CONVICTED (2022) | Liam Antonio Orchard, born 22 January 1993, of Juniper Court, Eastville, Bristol BS5 6YH – allowed his pet dog to starve to the point of emaciation.

Footballer Liam Orchard, a former Bristol City academy youth player who last played for Tytherington Rocks Football Club, pleaded guilty to cruelty charges in relation to the Staffordshire bull terrier Spot. Members of the public had become concerned for the dog’s welfare and contacted the RSPCA.

RSPCA animal rescue workers made visits to Orchard’s home but all offers of help were refused by him. At one point Spot was taken to a vet who was so concerned by his condition that they arranged for urgent blood tests, but this follow up appointment was cancelled by Orchard.

During a further visit by RSPCA Inspector Kim Walters, Orchard agreed to bring Spot to the front door and was convinced to allow him to be taken to a vet.

Inspector Walters said in her statement: “I observed that he was in very poor bodily condition. All his ribs, spine, pelvis and bony prominences were very evident, and I noted that his skull appeared very sunken.”

She described Spot as being “unsteady” and said he “appeared weak and lethargic climbing the steps”.

Spot was found to have clumps of faeces attached to his nails and had faecal staining on his elbows and hind legs.

He also had a dirty coat with a strong smell of ammonia and faeces. When offered food, he ate readily.

Spot, who weighed just 10.5kg (1st 9lb) when he was rescued

Orchard broke down and his mother, who was present in court for the sentencing, gasped in shock as pictures of the animal’s emaciated frame were shown to the court.

Concerns were also raised that Orchard had recently started caring for a new puppy. Although there were no apparent welfare issues regarding the new pup, he or she will be removed from Orchard’s care following the disqualification order.

Spot has since recovered and is said to be doing well.

In mitigation, the court heard Orchard was suffering from “anxiety”.

Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA inspector Kim Walters, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive the care they need.

“Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met and Spot was left to suffer.”

Sentencing | 18-month community order; 30-day rehabilitation order; £400 costs. Ten year disqualification order, which can be appealed after five years.

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