MARTIN HARRISON'S CRUELTY IN CHRISTCHURCH: DOGS BECOME OBESE AND SUFFER

Martin Harrison, a resident of Christchurch, was found guilty in 2019 of causing unnecessary suffering to his two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Brucie and Lucy. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect and overfeeding that led to severe health issues for the dogs.

Harrison, who lived on Belvedere Road, was convicted on two counts of cruelty for overfeeding the animals and one count of neglecting their veterinary needs. The dogs were described as being so overweight that they resembled barrel-shaped figures, with their massive size causing them to buckle under their own weight. The severity of their condition was evident when RSPCA inspectors seized the animals, noting that both dogs were panting heavily and in distress.

Brucie’s weight had skyrocketed from a healthy 46 pounds to an alarming 82 pounds, nearly doubling in size during Harrison’s ownership which began in 2014. Lucy’s weight increased to 75 pounds, and she was suffering from a chronic ear condition that had gone untreated for a long period. The neglect was compounded by Harrison’s admission that he occasionally spoiled the dogs with cakes and doggy treats, despite blaming his late mother for overfeeding them. Harrison claimed that his mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, would feed the dogs fatty foods despite his repeated pleas for her to stop.

Following their rescue, both dogs were placed on strict diets and have since lost significant weight, now weighing approximately 50 pounds each. Lucy also underwent surgery to repair her ear condition, which had been neglected for years. Brucie, who had collapsed due to his obesity, is now thriving under proper care.

During the court hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court, Jeremy Lake, the prosecutor, described the dogs’ condition upon seizure: “Both dogs were grossly obese and barrel-like. Brucie was constantly panting and lying down in the consulting room, with fatty deposits around his neck and back. Lucy was also overweight and suffering from a long-standing ear disease.”

Harrison, who was living with his mother at the time, purchased the dogs through Gumtree in November 2014. Representing himself in court, he explained that his late mother’s feeding habits were to blame for the dogs’ condition, despite his repeated requests for her to stop. He also stated that he could not afford veterinary care for Lucy for a period, blaming the suspension of his benefits by former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith. Harrison tearfully expressed his love for the dogs, claiming, “My dogs are my children. I miss them like crazy and I just want them back. I’ve got no one else.”

As a result of his conviction, Harrison was fined a total of £280, which covered fines, costs, and charges. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for two years, a ban that expired in 2021. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals in Christchurch.