DOG FOUND IN DIRE CONDITION WAS TIED TO BATHTUB
A dog had to be euthanized after being found chained inside a bath and in a severely neglected state, according to RSPCA inspectors.The Doberman, named JJ, was found at a property on Ogle Street in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, in March 2024, following a complaint received by the charity regarding the animal's welfare.
Jack Lewis Elshaw and Chelsea Scott Owens, both of whom now reside in Grimsby, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on October 30, where they each admitted to two charges related to mistreatment of JJ.
Inspector Katie Burris explained: "He lacked access to a comfortable place to rest, and I don't believe he could have lain down properly in the bath, and it appeared he was at risk of choking himself." The court was informed that RSPCA officers visited the property after previous welfare notices had gone unheeded.
JJ was taken to a veterinarian, who noted that his ribs, hip bones, and spine were prominently visible.
The dog also suffered from an eye condition that caused irritation and pain.
Further examination revealed abdominal disease, leading to JJ being put down.
Elshaw, 27, of Winchester Avenue, and Owens, 22, of Willingham Street, both in Grimsby, pleaded guilty to neglecting JJ’s weight and body condition and to failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment for the eye issue.
In a profoundly sad case, Elshaw received a two-year community order with 140 hours of unpaid work and was required to complete 15 days of rehabilitation.
Owens was sentenced to an 18-month community order, also with 15 days of rehabilitation, along with a £120 fine, a £114 victim surcharge, and court costs of £400.
Following the hearing, Inspector Burris commented: “I was genuinely shocked to see a dog tied up in that manner.” “It was incredibly upsetting to see JJ kept in such conditions.
He was a truly lovely dog.” She also mentioned that the RSPCA offers practical advice online about veterinary care costs and emphasized that mistreating an animal is "never the answer."