A CARLISLE mum who was blamed for the death of a starving dog was forced to flee from her home and start a new life in southern England.

But a judge who heard evidence about case ruled that 32-year-old Abbi Louise Simmons was responsible for the malnourished dog for only five days and it was already “at death's door”  when the owner handed it over.

Simmons admitted causing the adult female “bull breed” dog unnecessary suffering in January last year by failing to get it timely veterinary treatment.

Defence lawyer Jeff Smith told the city’s crown court the case was “absolutely tragic” for both the dog that died, called Zeena, and Simmons, who was prosecuted after investigators found the animal’s body buried in her garden.

“She had to relocate to the south of England,” said Mr Smith. “She’s been living in hostel accommodation.”

Simmons had been “reviled” in her community and abused in the street after one of her court appearances.

She was also subjected to online harassment.

Recorder Julian Shaw said that following the trial of issue in the case - when he heard evidence to determine the facts – he was satisfied Simmons was vulnerable and Zeena’s owner, having been made homeless, persuaded her to take in the dog.

She had done this for a short period before the dog was returned to the owner. At a later point, Zeena was delivered back to Simmons. The judge concluded that, by that stage, the likelihood of Zeena being saved was “vanishingly small.”

She was so emaciated she was probably incapable of standing, said an expert. “It was, in fact, at death’s door,” continued the judge.

Looking after Zeena was not something Simmons had volunteered to do. “It hung on for five days before sadly passing on,” said the judge.

Any right-thinking person would have phoned a vet for Zeena to put her out of her misery, said the judge.

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The judge noted how Simmons was forced to relocate. “Others, perhaps, should have been prosecuted alongside you,” he said.

Noting her remorse and limited means, he imposed an 18-month community order, which will include ten rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

After the case, RSPCA inspector Chris Towler said Zeena starved to death. “There is no doubt that Zeena suffered immensely at the end of her life," he said.

“No dog in a person’s care should have to face what Zeena did and the party responsible completely failed her – failed to get the help she needed.

"We will probably never know the full truth of what happened.”

Mr Towler said that anybody with a concern about a dog or other animal can call the charity on  0300 1234 999, or in an emergency call the police on 999.