ZAC AND CHARLOTTE JOHNSON FROM DONINGTON SENTENCED FOR DOG'S DEATH IN SHED

Zac and Charlotte Johnson, residents of Gleed Avenue in Donington near Spalding, have been found guilty of causing the death of their dog through neglect. The incident came to light after an RSPCA officer responded to reports concerning an underweight dog that had tragically died in their care.

Upon arriving at the Johnsons' property, the officer was directed to a shed where the deceased four-year-old English bulldog, named Esme, was discovered. The dog was found lying beneath a duvet, having succumbed to neglect. The body was promptly removed from the scene and transported to a veterinary clinic for a detailed examination.

The post-mortem report revealed a grim picture of suffering and malnutrition. Esme was found to be severely emaciated, with her body condition indicating prolonged neglect. The veterinarian identified multiple foreign objects in her stomach, which were confirmed to be plastic, and noted that her stomach lining was ulcerated. Additionally, the dog had blood clots in both her small and large intestines, signs of internal bleeding, and congestion in her liver and kidneys. The examination also uncovered health issues such as conjunctivitis and a bilateral eye infection, further indicating her poor state of health.

The veterinarian's report was unequivocal in its assessment. It stated: “In my opinion the owners would have been able to attend to the malnutrition and acute signs of melaena (blood in faeces) and have the dog attend a veterinary surgeon at a much earlier stage, thus allowing this dog to avoid the suffering and pain that she endured for a number of weeks. Symptoms of conjunctivitis, bloody diarrhoea, emaciation and weakness would have been apparent to the owner for a number of weeks before the demise of this dog – hence they failed to provide the needs of this dog and protect her from pain, suffering, disease and neglect. They failed to provide her with an appropriate diet.”

Both Zac and Charlotte Johnson, who operated as backyard breeders under the name The Breeder Lincs, specialized in Olde English bulldogs and Cane Corsos. They pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Esme by neglecting her health and failing to investigate or address her worsening condition.

Following the case, Inspector Dean Astillberry commented: “Esme had suffered terribly by the failure of her owners to seek veterinary attention to find out what had been causing her weight loss and it would have been clear to any responsible owner that she needed veterinary assistance.”

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, including 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, and a fine of £100. Additionally, both Zac and Charlotte Johnson were disqualified from owning any animals for a period of seven years, a ban that will last until May 2032.