Women jailed for leaving cow to suffer
The RSPCA has urged people to seek help immediately if they cannot look after their animals.
Two women have been jailed and disqualified from keeping cattle for seven years, after a heifer was left to suffer on a farm in Masbury, Wells.
Sally Ann Parfitt, 48, was sentenced to 24 weeks imprisonment by Bristol Magistrate's Court on April 16. Lucy Williamson, 22, was handed a 20 week sentence.
The defendants, of Thrupe Lane, Masbury, were ordered to pay £3,000 each in costs, as well as the seven-year ban on keeping cattle.
A Friesian type heifer is said to have been found collapsed in September 2012. It is thought she had been in this condition for at least a week due to internal injuries as a result of complications related to calving.
The heifer had not received veterinary treatment and was suffering an advanced maggot infestation in the wound. She was euthanised to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence urged animal owners to seek help immediately if they cannot look after their animals.
"Those responsible for animals have a duty to provide them with the right care and this includes veterinary treatment. All this cow needed was the right level of care and treatment from those who were supposed to know how to look after her but instead she was left in pain for some time."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
