CONVICTED (2023) | Ryan Seel, born 18 October 1994, and Debbie Slater, born 20 May 1990, of Peter Street, Blackpool – starved three of their six dogs until they were 24 hours from death.
Three of the six Jack Russells owned by Ryan Seel and Debbie Slater would most likely have died in 24 hours, if the RSPCA hadn’t seized them and taken them to an animal hospital for emergency treatment.
Staff from the local authority were first alerted to the dogs’ plight after a number of complaints about the dogs making noise.
Council officers visited the home and later reported them to the RSPCA. The charity’s welfare team then investigated and removed the dogs after discovering how underweight they were .
“Three of the six were 24 hours from death ,” said prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh. “This was either due to long term poor diet or short term starvation.”
Defence lawyer Gerry Coyle – representing Ryan Seel – said his client lived in a property which suffered from damp and leaks. He added that the pair were on Universal Credit and ‘living in poverty’ and unable to afford vets fees.
“What happened with the dogs was not because they don’t love and care for them, but for financial reasons,” he told magistrates.
Brett Chappell, defending Seel’s partner Debbie Slater, appealed for leniency and told the court about the couple’s other dog – a Shar Pei – who was fit and well.
“What happened was not a deliberate act of cruelty, but her efforts fell well short of what is acceptable,” said Mr Chappell.
Slater and Seel each admitted two offences of causing the Jack Russell dogs unnecessary suffering and failing to maintain the animals’ welfare by giving them adequate food and water.
The six dogs, two males and four females – Jack, Junior, Sasha, Angel, Coraline and Jazz – remain in the care of the RSPCA.
Sentencing | one-year community punishment with ten rehabilitation days. Seel must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and Slater was given a four month curfew. The pair were each ordered to pay £414 in costs. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires June 2033).
Vile scumbags
And they have a child ?!!!!!
Gormless idiots. Why have so many dogs if you are skint ? Seven dogs are a lot for anyone to own,even if well off. I can’t imagine who would employ either of them but their best bet is to get work and never get any more pets. Someone needs to sit them down and tell them how to grow up and be responsible.
Those terriers must never go back to the horrible pair.
Scruffy cunts, hope they get what they deserve horrible fat messes