GERMAN SHEPHERD PUT DOWN AFTER MOUTH PARCEL-TAPED SHUT ‘24/7’ BY SADISTIC OWNER
A young dog named Sparrow was only released from his facial bindings when Joanne Falconer of Millais Gardens, South Shields, provided him food.An RSPCA investigation in July last year discovered Sparrow at Falconer’s residence along with two dehydrated kittens suffering from flea infestations.
Sparrow appeared underweight and was restrained with a muzzle that was affixed to his face using brown parcel tape, which was only removed to allow him to eat.
At a court hearing held on 31 March at South Tyneside Magistrates Court, Falconer was sentenced to a five-year ban on keeping animals after being investigated and prosecuted by the RSPCA.
Falconer had previously admitted to two charges violating the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in connection with Sparrow and also faced charges concerning two similarly dehydrated kittens found at her home, which required veterinary treatment including fluid therapy.
Regrettably, despite ongoing medical treatment, Sparrow’s condition deteriorated beyond recovery, and he was euthanized by a veterinarian.
The court was informed that RSPCA Inspector Rowena Proctor visited the property on July 8 last year following reports about a malnourished dog with a tape-bound muzzle, raising serious welfare concerns.
“I was very concerned about the dog’s physical condition.
It was clear he was very underweight with his ribs, spine and pelvis visible.
A metal dog bowl was in the living room but this was empty, and even if there was any food or water in it, the dog would not have been able to access it without assistance due to the muzzle that I was told was permanently in place.
“I asked if there were any other animals at the address and was advised that there were two kittens in the kitchen which was extremely littered and untidy.
There were two young cats in there - Alpha, a black female, and Beta, a tabby and white male.
“I was advised that they were brother and sister, neither had ever seen a vet and neither were neutered.
I could see fleas crawling on Beta and I was also concerned by Alpha’s condition as I could feel her ribs and pelvis with ease.
There was no food or water available for the cats in this room.” The inspector was told Sparrow was muzzled “24/7” because he kept chewing himself, but the restraint was removed four times a day when he was fed.
Falconer confirmed she owned all three animals and the dog had last seen a vet two months ago.
She was advised by the officer that they needed to be examined and she agreed the Inspector could take them.
The vet who saw them at a local practice confirmed they were suffering or likely to suffer.
Police were contacted and Sparrow, Alpha and Beta were taken into possession under the Animal Welfare Act.
After receiving treatment they were transported to private boarding facilities while the RSPCA’s enquiries continued.
In her written statement to the court the vet said: “Sparrow was diagnosed with assumed allergic skin disease and a secondary bacterial infection.
Allergic skin disease is a common condition affecting many dogs.
This causes inflammation in the skin resulting in an itch that eventually leads to breaking of the skin barrier by the animal’s scratching predisposing it to secondary infections.
“Although this condition can’t necessarily be prevented or cured it can be managed by seeking veterinary attention.
Placing a muzzle on an itchy dog would cause severe distress in being unable to scratch.
This would result in immense mental strain.
“He was underweight with a body condition score of 3/9.
He was provided with food and he ate this readily.
No obvious underlying medical cause for this could be found leading to the assumption that he was simply not provided with enough food to sustain a healthy body condition.
This had likely been ongoing for at least one month but likely longer.” The court heard Alpha and Beta were in fairly good condition but covered in fleas.
If left untreated the inflammation and irritation caused by the flea bites would have likely resulted in trauma to the skin by the animal’s itching, predisposing them to similar infection that had affected Sparrow.
Both kittens were dehydrated and as neither had been neutered they would have bred uncontrollably if they had continued to be left together.
They are said to have recovered well and can now be legally rehomed by the RSPCA after Falconer refused to sign any of the animals over during the course of the charity’s investigation.
Falconer was also fined £300 and ordered to pay costs of £300 and an £80 victim surcharge.
In mitigation it was said she had provided well intentioned but incompetent care for her pets.
