COVENTRY MAN BANNED FOR STARVING DOGS AND CAUSING 'UNNECESSARY SUFFERING'
A Coventry man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after starving his two dogs.Mark Lonsdale was found to have caused 'unnecessary suffering' to his pets, Zeus and Storm.
Concerns about neglect were raised in February when both dogs were underweight, with visible bones when rescued by the RSPCA.
Lonsdale, aged 45, confirmed that the dogs were not under veterinary care and authorized the RSPCA to take them for assessment.
Veterinarians reported that Zeus and Storm were severely malnourished.
Animal Rescue Officer Jack Curran observed Storm with visible hip and rib bones, a snotty nose, overgrown nails, and runny eyes.
After contacting West Midlands Police, he also inspected Zeus, who had exposed ribs, hip bones, and spine.
Both dogs had suffered unnecessary suffering due to inadequate nutrition, and failure to address Storm’s joint pain.
Sadly, both dogs had to be euthanised.
Zeus was found to be severely underweight, estimated to have lost about 20% of his body weight, and showed signs of mild anemia and poor hygiene.
Storm was underweight and suffering from eyelid deformities leading to repeated corneal damage, as well as osteoarthritis.
Lonsdale pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences at Coventry Magistrates' Court, receiving an eight-week suspended prison sentence, a ten-year ban on keeping animals, and was ordered to pay £154.
He expressed remorse and shame for neglecting Zeus and Storm, claiming to be caring for relatives at the time.
RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones emphasized the responsibility of owners to meet animals’ needs and keep them safe and healthy.
