MICHAEL AND ASHLEY BREED SENTENCED IN SALTAH FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Michael Breed, born on December 25, 1946, and Ashley Breed, born on August 10, 1994, residents of Hodge Close, Saltash, Cornwall PL12 4ST, were convicted in 2022 of starving and neglecting their elderly dog over several weeks.

The couple pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences related to their pet dog, Ruby, after an investigation by the RSPCA. They admitted to neglecting to investigate and address Ruby’s poor body condition and weight loss, as well as failing to seek veterinary treatment for her skin and ear conditions.

On March 22, 2022, RSPCA Inspector Sarah Morris visited the pair’s home after a report raised concerns about the welfare of a dog at the address. She was shown Ruby, a 12-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who was in a severely emaciated state, with skin issues and fleas crawling all over her.

Inspector Morris described the condition: “She also had a long dangling growth hanging from her stomach which was approximately five inches long, swollen, and sore. Her feet appeared red and swollen, and she emitted a pungent smell. Her ears were blocked and filthy inside.”

Veterinary examinations confirmed Ruby was in a critically severe condition and suffering from prolonged neglect. She weighed only 10.1kg. The vets documented that Ruby had experienced a “prolonged period of neglect” and hadn’t received the necessary veterinary treatment.

The vet report detailed signs of chronic skin disease, with thickening and lichenification on her neck and limbs, greasy skin with scabbing, and generalized hair loss. Fleas and flea dirt were present on her body, and her ears had been left untreated and were blocked.

Despite her condition, Ruby was ravenous when offered food, seeking it even after feeding stopped. She was moved to the RSPCA Cornwall’s Venton Animal Centre and placed in foster care, where she initially gained weight and strength. Unfortunately, she later contracted pyometra, an uterine infection caused by not being spayed, and she sadly passed away.

In mitigation, it was stated that the Breeds did not intentionally seek to harm Ruby. Following the hearing, Inspector Morris commented, “Ruby was left to suffer without the help she clearly required. There is never an excuse for ignoring an animal in need.”

Regarding sentencing, both Michael and Ashley Breed were sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 16 months. They were also disqualified from keeping any animals for ten years, with a right of appeal after five years.

This case was reported by the Plymouth Herald.