JEROME DIXON AND NAKEEDA PRICE FROM GREAT BARR AND NECHELLS SENTENCED FOR STARVING DOGS TO DEATH

Jerome Dixon, born around 1992 and residing on Walsall Road in Great Barr, Birmingham, along with Nakeeda Price, born on June 17, 1997, of 21 Hindlow Close in Nechells, Birmingham B7 4LJ, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty after deliberately neglecting two young dogs to the point of death.

Both individuals left the animals in what has been described as 'horrendous' conditions, leading to their tragic demise. The case came to light following an investigation and subsequent prosecution by the RSPCA, which uncovered disturbing evidence of neglect and abuse.

The prosecution was initiated after veterinary professionals examined two deceased dogs, which had been brought to a veterinary clinic a few days apart. The dogs, a grey female named Royal and a brown male named Rio, were found to be emaciated, with pressure sores evident on their legs and bodies, indicating prolonged suffering and neglect.

During the investigation, Price and a relative, who had taken the dogs to the vet, claimed that one of the animals was a stray found in an alleyway behind their residence. However, veterinary staff became suspicious when recalling another dog presented in similar dire condition just days earlier.

In their official report to the court, the veterinarian detailed the condition of the dogs, stating: “The dog was presented with multiple blankets and a small teddy. The dog was still young, as ascertained from the condition of the teeth. The condition of the dog was severely emaciated, with atrophic muscular masses. There were signs of vomiting and diarrhoea, prior to death, around the mouth and anus. There were also abrasions on the dog where it might have laid on hard surfaces.”

Further examination of the remains revealed that it was unlikely a stray dog would have been brought in with such extensive care, including the presence of multiple blankets and a teddy. Microchip scans identified a microchip linked to a similar postcode and contact number, which matched details provided by a member of the public. However, the phone number was found to be incorrect in the last few digits.

One veterinary technician recalled that a dog with similar details had been presented for cremation a few days earlier, also in a severely emaciated state. The remains of that dog were not collected due to the dog's dire condition, raising suspicions of neglect and possible abuse.

RSPCA Inspector Jack Alderson, who led the investigation, emphasized the prolonged suffering endured by Rio and Royal. He stated: “Rio and Royal didn’t get into the horrendous condition they were in overnight. They were left to suffer without appropriate care over a prolonged period of time, yet their need for urgent help was simply ignored, with vet assistance only sought after the dogs had already sadly died.”

Inspector Alderson further stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership, saying: “Dogs feel pain and suffering just like we do and always deserve to be shown kindness and compassion. Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. They are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege — and ensuring proper diet and care is a key part of that responsibility. If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal, we encourage them to reach out to charities or organizations that can help.”

In mitigation, it was noted that Dixon was experiencing financial difficulties and faced challenges in locating a veterinarian for assistance.

Regarding sentencing, Jerome Dixon received a one-year community order, which includes 90 hours of unpaid work, along with a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, he was handed a ten-year ban on owning dogs, which will expire in December 2034.

Nakeeda Price was also sentenced to a one-year community order, with five days of 'rehabilitation,' a £112 fine, and a £114 victim surcharge. Unlike Dixon, she was not given a ban on owning animals.

This case highlights the serious consequences of animal neglect and underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely intervention by authorities to prevent such tragedies.