STUART EUNSON'S SOUTH SHIELDS ANIMAL ABUSE REVEALED: DOG NEGLECT AND COURT BANS IGNORED

Stuart Eunson, born on 12 February 1982 and residing on Lucock Street in South Shields, has been convicted of severe animal neglect and abuse. His actions have once again brought to light the ongoing issues of animal cruelty linked to this individual, who has a troubling history of disregarding court orders related to animal ownership.

In a disturbing case uncovered in July 2022, the RSPCA received a credible tip-off indicating that Eunson was keeping a dog at his South Shields home despite previous legal restrictions. Inspector Rowena Proctor from the RSPCA responded swiftly to the information, visiting Eunson’s residence to investigate the allegations.

Upon arrival, Inspector Proctor was met at the door by Eunson himself, who was holding a white Staffordshire bull terrier. The dog, later identified as Rebel, was in a deplorable state. The inspector described Rebel as having crusted eyes that were closed, a foul smell emanating from his body, and a coat that appeared white but was heavily stained with faeces. The dog’s legs and overall condition reflected neglect, with darkened fur and visible signs of poor hygiene.

Eunson acknowledged to the inspector that he was aware of the legal restrictions preventing him from keeping animals. Despite this, he handed Rebel over to the inspector for veterinary assessment but refused to admit that the dog was his or to sign any ownership transfer documents. This refusal underscored his apparent disregard for the law and the welfare of the animal.

The veterinary examination revealed a distressing picture of Rebel’s health. The dog was found to be underweight, anxious, and agitated. He suffered from eye and ear infections, inflamed and itchy skin, and a sore ribcage. The vet noted that Rebel’s skin and fur were soiled with faeces, and he had overgrown nails. Additionally, Rebel was lame, a condition attributed to a previous injury to his left forelimb.

The veterinarian’s report highlighted that Rebel’s symptoms—lameness, skin issues, eye and ear infections, and behavioral signs of distress—should have prompted Eunson to seek urgent veterinary care. The vet concluded that Eunson’s failure to protect Rebel from pain, suffering, and injury was a clear breach of his responsibilities as an owner. By neglecting to provide necessary medical treatment and proper care, Eunson allowed Rebel to endure unnecessary suffering.

Inspector Proctor emphasized that Eunson’s actions were a blatant violation of court-imposed bans on keeping animals. Despite being under a 10-year ban since 2020, which followed an earlier three-year ban in 2018 that he also breached, Eunson continued to flout the law. During this latest incident, he was actively keeping and neglecting Rebel, fully aware that it was illegal for him to do so.

In sentencing, Eunson received an 18-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 19 ‘Thinking Skills’ sessions. Additionally, he was handed a lifetime ban on owning animals, a measure designed to prevent further cruelty and neglect. The case has garnered significant attention from local media outlets such as the Shields Gazette and Chronicle Live, highlighting the ongoing issues of animal welfare and the importance of enforcement against repeat offenders like Eunson.