REDCAR DOG OWNER DANIEL HEWITT SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN REDCAR AND SALTBURN-BY-THE-SEA

Daniel Hewitt, born on July 20, 1998, and residing at 32 Westfield Court in Redcar, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty after a disturbing case involving neglect and mistreatment of a dog came to light. Hewitt’s actions, which included leaving a dog to suffer in deplorable conditions, have shocked the local community and prompted a strong legal response.

Hewitt was found responsible for the neglect of a lurcher named Flossy, who was discovered in a state of extreme malnutrition and squalor. The dog was kept in a cage filled with faeces, and her condition was described by an RSPCA inspector as akin to a 'walking skeleton.' The inspector’s report detailed that Flossy weighed only 11.6 kilograms—less than half her expected healthy weight—after being starved for at least six weeks. The dog’s nails were overgrown, she had a wound on her leg, sores on her hips, and a vet assessed her body condition as only one out of five, indicating severe undernourishment.

Hewitt admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Flossy by neglecting her basic needs and failing to address her deteriorating health. Photographs taken by Flossy’s rescuer, who has since cared for her, vividly depict the filthy and neglectful environment in which the dog was kept. The court heard that Hewitt had kept Flossy at a flat on Cedarhurst Drive in Lingdale, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, but later moved out to live with his mother, Karen Bennison, who resided on the same street. Despite leaving Flossy behind, Hewitt was fully aware of her worsening condition but continued to return to the flat, showing a blatant disregard for her suffering.

It was only through the intervention of a concerned member of the public that Flossy was rescued from imminent death. The RSPCA inspector, Garry Palmer, responded swiftly, taking Flossy for urgent veterinary treatment after visiting the property. Despite multiple attempts to interview Hewitt about the situation, authorities were unable to make contact with him during the investigation.

The veterinary examination confirmed the severity of Flossy’s neglect. The vet stated, “At the time of examination, Flossy was suffering from malnutrition, which would have been obvious to any reasonably competent adult. She weighed only 11.6kg, whereas a healthy female lurcher of her age would typically weigh between 25 and 30kg. Once she received proper nutrition, she gained significant weight, indicating her previous weight loss was a chronic process lasting at least six weeks, if not longer. It is my professional opinion that she was caused unnecessary suffering by the person responsible for her care.”

In the pre-sentence report, it was revealed that Hewitt spent approximately £10 daily on cannabis but claimed he could not afford to feed himself or Flossy properly. The court acknowledged that the offense was serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence; however, considering Hewitt had already served 35 days in prison for another matter, magistrates opted for a community order instead of immediate imprisonment.

Following the case, Inspector Palmer commented, “If Flossy had not been rescued when she was, she would likely have died within days. She was nothing more than a walking skeleton, with her hips, ribs, and spine clearly visible. Her neglect was shocking, but she has since made a full recovery thanks to proper care and nutrition. The new owner has done a wonderful job in rehabilitating her, and recent images show her thriving. We also appreciate the police’s assistance in bringing this case to a conclusion.”

The court sentenced Hewitt to a 15-month community order, which includes 22 days of rehabilitation activity requirements and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £600 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge. Additionally, Hewitt was disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a measure aimed at preventing future neglect or abuse. The case has garnered significant attention in the local area, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty.