Dogue de Bordeaux, Honey, had lost most of her fur and had scabs over her body due to Demodectic Mange caused by mites
A pet owner from the Black Country who ‘severely neglected’ his pedigree dog has been jailed and banned from keeping animals for years.
The RSPCA and police officers visited David Roberts’ home in Wallace Road, Bilston, in January last year to carry out an animal welfare check.
They were let in by his mother and inside they found three dogs, a female Dogue de Bordeaux named ‘Honey’ and two Shih Tzus.
Honey had lost most of her fur, had inflamed skin and scabs all over her body.
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RSPCA Inspector Fiona Howell said: “On the stairs leading up from the front door and in the living room, there were multiple piles of faeces.
“Honey, the Dogue de Bordeaux, had 90 to 95 per cent fur loss. Her skin was pink and flakey and she had scabs over her body, which were worse around her neck.
“Lynn told me that Honey belonged to her son, who was currently in police custody.
“She consented for the dog to be taken to the RSPCA’s Newbrook Animal Hospital for a veterinary examination.”
Honey was seized by police and Robert’s mother was told by the RSPCA that the faeces needed to be cleaned.
She was also advised that the two Shih Tzus needed grooming.
They were taken away and by an RSPCA vet who found that they had matted fur and overgrown claws.
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The vet examined Honey and after taking samples, confirmed that she was suffering from Demodectic Mange – or Demodex – a skin condition in dogs caused by mites, which causes hair loss and serious and painful skin problems.
The vet found that Honey’s skin was severely inflamed and itchy, and she had lost a lot of fur.
She had scabs and sores along her spinal area. Both her ears were very inflamed, with discharge and were painful when touched.
Honey was quickly started on medication to treat Demodex, along with anti-inflammatories, an antibiotic, an antifungal medication and bi-weekly medicated shampoo.
The vet found that Honey’s dermatitis and fur loss with itchy skin would have been present for longer than two weeks and would have caused unnecessary suffering due to the irritation of the skin.
She added that it should have also been very obvious to a lay person that Honey had a problem with her skin and [the owner/s] should have sought veterinary attention for her.
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Roberts, aged 39, was jailed for eight weeks and and banned from keeping animals for six years for severely neglecting a dog and causing unnecessary suffering, which he admitted at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on April 16.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 within 28 days of his eventual release from prison.
Ms Howell added: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. Honey was clearly in pain and in desperate need of help to treat her skin condition.
“Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.
“Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets.
“If people are struggling, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners.”
Honey was later rehomed, but was diagnosed with cancer while undergoing a procedure at the vets.
Sadly, it was decided that the kindest option for Honey was to euthanase her.
