A canine proprietor has been banned from keeping animals for five years after his ungroomed Russian Terrier was left struggling with 17lbs of filthy matted fur.
Owner Tim Springett didn’t groom his canine Barney for almost two years, claiming he thought his pet didn’t want clipping as a result of its breed, a court docket coronary heart.
The Russian Terrier was left carrying an additional 21 per cent of its physique weight, with dust and faeces discovered matted into its fur by workers on the RSPCA.
The charity mentioned Barney was seized by Kent Police after animal welfare employees made a number of makes an attempt to encourage Springett to have the canine groomed.
Springett, of Ramsgate, Kent, later pleaded responsible to 2 animal welfare offences at Margate Magistrates Court on 22 January.
Investigating RSPCA Inspector Tina Nash mentioned the odor of the Russian Terrier made her “want to retch” when she discovered him.
She advised the court docket: “The dog had been made to support a coat weighing approximately 21 per cent of his body weight as he moved around. The weight of this coat would have risen considerably when the dog was wet.
“The dog didn’t smell very nice and made me want to retch. I’m in no doubt the extra weight would cause the animal physical stress as he moved.
“It’s my professional opinion, based on the information provided to me, that the person responsible for the care of the dog had failed to provide the dog with a sheltered sleeping area with bedding. The person had also failed to groom the dog over many months and, as a consequence, had left him in a position where he was likely to suffer.”
In his defence, Springett mentioned he liked dogs and that his ill-health was behind the problems.
He was handed a 12 month group order together with 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and ordered to pay £400 in prices and a £95 sufferer surcharge. He was additionally banned from maintaining all animals for 5 years.
The animal is now being sorted by the RSPCA, the place he’s at the moment in non-public boarding and can quickly be made available for re-homing.
