PHILIP SHARPE FROM HARROGATE AND STOCKTON ON TEES SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG ROXY

Philip John Sharpe, born on September 26, 1958, and previously residing in Stockton on Tees, County Durham, was recently living on Byland Road in Harrogate when he was involved in a disturbing case of animal cruelty. The incident centered around his elderly dog, Roxy, who suffered severe burn injuries after scalding hot oil was poured over her. Despite her obvious pain and distress, Sharpe failed to seek immediate veterinary assistance, a neglect that has now led to legal consequences.

Sharpe, who was described by his legal representative as a “vulnerable” individual, did not take any action to help Roxy after discovering her with horrific burns. According to court proceedings, Sharpe claimed that the injuries were caused by his housemate, who allegedly told him that Roxy had been bitten by another dog. However, this explanation was met with skepticism by the authorities and the court.

RSPCA inspectors located Roxy at an address on Windsor Road in Stockton. The dog was found covered in open wounds, which were consistent with injuries caused by scalding hot oil. Neil Taylor, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, described the scene: “The defendant let the dog out of the cage, and it was immediately obvious that she had fur loss and injuries to her back, legs, and hips. She moved slowly and appeared to be in dreadful pain, as observed by the officers who found her.”

Sharpe’s account was that a man and woman he was living with told him that Roxy had been involved in a dog fight and had a small cut on her back. However, Neil Taylor dismissed this as false, stating, “That simply cannot be true.” He further explained that Sharpe claimed the injuries might have been caused by the dog catching herself on her cage, but the extent of her wounds made this explanation implausible. The injuries were consistent with hot liquid being poured or dropped onto her back and legs, with experts suggesting that boiling oil was the likely cause rather than water.

Medical assessments indicated that the wounds were at least two weeks old, meaning Roxy had been suffering in pain for an extended period. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that any reasonable and humane person would have recognized the dog was in severe distress. Despite her suffering, Sharpe admitted to causing unnecessary pain to Roxy, a dog he had owned since she was a puppy.

During the court proceedings, Sean Wilson, representing Sharpe, explained that his client had attempted to contact the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) for veterinary assistance but did not follow through with the process. Wilson also stated that Sharpe believed the injuries were inflicted by a man he was living with at the time, denying any direct responsibility for causing the injuries himself. Nevertheless, Sharpe accepted that he was responsible for the dog’s suffering.

The court heard that the individuals living at the address during the incident were reportedly “bullying” Sharpe, and that they had been spending his benefits on alcohol and drugs. Wilson emphasized Sharpe’s vulnerable state, suggesting that his mental state had become compromised. He maintained that Sharpe did not allow Roxy to participate in any dog fights but failed to recognize that her injuries were not consistent with bites. Wilson also acknowledged that Sharpe neglected to seek help for Roxy, who was clearly in pain.

Roxy continues to receive treatment for her injuries, highlighting the ongoing impact of this case. The court sentenced Philip Sharpe to eight weeks in jail and ordered him to pay costs amounting to £165. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty towards vulnerable animals.