Cruel woman starved her dogs - then tried to pass them off as strays

A cruel woman who starved her two dogs and passed them off as strays she found on the school run has now been exposed as their owner. Shauna Rouse said she had discovered a pair of matted Maltese terriers in a bush while out with her kids. But an investigation has revealed the 31-year-old was responsible for their shocking condition. The dog duo were brought into Dogs Trust Manchester Rehoming Centre in Denton. One collapsed and one was unresponsive . Bailey weighed just 2.75kg on arrival, with matted fur, faeces stains, and failing organs. Sadly, vets had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering, as reported by NeedToKnow. It was soon discovered that Bailey was microchipped and belonged to Rouse, while the second dog - nicknamed Tiny Tim by staff - was also starved and weighed only 2.8kg. The shocking state of the dogs sparked an investigation into animal welfare offences, led by the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Inspector Rachel Whalley traced Tiny Tim back to Rouse, from Bunyan Close, Oldham, who admitted ownership of Bailey and Marley (Tiny Tim). Rouse appeared at Tameside Magistrates Court on 10 October, pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at a previous hearing. She was slapped with a 10-year animal ban, a 12-month community order, a 10-week curfew from 9pm to 7am, and had to pay £200 costs. Tiny Tim has now been rehomed and is thriving, weighing 4.09kg in his "fur-ever" home. Lisa Eardly, Manager at Dogs Trust Manchester, said: "The dogs came into our care in an appalling condition, which was incredibly upsetting. "But we are delighted that Tiny Tim is now in a safe, loving family enjoying life in his forever home. If anyone is struggling to care for their dog, please get in touch with us. "Dogs Trust, along with our colleagues at the RSPCA and other charities, has support available to owners. "Including pet food banks and our free behaviour support line, and we're ready to step in to help if owners make the decision to rehome their dogs."