A South London woman has been convicted of animal welfare offences after failing to meet the needs of her severely underweight Pomeranian, which weighed less than a kilogram when concerns were raised.
Lisa Radford, 39, from Sutton, admitted breaching the Animal Welfare Act in relation to her dog, Munchkin.
RSPCA officers became involved on February 2, 2025, after concerns were raised by a vet who had been presented with the collapsed and severely emaciated Pomeranian.
Munchkin had prominent ribs, hips and spine, as well as significant fur loss around her rear.
Radford told the vet that she had “no concerns” about the animal and believed Munchkin was “naturally thin”.
Dog weighed just 800 grams
The Pomeranian weighed only 800 grams – less than a typical loaf of bread.
A healthy adult Pomeranian would ordinarily be expected to weigh approximately 1.36kg to 3.18kg.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Louis Horton said Munchkin was extremely weak and nervous and was so lifeless when he arrived that the vet initially believed she had died.
Munchkin was seized and placed into RSPCA care.
Within just one month, she had gained around 60% of her body weight.
Sadly, Munchkin was later euthanised after suffering from a collapsing trachea.
Ten-year ban from keeping dogs
Radford admitted an offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
The court was told that she had recently lost her mother and was also caring full-time for a child with complex needs.
Radford was sentenced to a 12-month community order, including 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
She was also ordered to pay an £80 fine and £234 in costs.
The court additionally banned Radford from keeping dogs for ten years.
