CONVICTED (2023) | George Venner, born 31 July 1996, of East Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4HH – neglected his three dogs and subjected them to physical abuse.
Venner was convicted of four animal welfare offences in relation to an elderly Staffy called Harley, a black Labrador named Bandit and a crossbreed puppy, known as Dexter.
Venner, who was already known to the RSPCA, was investigated by the charity after witnesses said they saw him assaulting the dogs.
The court heard that RSPCA inspector Kimily Walters went to Venner’s former flat at Strawberry Close, Nailsea, Bristol, on September 14, 2022, to investigate allegations that he had left the dogs unattended and had also been seen kicking and hitting them.
It was further alleged that Venner had failed to seek veterinary treatment for one dog, who was underweight and had a lump on her chest.
In a statement to the court, Inspector Walters described how she found the Staffy in a poor condition with her ribs and hips prominent, Venner’s flat was described as smelling strongly of ammonia and faeces.
She continued: “I saw she also had a large mass on [Harley’s] chest and overgrown nails.
“I was also shown Bandit, a black Labrador, who was in a lean body condition and had a swollen ear that appeared sore,”
She also found a four-month old crossbreed puppy, who was in a reasonable state of health.
“I explained that I wished to have all the dogs examined at the vets as neighbours had seen the defendant assault the labrador cross and bull terrier cross called Harley and they were both in poor body condition,” added the inspector.
A veterinary examination confirmed Harley was underweight, scoring two out of nine on a body condition test. There were also concerns about a “pendulous mass” in her mammary region, which she underwent surgery to remove, while Bandit was suffering with an ear infection.
A vet said in his expert report that the needs of all three dogs were not met and Harley and Bandit would have been caused to suffer as a result of Venner’s actions.
Venner pleaded guilty to three animal welfare charges and denied four other animal welfare charges, but was convicted of those four offences after a trial.
In mitigation, the court was told that the defendant suffered from mental health problems, including a personality disorder, and he had financial and health problem.
Dexter has been rehomed by the RSPCA, while Harley and Bandit have been signed over to the animal charity who will be looking to find new homes for both of them.
Sentencing | 24-week custodial, suspended for 12 months; £154 victim surcharge and a contribution towards court costs of £1,000. Banned from keeping animals for ten years (expires December 2033).