21.08.08
A woman from Eccles in Greater Manchester has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after allowing her pet dog to starve to half his natural weight, in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Jeanette Oliver, 39, provided her 14-month-old male tan mastiff-type dog called Rex with such an unsubstantial diet that he weighed just 23.8kg when RSPCA inspectors rescued him in March 2008.
The typical weight for a dog of Rex's size is around 42-45kg, according to a vet who later examined him.
Rex denied adequate food and water for weeks
Salford Magistrates' Court heard how RSPCA inspectors removed Rex from Oliver's home in March this year following a call from a concerned member of the public.
Rex was taken to a nearby vet who found him to be severely emaciated and dehydrated. After examining the dog the vet concluded he had probably been denied adequate food and water for weeks, possibly months.
On Tuesday, 12 August, Oliver was found guilty in her absence of causing unnecessary suffering to and failing to meet the needs of Rex.
On Monday, 18 August, the court handed her a two-year supervision order, 120 hours of unpaid work and ordered her to pay costs of £375. She was also deprived of Rex.
In mitigation, magistrates were told that she was struggling with her personal circumstances.
Pet owners have
duty of care to their animals
After the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Cath Byrnes said: "This is a very sad case where Rex was denied his basic right to food and water and suffered as a result.
"Rex's obvious poor condition was ignored and no attempt was made to alleviate his suffering. The outcome in this case demonstrates that this level of ignorance and cruelty cannot and will not be tolerated."
Under the Animal Welfare Act pet owners have a legal duty to care for and provide the five basic welfare needs of their pets, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.
Help is out there if you need it
Rex is one of the lucky ones and was saved before things got completely out of hand. The RSPCA urges anyone in a similar situation who is struggling to cope with an animal to seek help.
No one should ever be embarrassed about asking for help; it is the right thing to do. There are numerous animal welfare charities that are on hand to give advice and support. Sitting back and allowing animals to suffer is simply not an option.
To report an act of cruelty to any animal, or to report a sick or injured animal, please contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line: 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in the strictest confidence.
photo © RSPCA
