A MAN who left his underweight dogs with an untreated skin condition has been banned from keeping animals for five years.
Darren Haywood, aged 37, of Chaloner Close, Bell Green, Coventry, was found guilty in his absence of three animal welfare offences, including causing unnecessary suffering, at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
The court was told how his two Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs called Tyson and Missy were severely underweight and both also had an untreated skin condition which had led to fur loss.
A concerned member of the public reported the matter to the RSPCA and Inspector Helen Smith was sent to investigate on March 4.
She found the dogs Haywood’s address and could see immediately they both were underweight and appeared to have fur loss caused by a skin condition – they also smelt from the infection.
She was given permission to take them for veterinary treatment where the vet concluded both pets had suffered unnecessarily.
He found Tyson, aged 8, weighed 14.5kgs when a normal weight would have been 18-20kgs. His bones were protruding and he was constantly scratching due to a skin infection which had led to fur loss.
Missy, also aged 8, was also underweight at 15.2 kgs and again was constantly scratching due to a severe skin infection. Both dogs have now recovered in RSPCA care and will be available for re-homing soon.
Inspector Helen Smith said: “It was clear from the smell of the dogs and their appearance that both had a severe infection and they were constantly scratching..
“They were also clearly underweight as many of their bones were protruding.
“There is never an excuse not to feed your pets or to leave them suffering when they should be taken immediately to a vets.
“Many vets will offer a payment plan to help spread the cost and there are charities who can help with vet bills.”
Haywood failed to appear for a previous hearing and was sentenced in his absence. He was later arrested but failed to appear for a sentencing hearing. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was finally brought before the court for sentencing on Monday (October 21).
As well as the ban on keeping animals Haywood was also given a 12-month community order and as part of that he will be electronically monitored for a period of 4 months with a curfew from 7pm to 7am. He was also ordered to carry out a 15-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and ordered to pay a £85 victim surcharge.
In mitigation the court was told Haywood suffered financial hardship.
