MAN GIVEN SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE AND TEN YEAR BAN FOR DOG NEGLECT
Kyle Young, 25, of Goldfinch Close in Elswick, failed to seek veterinary help for two dogs, Peppa and Narla, who were both severely emaciated and had been suffering for several weeks at his former residence in County Durham.During a sentencing hearing held at Peterlee Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 4 March, Young received a sentence of 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.
Additionally, he was disqualified from owning animals for a period of ten years, after an investigation and prosecution led by the RSPCA.
The defendant had already pleaded guilty to three charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Magistrates additionally ordered Young to complete 151 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, participate in a six-month drug treatment program, and pay costs amounting to £300 along with a £154 victim surcharge.
The court heard that RSPCA officer Rowena Proctor responded to Hanover Crescent in Shotton Colliery on 15 March of the previous year, following reports of unattended dogs at that address.
When there was no response, a police notice indicated that the locks had been changed.
From outside through the patio doors, the officer observed an Akita-type dog that appeared extremely thin and had noticeable patches of fur loss that looked painful.
The location had reportedly been petrol bombed three days earlier, and the residents had not returned since.
Police assistance was called to gain access to the property.
Peppa, an older female Akita, was taken into police custody due to concerns for her welfare and was immediately taken for veterinary treatment.
In her official statement, Officer Proctor described Peppa as very thin, with her spine, ribs, and pelvis easily felt, along with thick scabs on her rear and legs, as well as prominent scarring.
She commented that Peppa was gentle and easy to handle, managing to hop into the kennel in the officer’s van without struggle.
During the investigation, footage emerged showing a man attempting to throw Peppa over a six-foot fence, with the dog making fearful noises and falling to the ground before being struck twice, which caused her to cry out.
Young later admitted in an interview that he had struck Peppa because she had bared her teeth.
Her skin was so badly damaged that a secondary bacterial infection had developed, necessitating weeks of antibiotic treatment.
Veterinary examiners stated that Peppa had endured unnecessary suffering for at least a month and that her suffering was exacerbated by Young’s violent and threatening behavior.
In a separate incident months prior, a French bulldog named Nala was also surrendered to the RSPCA from the same property.
Young claimed he had rescued her as a stray.
Nala weighed just over 10 kilograms and had a body condition score of 2 out of 9, with a large mass hanging from her vulva, for which no veterinary care had been administered.
The veterinarian confirmed she had suffered unnecessary pain for at least a month.
The court was told that Young, who admitted to being a drug addict, acknowledged that different decisions could have produced better outcomes for the dogs.
Although Peppa was initially placed in a private boarding facility, she recovered well and was eventually rehomed through the Halifax, Huddersfield & Bradford Branch of the RSPCA.
Sadly, Nala’s health did not improve, and on veterinary advice, she was euthanized to prevent further suffering.
A third dog, not involved in any charges, was also handed over by Young and subsequently rehomed.
Following the sentencing, Officer Proctor stated: “Both dogs suffered from serious health issues due to Young’s neglect and prolonged suffering.
Peppa was also subjected to needless physical violence, which left her frightened.
I want to thank the police and everyone involved in the investigation, as well as the team at our Halifax, Huddersfield & Bradford Branch, who helped with Peppa’s recovery and success in finding her a loving new home.”
