AR-News: (UK) RSPCA calling on neighbors to act as watchdogs

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DOG HORROR STORY SPARKS PLEA TO NEIGHBOURS 

 BY BEN WILSON

09:30 - 31 May 2004 
   
 
The Rspca is calling on neighbours of people who keep pets to act as "watchdogs" in order to help the charity's fight against animal neglect and cruelty. 

The call follows the court case of David Dunhill (47) and his wife, Mandy (43), of Reeves Road, Pear Tree, Derby.

The couple have been banned for life from keeping pets after they were found guilty at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court of unnecessary suffering to their dog.

RSPCA inspector Simon Edwards said: "The only way we can enforce the court order is to publicise the ban and get members of the public to ensure that those with orders against them don't keep animals."

He said that this appeal would apply to anyone who felt their neighbours' pets were being mistreated.

He added that if the Dunhills were caught breaking the order they could go to jail for up to three years.

The Dunhills were reported to the RSPCA in October by neighbours who had become concerned for the dog's welfare.

Mr Edwards called at the Dunhills' home and, on examining the dog's skin and claws, instructed the couple to take their pet immediately to a vet.

But when he followed up the visit four days later he discovered nothing had been done.

The dog, which RSPCA staff have named Sabre, was suffering from a skin infection which caused extensive hair loss and soreness to its back and underside.

Sabre also had overgrown claws and an ear infection.

Mr Edwards confiscated the pet and took him to the RSPCA shelter in Abbey Street, Derby, where a vet treated him antibiotics.

The case went to court and the couple entered a plea of not guilty.

In his defence, Mr Dunhill claimed depression was the reason for him not seeking veterinary treatment for the dog.

District Judge Joanne Alderson told the Dunhills: "You have given me no reason why I shouldn't ban you for life from keeping animals."

The Dunhills were ordered to formally relinquish ownership of Sabre to the RSPCA and pay £500 in costs.

Mr Edwards said: "I'm delighted with the outcome, as it means the Dunhills aren't allowed to keep a dog, cat or even a fish as a pet.

"When I saw Sabre for the first time I could see he was in a bad way.

"He was kept outside for most of the day and had fleas, which had caused him to scratch and led to a skin infection.

"His long claws suggested that he had not been walked enough.

"I gave the Dunhills an opportunity to take Sabre to a vet, but when I went back four days later they had not. So I took the dog to our shelter where he could be treated."

According to Mr Edwards, the court case cost the RSPCA £2,771.50.

RSPCA staff are keen to find Sabre a new home. RSPCA shelter supervisor Roy Sharp said: "He's a lovely dog who needs contact and loves to play.

"He really deserves a life outside kennels, as he's getting a bit fed up."

Anyone interested in providing him a home should call the shelter on Derby 344620.