WILTSHIRE MAN BANNED FOR HORRIFYING ANIMAL ABUSE
A man named Kenneth Nigel Mackenzie from Calne in Wiltshire has been banned from keeping animals for five years after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog with a "horrifying tumour." Mackenzie failed to seek any medical attention for Max, his sick West Highland terrier.Swindon magistrates heard that the dog had been suffering for over a year before it was found by RSPCA inspectors.
The RSPCA stated that the benign tumour was removed and Max was rehomed.
The nine-year-old terrier was found in a "terrible state" in Mackenzie’s house by RSPCA inspector Miranda Albinson and was immediately taken into care.
The inspector described the animal as being in a gruesome and shocking condition—similar to something out of a horror film—and said it was dirty and emaciated, with little enthusiasm to respond.
Mackenzie, 54, admitted he knew the dog was in pain but had never taken it to a vet for treatment.
He explained he hoped the dog would die peacefully in its sleep and expressed relief that Max was now out of the house.
In December, Mackenzie pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was convicted.
Along with the five-year ban on keeping animals, he received a 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £300 in costs.
