CONVICTED (2023) | Samuel Aaron Rigby, born 3 January 1997, of 6 Riverside, Horton, Ilminster TA19 9RS – for the ill-treatment of an elderly dog.
Rigby, who works as a tree surgeon and has links to Taunton, admitted failing to ensure that the needs of the 11-year-old dog, known as Bella, were met.
The RSPCA investigated after receiving a report of concern about Bella’s welfare.
She was examined by a vet who found her to be thin and lethargic with a tucked in abdomen and prominent hip spinal and shoulder bones.
She also had staining of her hair consistent with frequent licking due to irritation, most notably over her back end and feet, with associated hair loss and thickening and roughening of the skin.
The vet concluded it was most likely due to a flea infestation that would have caused annoyance and irritation preventing sleep and comfortable rest.
More detailed examination revealed both sets of eyelids were thickened and crusting indicating longer term skin disease.
Her right eye was held partially shut, indicating probable pain, while the left eye had clouding of the surface of the eyeball.
Examination of the abdomen revealed a firm grapefruit sized region suspected of being an inflamed bladder.
Bella also suffered muscle loss, mammary masses, dental disease, inflammation of her toes and reduced motion in her elbow and shoulder, while she was passing red urine.
X rays also revealed abnormalities within her chest, abdomen and spine.
Sadly they decided Bella had to be put to sleep because of the severity of her condition.
Sentencing | fined £460 and ordered to pay £184 victim surcharge and a contribution of £400 towards the RSPCA’s prosecution costs. Two -year ban on having anything to do with dogs (expires May 2025).