing such severe pain that vets made the difficult decision to remove both eyes.
Hickton initially pleaded not guilty to two offences but changed her plea on the first day of her trial in June. The second offence was subsequently dropped.
She admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment for Dakota’s eye and ear conditions, dental disease and skin disease between November 2023 and July 2025.
At sentencing on August 4, Hickton was ordered to rehome three dogs and a cat in her care and was disqualified from keeping animals for five years.
She must also pay £400 towards court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard that Hickton had handed Dakota into the care of another woman to help with loneliness and was unaware of the extent of the dog’s health problems.
Magistrates were also told that Hickton struggled with poor health and described her dogs as “her life” and her “emotional support animals”.
RSPCA Inspector Laura Barber, who investigated the case, said: “Poor Dakota was living in daily pain due to painful eye conditions, ear and skin infections and dental disease, which are relatively normal issues for older pets and can be easily managed and treated by vets.
“But, sadly, she’d been left for a long time without any treatment and was also living in wholly unsuitable, filthy conditions.
“Dakota was signed over into our care during our investigation and was rehabilitated by one of our branches before being rehomed.
“She’s doing really well in her new home and acts like a puppy, despite her age.
“She’s a happy, sweet, friendly little dog who is thriving, and we’re so pleased we were able to find her a fresh start.”
A second woman who admitted the same offence was sentenced in December 2025. She also received an eight-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and was disqualified from keeping animals for life.
