CONVICTED (2016) | Emily Louise Till, born c. 1984, and Steven Watkins, born c. 1986, of New Road, Far Forest, near Kidderminster DY14 9TQ – left their two dogs without food and in an emaciated state.
Emily Till and partner Steven Watkins were found guilty of neglecting Staffy Bruno and husky Demon.
The RSPCA received a complaint in January 2016 about two dogs in poor condition, and inspector Suzanne Smith was sent out to the house.
She said: “We received complaints about the condition of the two dogs, and on that first visit I was shocked to see the state of them. Both Bruno and Demon were so thin I could see all their bones protruding, even despite Demon’s thick coat.
“It later transpired that Demon was suffering with non-regenerative anaemia caused by his extremely thin body condition.
“Bruno weighed little over 11kg at seizure and Demon just weighed 14kg, practically half of what they should ideally weigh.”
After a vet certified that both dogs were suffering, police removed Bruno and Demon and placed them the RSPCA’s care.
Inspector Smith said: “Both Till and Watkins refused to admit any wrongdoing, but since being cared for by the RSPCA, both dogs are doing so well and are up to their optimum, healthy weights.
“I am very pleased to say that Demon, the husky, has been rehomed already as he was signed over to us shortly after we were called. But following yesterday’s sentencing, I’m delighted that now Bruno can also be found his forever home too.”
Sentencing:
Till – 18-week curfew and £500 costs.
Watkins – 150 hours of community service over 12 months; £750 costs.
Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expired 2021) and deprived of ownership of the dogs.
The pair were given 28 days to rehome another dog which they had taken on before the trial.