GRIMSBY COUPLE JAILED FOR NEGLECTING STARVING DOG TIED IN BATH
In March 2024, RSPCA Inspector Katie Burris and Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Karen Nix investigated a complaint about the welfare of JJ, a Doberman owned by Jack Elshaw and Chelsea Owens, who at the time were living in Ogle Street, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire.
During her visit to the address, Inspector Burris was shown into the bathroom by Owens, where JJ was tied in the empty bath.
In her witness statement, she said JJ was visually impaired, had a discharge from both eyes, and appeared thin.
Inspector Burris added: “He had no access to a comfortable laying area and I don’t think he would have been able to lie down properly in the bath and it looked as if he was at risk of choking himself.” JJ was taken to a vet, who described his ribs, hip bones and spine as “prominent”, with an eye condition causing “irritation and pain”.
It was discovered JJ also had abdominal disease and later had to be put down.
Elshaw and Owens, both originally from Grimsby and now back in town, each pleaded guilty to two offences relating to the mistreatment of JJ.
They admitted failing to address JJ’s weight loss, body condition, and failing to provide adequate veterinary care for his eye condition.
In mitigation, it was stated that both had experienced “personal difficulties”.
After sentencing, Inspector Burris expressed shock at JJ being tied up in such conditions, describing it as “incredibly sad”.
**Sentencing**: Owens received an 18-month community order with 15 days of ‘rehab’, a £120 fine, a victim surcharge of £114, and costs of £400.
Elshaw received a two-year community order with 140 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of ‘rehab’.
Both are banned from keeping animals for 10 years, with the possibility to appeal after five years (expires November 2035).
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
JJ being tied up in such conditions, describing it as "incredibly sad". **Sentencing**: Owens received an 18-month community order with 15 days of 'rehab', a 120 fine, a victim surcharge of 114, and costs of 400. Elshaw received a two-year
Community order
15 days
After sentencing, Inspector Burris expressed shock at JJ being tied up in such conditions, describing it as "incredibly sad". **Sentencing**: Owens received an 18-month community order with 15 days of 'rehab', a 120 fine, a victim surcharge of 114, and costs of 400
Fine or payment
15 days
After sentencing, Inspector Burris expressed shock at JJ being tied up in such conditions, describing it as "incredibly sad". **Sentencing**: Owens received an 18-month community order with 15 days of 'rehab', a 120 fine, a victim surcharge of 114, and costs of 400
Community order
15 days
Elshaw received a two-year community order with 140 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of 'rehab'
Disqualification or ban
five years
Both are banned from keeping animals for 10 years, with the possibility to appeal after five years (expires November 2035)
