A HEBBURN MAN HAS BEEN BANNED FROM OWNING ANIMALS.
In Hebburn, Victoria Road East resident Michael Lewis faced court after neglecting his American bulldog, Monty, by not addressing his serious health issues, including untreated skin and ear conditions.The RSPCA brought charges against the 41-year-old, leading to his guilty plea for breaching the Animal Welfare Act due to neglect.
According to the court, Heather Wade, an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer, visited Lewis’ home on February 18 after concerns about Monty’s condition.
She observed missing fur patches, inflamed skin, and a foul smell, and recommended that Lewis seek veterinary assistance within two weeks.
However, her follow-up visit on March 6, conducted by Inspector Helen Bestwick, revealed that Monty’s health had considerably worsened.
The dog displayed inflamed, scabby skin, ear infections, and was underweight.
Monty was promptly taken for veterinary treatment and later seized by authorities at Bedlington Police Station under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act.
The vet’s examination confirmed multiple untreated skin infections, infected ears, oily and flaky skin, and multiple open sores, with Monty also receiving a body condition score of three out of nine, indicating severe undernutrition.
The veterinarian described Monty as appearing distressed and suffering from painful skin conditions that caused itching and discomfort.
The dog had also been deprived of adequate food.
It was revealed in court that Lewis had attempted to treat Monty himself using over-the-counter medication and home remedies such as medicated shampoos and Sudocrem.
Although registered with a local vet, no appointments had been made for Monty.
Magistrates considered that Lewis’s long working hours made treatment costly and that he had no plans to keep animals again due to his work commitments.
He was sentenced to a one-year community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days, banned from owning all animals for seven years with no early appeal, and ordered to pay costs of £400 along with a £114 victim surcharge.
