NewsUK NewsDogsCharlotte Sutton, who carried out an animal boarding business without the required licence, abandoned pooch Hero at an address in Braintree, Essex for a "significant period"18:58, 22 Jul 2026Updated 23:11, 22 Jul 2026A rogue dog boarder was spared jail after a beloved family pooch died when he was left unattended on a hot day.‌Charlotte Sutton, 26, left pooch Hero alone at her property for a "significant period." A court heard Sutton, 26, was operating as a home dog boarder at the time despite not having a licence.‌She operated the home despite repeated attempts by Braintree District Council to explain the legal requirements to her. She was prosecuted by the council and appeared before District Judge Williams at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on July 15.‌Sutton was later found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She went on to plead guilty to carrying out an animal boarding business without the required licence.‌But Sutton's 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, must play £10,000 towards Braintree District Council's prosecution costs, and a £154 victim surcharge.Speaking after the sentencing this week, Hero's devastated owner Leighanne Ship said the conviction had finally secured justice for her much-loved pet. Hero died nearly two years ago - on August 2, 2024 - but it had taken some time to reach court.Article continues belowLeighanne said: "We are incredibly grateful to Braintree District Council for taking on this case and pursuing it through to a successful prosecution."Whilst nothing will ever bring Hero back, we finally have justice for him and some measure of closure. We hope Hero's story serves as a reminder of the importance of using properly licensed animal boarding providers and of the immense responsibility that comes with caring for someone else's beloved pet."If sharing our experience prevents even one family from suffering the heartbreak, uncertainty and anguish that we have endured, then Hero's legacy will continue to protect others."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌AnimalsDogsBraintreeEssexCrime