RUSSELL STEPHEN GRANT'S CRUELTY IN CRAWLEY: DOG LEFT TO SUFFER FOR WEEKS, SENTENCED TO 10-YEAR BAN

A man named Russell Stephen Grant, who resides on Johnson Walk in Crawley, has been handed a severe sentence following his neglect of his pet dog, Jerry. The court has imposed a 10-year ban on Grant owning or keeping any animals, highlighting the seriousness of his failure to care for his canine companion.

According to the findings of the RSPCA, Grant neglected Jerry for an extended period, during which the dog was left to endure pain and suffering without intervention. Despite Jerry displaying clear signs of distress and pain for at least a month, Grant failed to seek any veterinary assistance. The neglect was so severe that it ultimately led to the dog's deteriorating health and suffering.

Jerry, a nine-year-old dog, was found to be in a dire state. The court heard that he could no longer walk due to an untreated growth on his paw, which had gone unnoticed or ignored for months. The last veterinary examination of Jerry took place in August 2023, but his condition continued to worsen in the subsequent months. It was only on December 19, 2023, that Jerry was taken to Crawley Vet Clinic for urgent care. Veterinarian Claire Hickman described Jerry’s condition as “hopeless,” emphasizing that the dog was suffering from “prolonged” pain. She noted that Jerry had lost approximately 6 kilograms over four months and was suffering from a severe, necrotic wound.

Due to Jerry’s critical state and collapsed health, euthanasia was performed after he was sedated. The decision was made to end his suffering, but the case drew attention to the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary intervention.

During court proceedings, Grant expressed remorse but also attempted to distance himself from full responsibility. He stated that he hoped people wouldn’t think he was entirely responsible for Jerry’s poor condition and expressed a desire that this incident would not negatively impact his future ability to own pets. Despite his intentions, the court’s ruling was clear, and Grant was ordered to pay £452 in legal costs, considering his two days of custody. It was also noted that Grant was unable to complete community service due to ongoing mental health issues.

RSPCA inspector Liz Wheeler highlighted the critical importance of pet owners seeking and adhering to veterinary advice. She urged owners who are struggling to seek help from charities and support services to prevent animals from suffering neglect and cruelty. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect.