DAVE ROBERTS SENTENCED IN BILSTON FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE

David W Roberts, born around 1985 and residing at 46B Wallace Road, Bilston WV14 8BX, was convicted in 2025 for neglecting a Dogue de Bordeaux named Honey. The dog was found with severe fur loss, a painful ear condition, and scabs covering her body.

In January 2024, the RSPCA and police carried out an animal welfare check at the home shared by Roberts and his mother, Lynn Roberts. Lynn led the authorities into the property, informing them that her son was in prison.

Inside the house, officers discovered three dogs: Honey, a female Dogue de Bordeaux, along with two Shih Tzus. Honey was in a poor state, having lost most of her fur, with pink, flaky, and scabby skin. Inspector Fiona Howell from the RSPCA described the scene: “On the stairs leading up from the front door and in the living room, there were multiple piles of faeces. Honey, the Dogue de Bordeaux, had 90 to 95 per cent fur loss. Her skin was pink and flaky, with scabs especially around her neck.”

Lynn Roberts acknowledged that Honey belonged to her son, who was in police custody at the time. She consented to the dog being taken to the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Hospital for a veterinary assessment.

Honey was seized by the police, and the RSPCA advised Lynn Roberts to clean the faeces in the home. The two Shih Tzus were also taken for grooming, as they had matted fur and overgrown claws.

Vet examinations revealed that Honey was suffering from demodectic mange, a skin condition caused by mites leading to hair loss and painful skin lesions. The veterinarian found her skin to be severely inflamed and itchy, with significant fur loss, scabs, and sores along her spine. Both ears were inflamed, with discharge and pain upon touching. Honey was prescribed medication to treat the mange, including anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and bi-weekly medicated baths.

The vet noted that Honey’s skin condition and fur loss had likely been ongoing for more than two weeks and had caused unnecessary suffering due to her discomfort. It was also evident that her poor skin condition should have been noticeable to anyone, and veterinary attention should have been sought.

Inspector Howell emphasized the importance of veterinary care: “Our plea to all animal owners is to ensure their pets receive proper veterinary treatment when needed. Honey was clearly in pain and desperately required medical intervention. Pets depend entirely on their owners for their health, safety, and wellbeing. Owning an animal is a privilege, and part of that responsibility includes seeking appropriate veterinary care.”

Unfortunately, Honey was later diagnosed with cancer while undergoing treatment, and due to her deteriorating health, the decision was made to euthanize her.

In court, Roberts was sentenced to eight weeks in jail, fined with a £154 victim surcharge, and banned from owning animals for six years, a ban that will expire in May 2031.