A Wirral man has been banned from keeping animals for life after neglecting his flea-ridden dogs and leaving one suffering from a tumour.
One of the dogs had to be put down after vets found the pair living in “absolute squalor” at the home of Wayne Newton, in Arrowe Park Road, Upton.
Wirral Magistrates Court heard animal welfare officers from the RSPCA called at Newton’s home after members of the public raised concerns about the dogs, named Patch and Socks.
Both dogs had overgrown claws and were infested with fleas – and Newton had clipped most of the fur from 15-year-old Patch in an attempt to rid him of the infestation.
He pleaded guilty to four charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals and failing to seek proper veterinary care.
Giving Newton a four month prison sentence, suspended for two years, district judge Michael Abelson said the 47-year-old was “barely able to look after himself”.
Socks the dog who was left in an “intolerable” condition by his owner Wayne Newton
Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, said: “On opening the letterbox, a strong, putrid smell emanated from the property.
“The defendant opened the door shortly afterwards and immediately stated that one of the dogs had a problem, saying: “I was going to ring you, can you take him? My other dog is really old but he’s fine.”
The house was described as dirty and sparsely furnished and RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes said it had a strong smell of infection.
Mr Mitchell told the court: “The defendant said it was due to a neighbour having thrown urine into his property a few days before the RSPCA called.”
Newton agreed to sign the dogs over and vets found Socks, an 18 month old black and white crossbreed, had extensive fur thinning and a chronic ear infection which had almost closed off his ear canal.
He was underweight and his spine and ribs were clearly visible.
Elderly brindle crossbreed Patch was heavily infested with fleas. He was shaking and almost blind.
His claws were overgrown and twisted around each other and he had two lumps on the side of his body and an infected ulcerated mass on his rear.
He was put to sleep to end his suffering.
Socks was nursed back to health by vets and has now been rehomed.
Newton, who lives just a street away from a veterinary surgery, sobbed and had his head bowed in the dock.
The court heard he was “extremely upset” when interviewed and said he loved his dogs and was sorry for their suffering.
The court heard he had sufferered from depression since the death of his father in 2012 and was fearful for his safety after press reports of the case.
Judge Abelson said: “It is quite clear he is one of those people who should never be allowed to have animals, because he can’t even look after himself.
“He got used to living in conditions that anyone else would find absolutely intolerable.”
Newton was also ordered to pay £500 in costs.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/