MICHAEL KEVIN JACKSON AND CHRISTINE JACKSON CONVICTED IN LEEDS FOR NEGLECTING DOG

Michael Kevin Jackson, born around 1958, and Christine Lorraine Carol Diane Jackson, born around 1974, residents of Stratford Street, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 7EQ, were found guilty in 2019 of allowing their dog to suffer in unimaginable pain for at least a month.

The mastiff, named Butch, endured severe facial wounds that were left untreated, ultimately leading to his euthanasia after veterinary assessment. The owners admitted that between October 1 and November 1, 2018, they failed to address ongoing, chronic injuries to Butch’s head, causing him unnecessary suffering and his subsequent death.

Michael Jackson claimed he attempted to treat the tumors by pouring Dettol on Butch’s face. RSPCA inspector Kris Walker described the scene: “I could smell Butch before I saw him — I’ve never smelt anything so horrific. I couldn’t get it off myself, and my van smelled for about a week afterward.”

He further described the injuries: “He was wearing a buster collar that had blood and tissue on it from the open wounds all over his head and neck, which turned out to be ulcerated cancerous tumors. He was crying and shaking his head, with necrotic skin shedding everywhere.”

Walker noted the evident pain the dog was in: “His right eye had almost vanished, and his left eye was shut. He couldn’t see — when we got to the vet, he was bumping into the examination table and walls. His inflamed ear canals were completely closed, and the skin on the pad of one of his feet was open and bloody.”

The inspector pointed out that Michael Jackson had said he was treating Butch’s tumors with Dettol, but veterinary checks confirmed the tumors were cancerous and ulcerated. The vet recommended putting Butch to sleep.

In mitigation, the court was told that the offense occurred during a period when Michael Jackson was separated from his wife, Christine. He explained that the dog had banged his head and sustained a cut, which he attempted to treat. However, it was challenged by the prosecution that Jackson was aware of the serious health issues, especially as he was seen walking the dog at night. It was also noted that Jackson was not working due to health problems.

Christine Jackson’s defense argued she was unaware of the full extent of Butch’s suffering but had previously asked Jackson to contact the RSPCA. She also had health problems.

Regarding sentencing, Michael Kevin Jackson received a 12-week curfew order, 15 days of rehabilitation, and was ordered to pay £235 in costs and charges. Christine Jackson was given a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of rehabilitation, and the same financial penalties. Both were disqualified from keeping animals for life. Additionally, a deprivation order was issued for Christine Jackson’s five cats.

This case was reported by StrayFM.