A Salford social housing tenant who left the rotting body of her dead dog in her kitchen for days on end surrounded by faeces has been banned from keeping animals in the property again.
Margaret Martin, of Monsal Avenue, Salford, received a Suspended Possession Order after social housing provider Salix Homes sought legal action over the appalling state of the home.
The grisly discovery of the emaciated Border collie surrounded by animal faeces was found by police and housing officers after they gained legal action to be allowed into the home.
Claire Taylor, tenancy enforcement officer, at Salix Homes, said: “The house and garden was piled high with rubbish and the conditions that the emaciated dog had been kept in were absolutely appalling.”
The court heard how Martin was in breach of her tenancy by failing to keep her home in an acceptable condition, and for refusing Salix Homes access to the property in order to carry out inspections.
Salix Homes claims officers tried support Martin, but she refused to engage and accept any help or support prompting Salix Homes to take legal action.
‘ABSOLUTELY APPALLING’: The mess in the kitchen where the dog’s corpse was discovered was piled high
Ms Taylor said: “Our officers made numerous attempts to engage with Martin to assist her to clean up the property in order to maintain her tenancy, but she refused to co-operate or even allow us access to the property, which is a serious breach of tenancy and one that we take very seriously.”
The court granted a three year SPO to Salix Homes, under the conditions Martin ensures the property is kept in an acceptable condition; removes items of bulky waste from the house and garden; engages with Salford City Council’s Supported Tenancies Team and must allow housing officers access to inspect the condition of the property.
Martin is no longer able to keep or allow an animal into the property.
Ms Taylor said: “This has been a very difficult case for everyone involved and we welcome the court’s decision to grant us a three year SPO.”
If Martin breaches the terms of the Order within the next three years, she could face eviction from her home.
Following the discovery of the dead dog, the RSPCA also sought legal action against the tenant.
She appeared at Manchester Magistrates Court on February 18, where she pleaded guilty to the charge of failure of duty of care towards an animal.
Martin is due to be sentenced for this offence on March 12.
Picture of Monsal Avenue courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
