CONVICTED (2013) | John McKie, born c. 1953, and wife Lesley McKie, born c. 1955, both of Thropton Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7HT – caused extreme suffering to their elderly pet dog by failing to treat his multiple health issues.
The McKies’ German Shepherd, named Prince, had been unable to walk for weeks, was severely underweight and had filthy, matted fur and urine burns when RSPCA officers discovered him.
The 12-year-old dog was in such poor condition that, after an examination, a vet immediately put him to sleep.
The McKies pleaded guilty to a charge each of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to meet the needs of an animal.
Judith Curry, prosecuting, told the court Prince was in such a bad way, his skin was infected with maggots, which only usually happens on the bodies of dead animals.
She said: “On August 23 [2013], RSPCA officer Claire Hunt attended the property and spoke to Lesley McKie.
“She was taken to the back door where there was a dog lying, unable to use its back legs. He also had a large urine scold on his left hip, which was bright red and hot to touch.
“The smell coming from the dog was overpowering. His coat was matted and wet to touch. There were also a number of flies on his back end.”
Prince was taken to a nearby vet, where he was found to weigh just 24.2kg, 10kg less than the average weight for a dog of his size.
Ms Curry added: “The vet also found he had no awareness in his back legs at all. And, once his matted hair was parted, she found a mass of maggots.
“Usually, they are found feeding on dead animals.
“The maggots had eaten away tissue and they were living underneath the skin.
“Prince would have been suffering and he was suffering unnecessarily.”
The McKies had owned Prince for about 12 years.
The court heard Prince had started to become ill and the couple had struggled to pay for treatment.
Magistrates were told Lesley McKie used Lavender wipes to clean Prince as they had no hot water or a bath downstairs.
Mark Humble, defending, said the couple had never had problems with him before but had struggled financially when his health started to deteriorate.
He said: “Sadly, it was towards the end of the dog’s life when he became infirm and they found it difficult to cope and keep the animal clean.
“They didn’t intend to cause the dog any suffering. I think their limited financial means contributed to the problems.
“They had contacted the PDSA but believed they weren’t on the correct benefits to receive help from them.
“The second time they contacted the PDSA they were told they would treat Prince but they had to bring him to the surgery, which they had no means of doing.”
Sentencing: each was ordered to pay £289 in fines, costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires December 2023).
Update July 2021
Both McKies were hauled back to court by the RSPCA for breaching their ban although only John McKie was convicted and sentenced.
In July 2019, the RSPCA was tipped off by a concerned member of the public who informed the charity that McKies had breached their ban.
Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws was sent to the McKies’ home to investigate and found three cats inside the property.
The cats were taken into RSPCA care.
Mrs Keogh-Laws said: “I advised that as he was banned from keeping animals they would remain with the RSPCA while the animal welfare charity looked at a possible prosecution.”
Two days later, McKie was found to have another cat at the property and she too was taken into RSPCA care.
Three of the cats were rehabilitated and have since been rehomed.
However, an elderly cat had a series of serious health complications and a vet made the decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
John McKie pleaded guilty to breaching an animal disqualification order.
He was given another 10-year ban on keeping animals (expires July 2031) and was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £400 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Magistrates also warned the pensioner that any further breaches could see him facing up to six months behind bars.
Mrs Keogh-Laws added: “We rely on the public to notify us of any breach of bans and I would always urge them to report matters like this to us so we can intervene.”
The German Shepherds back end had collapsed due to old age.
I have kept and Bred this Breed all my life, now I am 55 years old.
They should have had the Dog Euthanised, but obviously didn’t have means of transport to take him, and the Dog couldn’t walk. In this case you have to make sure you are able To Call A Vet Out To Your Home, to Euthanise the Dog. Also call the Dog Warden and ask for help to take the remains away.
Its a shame they didn’t have any family help, as they are obviously elderly. They had also Cared and looked after him for the 12 Years previous, and he lived to a good old age.