SHANE SPEARPOINT FROM RAINHAM SENTENCED AFTER STARVING STAFFY TO DEATH IN GILLINGHAM

Shane Spearpoint, a resident of Lower Rainham Road in Rainham, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty after neglecting and starving his pet Staffordshire bull terrier, Alfie, to death. The tragic case came to light when Alfie, a two-year-old dog, was discovered collapsed and in a dire state at Spearpoint's residence in Gillingham.

According to RSPCA inspector Ray Bailey, who has been serving as an inspector for 17 years, the condition of Alfie was among the worst cases of animal neglect he had ever encountered. The dog was found lying in a corner of the room, barely conscious, emaciated, and severely dehydrated. The inspector recounted that Alfie was so skeletal that he weighed only eight kilograms, whereas a healthy male Staffordshire bull terrier typically weighs around 18 kilograms.

Inspector Bailey immediately transported Alfie to a veterinary clinic, where the vet confirmed that the dog’s condition was critical. Sadly, due to the extent of his suffering, Alfie was euthanized to prevent further pain. The vet and veterinary staff who examined Alfie were visibly moved, with some even brought to tears by the sight of the neglected animal.

Post-mortem examinations revealed that Alfie had a lamb bone lodged in his throat, likely ingested while scavenging for food, which contributed to his deteriorating health. The investigation uncovered that Spearpoint had deliberately neglected Alfie for several weeks. When questioned, Spearpoint admitted that he had not fed Alfie for an extended period because he believed the dog belonged to his ex-girlfriend, who had moved out of the property. During this time, he continued to feed his other dog, leaving Alfie to suffer in silence.

Spearpoint, who was residing on Corporation Road in Gillingham at the time, was prosecuted by the RSPCA for his actions. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, ordered to pay £1,455 in costs, and was banned for life from keeping any animals. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

Source: Gotta Love Dogs (blog)