NORTH DERBYSHIRE MAN JAILED AND BANNED FOR DOG NEGLECT
Gee was convicted in his absence of animal cruelty in relation to a female German Shepherd type named Luna, a male German Shepherd type named Chaos and a male terrier cross named Toby.On February 27, 2025, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Neil Coleman removed the dogs from Gee’s then home in Queens Walk in Holmewood after receiving a report that he had moved out and wouldn’t be returning.
In his written statement to the court ARO Coleman described how it was difficult to move anywhere inside without stepping in faeces.
He said: “There was no food or water seen down for the dogs and no clean comfortable resting space.” The dogs were seized by police and immediately taken to two veterinary practices for treatment.
RSPCA photographs produced in evidence showed that the dogs had been forced to live in extremely poor conditions for a prolonged period, surrounded by piles of faeces.
Floors, doors and furniture were also smeared with excrement.
There were further piles of mouldy excrement in the kitchen covering the majority of the floor.
The rest of the area was darker in colour from urine and faecal smearing.
The bathroom floor was also covered in dog waste and the door has been chewed through.
The court heard Gee had not been back at the house for four days, and food and water for the dogs was being provided by other people.
Veterinary examinations showed that Chaos had flea allergy dermatitis on his back, which required antibiotics, and inflammation between the paw pads on his right hindlimb.
Flea dirt was also present in Luna’s coat.
A vet who gave written evidence in the case said Gee had failed to provide the dogs with clean, dry and comfortable resting places.
She explained that the accumulation of faeces and urine in the house could harbor bacteria and cause the dogs and their owner to become ill.
She also noted the dogs had been left unattended for extended periods with no human interaction, and the damaged doors and walls showed their boredom and frustration.
The court was told it was the vet’s opinion that their welfare had been severely compromised for at least three weeks.
During the interview with the RSPCA, Gee admitted responsibility for the dogs but claimed that others had been caring for them in his absence.
He insisted the property was clean when he left, but acknowledged the dogs 'possibly' suffered.
Magistrates described the case as a disgraceful neglect, emphasizing that Gee left the dogs in squalid conditions without food or water, causing them significant harm over a long period.
The court imposed an indefinite disqualification order on Gee regarding keeping all animals for ten years, and noted his mental health issues as mitigating circumstances.
T Luna and Chaos were initially cared for at private kennels after Gee refused to sign them over; a court order has now transferred them to the RSPCA for rehoming.
Toby was euthanized due to health issues.
Inspector Michael Darling, who led the investigation, stated: “This was a serious case of neglect, reflected by the lifetime disqualification order.
Conditions at the property were unacceptable; the dogs’ basic needs were not being met, and they spent long periods unattended without adequate rest areas.
We all have a responsibility to animals, including making sure they receive proper care if circumstances change.
Sentencing was a 12-week suspended prison sentence, with £750 court costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and an indefinite ban on keeping animals.
