SCOTT PRESTON FROM LITTLEMORE SENTENCED AFTER LEAVING DOG TO STARVE TO DEATH IN OXFORD

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Littlemore, Oxford, Scott Preston, born around 1978 and residing at 31 Ladenham Road, was found guilty of a severe animal welfare offence. The case centers around Preston's neglect of his pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier, affectionately known as Looney, who was left to suffer from extreme malnutrition just weeks after giving birth to a litter of puppies.

Looney was discovered in a critically weakened state, with her condition so dire that she weighed only 10 kilograms—less than half the typical weight for her breed. Her skeletal structure was painfully visible beneath her skin, with her skull and bones protruding sharply, and her muscles had deteriorated to the point of near total loss. The neglect was evident and heartbreaking, revealing a failure on Preston’s part to provide basic care for his animal.

Despite efforts by veterinary professionals to stabilize her condition through intravenous fluids, the dog's health rapidly declined. Looney experienced convulsions and eventually went into cardiac arrest within hours of her arrival at the veterinary surgery. Tragically, she succumbed to her condition and died in the veterinary clinic, leaving behind the question of what happened to her puppies, whose fate remains unknown.

Preston admitted guilt to the animal welfare offense, following a thorough investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. Inspector Andy Eddy, who led the investigation, emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “She weighed just 10kg and an average dog of her breed would weigh a minimum of 20kg so she was at least half of her correct body weight. Veterinary tests found no other problems that could have caused her condition, and it was clear that proper feeding and care by the owner would have prevented this tragedy.”

Inspector Eddy further pointed out that Preston had ample opportunity to seek veterinary assistance earlier but failed to do so, which ultimately resulted in the dog's death. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect.

In sentencing, Scott Preston was ordered to pay a total of £385 in costs and charges. Additionally, he was subjected to a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and received a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will remain in effect until October 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities that come with caring for animals, especially in a community like Littlemore, Oxford.