NORTHFIELD MAN BANNED FOR NEGLECTING GERMAN SHEPHERD WITH CANCER

A man identified as Thomas Nicholas Powell has been prohibited from owning animals following a court case where he was found to have neglected his German Shepherd, Sadie. Sadie was discovered wandering in the Northfield area by a concerned member of the public. She was taken to the vet, who contacted the RSPCA due to the severity of her condition. Examination revealed Sadie had been suffering from a large, ulcerated mammary tumor, which was diagnosed as a stage 3 mammary carcinoma, a malignant cancer. Sadie was also underweight, with a stiff gait, muscle wasting, and spinal spondylosis, indicating ongoing pain and health issues. Surgery was performed to remove the tumor, but her owner, Powell, admitted in court that he had not noticed the mass because of her long fur. It was also revealed that Sadie had been deprived of basic needs and had endured pain and discomfort for over four weeks. Powell was prosecuted for animal welfare offenses, including failing to protect Sadie from pain and suffering, not providing veterinary treatment, and neglecting her diet. He was sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court to a six-month community order with ten days of rehabilitation activity and was banned from keeping animals for ten years, a restriction that he cannot appeal for five years. The offense took place between December 31 and February 11. RSPCA inspector Boris Lasserre emphasized the importance of owner responsibility, including the need to check pets for injuries or lumps and seek veterinary care when necessary. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and owner duties of care.