Man banned from keeping animals after neglecting dog in Weston-super-Mare
Candy was emaciated and suffering with a uterus infection
A man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after being found guilty of neglecting his dog when she was in urgent need of vet treatment.
Jack Jones, previously of Weston-super-Mare, was found guilty of an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
Candy, a female tan Shar Pei type dog, was examined on 24th September 2024 after being presented to vets by RSPCA Inspector Hayley Lawrence and Jones.
Her symptoms were frequent vomiting, anorexia, diarrhoea and blood discharge from the vulva.
What the vet found
In their report to the court, the vet who examined Candy and confirmed she was suffering noted she weighed just 15.6kg.
Her body condition score was 1/9, the lowest possible, and she was emaciated but with a distended abdomen.
Live fleas and flea dirt covered her filthy coat and skin, and the fur around her paws and legs was stained with urine and faeces.
Dehydrated, she drank constantly for three minutes when offered water.
Blood test results and further examination showed a suspected uterine rupture from pyometra, a serious uterine infection.
The prognosis of recovery was considered extremely poor to nil, and the vet advised she should be put to sleep as soon as possible to prevent further suffering.
The vet said: "Due to the severity and prolonged time of having an active uterus infection causing her symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence and blood loss, Candy would have been in pain and distress. A pyometra can be surgically resolved by performing an ovariohysterectomy, but even with surgery as an option, Candy's prognosis was extremely poor due to her condition. In my opinion, Candy has been caused prolonged unnecessary suffering."
Sentence
Sentencing took place at North Somerset Magistrates Court on 28th September.
Jones was given a 10-year ban from owning animals, which he cannot appeal for seven years.
An 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years, was also handed down.
On top of that, he must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,600 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
RSPCA reaction
RSPCA Chief Inspector Jennifer Ride said after sentencing: "Pets, like Candy, are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.
"Owning an animal is a privilege, and ensuring they have appropriate veterinary care and a good diet, are a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets.
"Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment when they need it."