CONVICTED (2019) | Martin Edwards, born 14 November 1971, of Falcon Close, Oxford OX4 6EY – failed to treat his dog’s chronic skin condition.

Edwards was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to his Labrador-Staffie cross called Terror by failing to treat his painful allergic dermatitis between 20 February and 20 March 2019.

RSPCA inspector Andy Eddy investigated Edwards after receiving a report of a neglected dog.

When Inspector Eddy arrived at Edwards’ home he noticed Terror was chewing on his back leg and there were bald patches in his fur.

Inspector Eddy advised Edwards to take his dog to the vet and gave him a voucher towards the costs. He failed to do so despite repeated advice and on 20 March Inspector Eddy took Terror to the vet himself.

Later that day an order was issued by Thames Valley Police to seize the dog.

Terror was found to be unwell, and the vet who later examined him said his body looked sore with lesions on his legs and an abdomen that looked infected. The vet also found mites in his skin.

During interview Edwards said how upset he was with himself he was for letting it get to the point where Terror was taken from him.

Edwards also revealed he had recently lost his mother and had been made redundant from BMW just before Christmas and as a result was struggling financially.

Terror went on to make a full recovery in the care of the RSPCA.

Sentencing | 18-month community order; total of £125 costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for two years (expired).

Oxford Mail