CREWE MAN BANNED FOR 10 YEARS AFTER DOGS LEFT TO STARVE
A Cheshire man named Phillip David Walsh has received a 10-year ban on owning animals after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs.The incident involved Walsh’s male bull-breed dog, Duke, who was found severely underweight after collapsing and had to be euthanized.
The court heard that Duke was so emaciated that his bones were visible, with a body condition score of zero out of nine, indicating extreme neglect.
The veterinarian examining Duke reported that he was severely dehydrated and in a very poor state, leading to the decision to euthanize him to prevent further suffering.
Post-mortem results confirmed prolonged starvation as the cause of death, with no other medical condition identified.
Court proceedings revealed that Walsh had only owned Duke for a few months, as the dog’s previous owner was in prison.
Walsh admitted to the RSPCA Inspector that there was another skinny dog, Queenie, at his property.
Queenie, a female bull breed, was also severely emaciated with visible ribs, spine, and hip bones, and showed signs of untreated fleas, overgrown nails, and no water available.
Walsh showed the inspector an open bag of dog food but stated he only had £50 for veterinary care and no more money left to help Queenie.
Queenie was rescued and found to be suffering from malnutrition and neglect, weighing just 21.4 kg.
The court heard Walsh’s circumstances, including losing his job and financial struggles.
In addition to the 10-year animal ownership ban, Walsh was sentenced to an 18-month community order, 20 RAR days, 120 hours of unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £400 in court costs, to be deducted from his benefits.
The inspector noted that both dogs suffered due to inadequate diet and neglect, with the vet describing Queenie’s condition as a result of maltreatment.
Walsh’s failing to meet the basic needs of his dogs and the severe state of both Duke and Queenie led to the court’s decision.
