CONVICTED (2014) | Derek Monkton, born c. 1954 (since deceased*), of Broad Street, Bromsgrove B61 8LL – ignored a lifetime ban on keeping animals and allowed his pet greyhound’s teeth to rot
Monkton was given a lifetime disqualification on keeping animals in March 2005.
But during a two-day trial at Redditch Magistrates Court he was found guilty of breaching the ban by keeping five rabbits and two greyhounds at his home.
Monkton was also found guilty of failing to explore and address the causes of his greyhound’s dental disease.
The court heard how the animals were discovered after they were rescued by firefighters tackling a house fire at the Sidemoor property in February 2013.
After the rescue the animals were taken to a nearby vets.
The grey and white greyhound, named Gypsy, was examined by the vet who discovered the tartar build up on her teeth was so bad it was 5mm thick in some places.
As well as the custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years, Monkton was also ordered to pay costs of £2,000 and was again disqualified from keeping animals under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.
Speaking after the case RSPCA inspector Adrian Langley said: ”He failed to get treatment for Gypsy’s teeth and it caused her pain and suffering.
“Sadly all of Gypsy’s teeth had deteriorated so badly due to the thick build-up of tartar they were not salvageable and had to be removed by the vet.
“Thankfully Gypsy has now been rehomed and is thriving with her new family.
“We are pleased with the result at court especially as this man was a repeat offender.
“People who receive a lifetime ban and ignore it do so at their peril.
Sentencing: 12 weeks in jail, suspended for two years. Costs of £2,000. A further lifetime ban on keeping animals.
Update | December 2021
Monkton passed away on 8 December 2021.