JOE TIMBS FROM STOCKTON-ON-TEES ABANDONS BEARDED DRAGON IN FILTHY FLAT

Joseph Timbs, a resident of Stockton-on-Tees, was found guilty of neglecting his pet bearded dragon, Spike, by abandoning him in a deplorable state in a filthy, flea-infested flat. Born in May 2003 and living on Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1HN, Timbs left the reptile without any heating, light, water, or food, leading to severe suffering for the animal.

The incident came to light after the RSPCA conducted an animal welfare inspection in November 2022, prompted by a report from a concerned member of the public. Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws arrived at the property, which was dark and cold due to the absence of any power or heating. When she was allowed inside by the landlord’s agent, she discovered Spike confined within a vivarium, in a state of extreme neglect.

Inside the flat, the inspector observed that there was no food or water available for the bearded dragon. The environment was infested with fleas, and an open box of live locusts was loose within the premises. The condition of Spike was alarming; he appeared pale, very underweight, and in a collapsed state. His ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible, and his skull bones could be easily seen. His eyes were nearly closed, and at that moment, the inspector believed the animal might have already died. However, upon touching him, Spike slightly opened his eyes, prompting immediate action.

Spike was rushed to a veterinary clinic where a thorough examination revealed a dire situation. The vet confirmed that the bearded dragon was emaciated, weighing only 160 grams (5.6 ounces), and suffering from muscle wasting. His bones, including those of the skull, spine, pelvis, and tail, were prominently visible. The vet diagnosed that Spike had been suffering for approximately two months, likely the duration since Timbs moved out of the flat.

Following the diagnosis, Spike was admitted for intensive care. He was placed under a heat lamp, rehydrated, and fed carefully. Over the course of five days, Spike showed signs of improvement; his weight increased to 260 grams (9.2 ounces). After twelve days of treatment, he had regained enough strength to reach a healthy weight of 320 grams (11.3 ounces). With his condition stabilized, Spike was transferred to Reptilia, a specialized exotics rehoming center, where he was eventually adopted into a loving forever home.

Inspector Keogh-Laws expressed relief at Spike’s recovery, stating, “It was touch and go for Spike but he responded well to the expert care he received. Happily, after he was transferred to Reptilia — a specialist exotics rehoming centre — he found his forever home.” She emphasized that abandoning an animal is never acceptable and urged pet owners facing difficulties to seek help from professionals, friends, family, or charities instead of neglecting their animals.

During the court proceedings, Timbs pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Spike. As a result, he was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114. Most importantly, Timbs received a three-year ban on owning any animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until May 2026. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting responsibility for pets in Stockton-on-Tees.