Two cruel dog owners have been prosecuted after their Yorkshire Terrier was found in a sleeping bag soaked with blood and urine.
Mother and son duo Margery and Thomas Taylor, of North View, Wallsend, failed to get help for 12-year-old Hughie, who became stuck to a sodden sleeping bag as his body was completely covered in scabs.
RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws said Hughie stunk of rotting flesh and yeast when she rescued him from the family's “filthy” home.
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“There was rotten food in open containers all over the property and the dirt stuck to my shoes when I was walking,” she said of her visit on February 18.
“Hughie was on a sleeping bag on the sofa and the bag was wet underneath him with a combination of blood and urine. It appeared he had been sitting there for some time as bits of skin were stuck to the sleeping bag where he lay.”
Insp Keogh-Laws said Hughie was almost bald on some parts of his body and large chunks of his skin were peeling off.
Cruel Margery knew her dog had been unwell and even took him to the vets in September 2021, where he was prescribed a second bottle of anti-inflammatory tablets. Both bottles were found by the inspector to still be “at least half” full.
The poor pooch has now been removed from his past-owners and is making a speedy and happy recovery, though sadly the scars on his body will be permanent due to the severity of his neglect.
“His quality of life has improved dramatically and the dog is now enjoying life free from pain and restricted mobility. The desire to run and play is a lovely illustration of this,” said the vet who treated Hughie’s skin disease.
After spending time at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Hughie is now being looked after by foster carers and will be found a permanent home soon.
Margery and Thomas both pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and appeared before Newcastle magistrates court for sentencing on December 1.
In addition to admitting causing the dog to unnecessarily suffer by not providing vet care for his severe skin condition, the pair also admitted to failing to meet Hughie's needs, as he was not provided a suitable environment - contrary to the Animal Welfare Act..
The pair were banned from keeping animals for five years, fined £200 each and told to pay a victim surcharge of £34. Costs of £2,000 from central funds were awarded to the RSPCA.
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