CASTLEFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO NEGLECT AND ABANDONMENT OF ELDERLY DOG
CONVICTED (2026) | Benjamin P Cobb, born c.1985, of Borrowdale Drive, Castleford WF10 2NX – for the abandonment of an arthritic elderly dog found starving and in pain.
Cobb, who is well-known to West Yorkshire Police, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of 11-year-old bulldog boxer cross, Sasha.
He failed to provide her with prompt veterinary care or to address her poor body condition.
He first came to the RSPCA’s attention in June 2024 after a report about an underweight dog.
Inspector Hannah Williams and a colleague visited Cobb at his home in Castleford and asked to see Sasha.
She was visible ribs with fur loss on her back legs.
Cobb was provided with a veterinary voucher but failed to follow up.
In January 2025, concerns about Sasha’s welfare arose again.
When inspectors visited his address with police, Sasha was found in the kitchen, fearful and aggressive, with no food or water, ribs, hips, and spine protruding, rummaging through a bin for food.
Cobb claimed he had tried to rehome her.
Sasha was signed over to the RSPCA and taken for veterinary examination.
She was in poor condition, showing signs of suffering for at least two weeks, with possible blood cancer and arthritis.
"Her medical conditions, including her arthritis, may have been able to have been managed at that stage," said Inspector Taylor.
Cobb cited cost and personal depression as reasons for neglect.
Sentencing included a 12-month community order, 100 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehab, court costs of £100, a victim surcharge of £114, and a 10-year disqualification (expires January 2036).
