DAVID TIMMS FROM WALSALL BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER ABANDONING EMACIATED DOG

David John Timms, born on March 17, 1983, and most recently residing on Lower North Street in Walsall WS4 2BB, has been subjected to a lifetime ban from keeping animals following a disturbing case of animal neglect involving a pet dog. The case drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities after the suffering of an elderly dog was brought to light.

In August 2011, concerns from neighbors prompted the RSPCA to visit Timms' previous residence in Reedswood Gardens, Walsall. The neighbors had grown increasingly worried about the welfare of the dog, which was later identified as Bengi, a German Shepherd cross aged 13. The condition of the dog was alarming; Bengi was so severely malnourished that he struggled to stand and had lost nearly half of his ideal weight. Veterinary examinations revealed that Bengi weighed only 8.4 kilograms, whereas a healthy weight for a dog of his breed would typically be around 16 kilograms.

Despite the dog's dire condition, Bengi was taken into the care of the RSPCA, and over the course of a few weeks, he managed to gain nearly 6 kilograms. The veterinary report confirmed that the dog had been subjected to unnecessary suffering for a period of at least four weeks, a fact that deeply concerned the authorities. Mrs. Gaynor Sutton, who prosecuted on behalf of the RSPCA, stated, “The dog was so weak and so thin it was unsteady on its legs. The vet said the dog had been exposed to unnecessary suffering for a significant period of time of at least four weeks.”

During interviews, Timms claimed that he had been feeding the dog regularly most days but admitted that he had been struggling financially at the time. His defense, represented by Mrs. Sheila Hicklin, argued that Timms suffered from learning difficulties and that he did not purchase Bengi himself but had the dog deposited at his home. She also mentioned that Timms attempted to contact the RSPCA but was unable to get through due to busy lines, which he claimed prevented him from seeking help sooner.

Fortunately, Bengi recovered from his ordeal and was rehomed to a caring family. In sentencing, the court imposed a community order with 12 months of supervision and ordered Timms to pay £500 in RSPCA costs. Additionally, Timms was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with the right to appeal after 10 years, which would be around January 2022. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their pets.