RICHARD DEAN OF NORTH DEVON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN BARNSTAPLE

In a serious case of animal neglect, Richard Dean, a resident of North Devon, faced the consequences of failing to provide necessary care for his dogs, leading to a court hearing that highlighted the severity of his actions.

Richard William Dean, born on 16 January 1967 and residing at Signal Terrace, Sticklepath, Barnstaple EX31 2BA, was found guilty of neglecting his pets by neglecting their medical needs. Despite being legally prohibited from owning animals for the rest of his life, Dean’s past actions prompted a thorough investigation by the RSPCA, which ultimately resulted in his conviction.

Following reports from concerned members of the public, RSPCA Inspector Claire Ryder visited Dean’s residence to assess the welfare of his animals. Her inspection revealed the dire condition of two elderly dogs, which had been suffering due to neglect. The first dog, a 14-year-old collie named Murphy, was found in a state of extreme distress. Murphy was unable to stand, with his head tilted to one side, and emitted a strong smell of infection. Inspection revealed two open holes on either side of his face, from which greenish discharge was emanating.

Veterinary examination confirmed that Murphy was severely underweight, collapsed, and suffering from prolonged pain. The vet described the conditions as indicative of late-stage disease, noting that earlier veterinary intervention could have prevented months or even years of unnecessary suffering. The veterinarian explained that Murphy was experiencing a combination of acute and chronic pain caused by severe dental disease, abscesses, arthritis in his hind limbs, and a burst anal gland abscess.

The second dog, an 11-year-old collie named Tramp, was also found to be in a poor state. Tramp was suffering from chronic itching, swelling, ulceration, and bleeding caused by a severe ear infection in both ears. The infection had led to a purulent discharge and a mass in the right ear, resulting from repetitive scratching.

Due to the severity of Murphy’s condition, the veterinarian made the difficult decision to euthanize him immediately to alleviate his suffering. Tramp was surrendered into the care of the RSPCA and has since been rehomed, finding a new loving home.

Following the court proceedings, Inspector Claire Ryder emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership. She stated, “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are charities that provide assistance for veterinary care for pet owners in financial difficulty. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.”

Ryder further stressed that pets depend entirely on their owners to meet their needs and ensure their safety and health. She concluded, “Owning an animal is a privilege — and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets.”

In sentencing, Richard Dean received an 18-month suspended prison sentence, along with orders to pay £378 in costs and charges. Additionally, he was handed a lifetime ban from owning animals, which cannot be appealed for ten years. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of the RSPCA and local authorities to combat animal cruelty and promote responsible pet ownership in North Devon and beyond.