CONVICTED (2023) | Stuart Squibb, born 22 August 1996, of Lower Furlongs, Brading, Sandown PO36 0EA – allowed an elderly dog to become badly emaciated and lame, leading to him being put down.
Squibb had denied ill-treatment of the 11-year-old whippet, Weasel, up until the day before he was due to stand trial.
Ultimately he admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between November 14, 2022, and January 14 2023.
On New Year’s Day, a dog walker was so shocked by Weasel’s poor condition, video was taken and shared with the RSPCA.
The RSPCA launched an investigation, with Squibb ignoring their phone calls and officer visits.
Eventually, an investigator was let in and found Weasel in poor health and in an emaciated condition, with untreated osteoarthritis. He also had a deformed lower limb, which had left him unable to walk properly for six to eight months.
Weasel had not received vital veterinary care for 18 months and was half the weight he should have been, said Sarah Wheadon, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.
Weasel had an extremely poor quality of life, and was put down, said Mrs Wheadon.
Squibb, who failed to attend an RSPCA interview, went on to deny ill treatment charges on May 16, 2023, and a trial was set for August 16.
But he reappeared the day before trial, doing a U-turn on his pleas.
Mrs Wheadon said Squibb deliberately disregarded Weasel’s welfare, failed to co-operate with investigators and showed no remorse.
For father-of-two Squibb, Jim Osborne said his client inherited Weasel from his late mother.
Squibb claimed he took Weasel to a vet after being concerned about the dog’s mobility and appetite, but said the vet told him nothing was wrong; the RSPCA argued this was untrue.
Mr Osborne said Squibb then lost his job and suffered financial hardship, but claimed he always ensured Weasel was fed.
“He is deeply remorseful and understands what he did was wrong.”
Presiding magistrate David King said: “This is a terrible story of a dog suffering prolonged neglect.”
Sentencing | one year’s probation with 15 rehabilitation sessions and 80 hours of unpaid work; £140 surcharge. He was disqualified from having anything to do with animals for five years (expires September 2028). The RSPCA’s costs are to be paid from the public purse.
Additional Information
According to a source, Squibb was in the habit of leaving Weasel alone and unattended in the garden for several days at a time while he went away.