CONVICTED (2022) | Luke Hankins and Melissa Hankins, both born c. 1992, of 29 Trenoweth Estate, North Country, Redruth TR16 4AQ – starved their dog and failed to provide veterinary treatment despite repeated warnings from the authorities.
The Hankins, who have four young children, both pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by failing to investigate poor body condition and weight loss. The offences took place between December 2021 and March 2022 and related to a 14-year-old Staffy named Benson.
The court heard how Cornwall Council had had many dealings with the Hankins, with advice given frequently over the weight and skin condition of their three dogs who would often run away.
On March 21, 2022, Benson was found straying and picked up by a member of the public. He was found to be emaciated and wearing a tightly fitted muzzle. The matter was reported to the RSPCA and the dog taken to the vets.
Vets reported how Benson was emaciated with every rib, spine and pelvic bone visible. His ears were waxy, he had an eye condition and he had been biting and rubbing himself due to the skin condition.
Skin loss was attributed to the tightly fitting muzzle which prevented him from eating, drinking and barking. Hair loss was put down to having to sleep on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time.
Prosecutor Lindi Meyer told the court that “food deprivation over a prolonged period of time resulted in a skeletal appearance” and that “Benson would have suffered for months”.
When he was seized Benson weighed just 12kg but within four months in care he was at 21kg. The straying was said to be a result of long-term repeated neglect.
Speaking to the court, Luke Hankins said: “I miss him but never starved him. I’m very sorry. I was scared the vets would put him down but wish I got help sooner.”
Melissa Hankins added: “Were very sorry for what happened to that dog. We were struggling as a family but I know that isn’t an excuse. We hope Benson is getting looked after and getting the care he deserves.”
Magistrates said that the treatment of Benson was “a prolonged period of neglect and failure to take on veterinary advice and enforcement notices”.
The poor treatment of the Hankins’ dogs was said to have lasted a decade.
The court heard that all of the Hankins’ animals have now been rehomed.
Sentencing | 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months; rehabilitation activity requirement; £400 each towards RSPCA costs as well as a victim surcharge. They were banned from keeping animals for 15 years.
Scum such as this shouldn’t keep Animals.
I hope they look after their Children, better than they treated that poor little Dog. Social Services need to keep a close eye on them.