CONVICTED (2024) | Paul Georgeson, born c. 1982, of Devonshire Street, South Shields NE33 5SU – for the neglect of an elderly dog found covered in fleas and scabs.
Georgeson failed to ensure veterinary treatment was provided for the 13-year-old Staffy known as Zeus, who was suffering from a skin condition and ear inflammation.
As well as neglecting to provide parasitic control, Georgeson had failed to look into Zeus’s weight loss.
The court heard that in August 2023, RSPCA Inspector Helen Nedley visited Georgeson’s property after animal welfare concerns were raised.
In a witness statement, she said: “Mr Georgeson opened the back door to the property and let the dog, Zeus, into the back yard. The dog was in poor body condition and was narrow behind the ribs.
“The dog was dirty and covered with live fleas and scabs … (he) had misshapen ears and one looked to be thickened. The dog had long claws, and was repeatedly scratching himself.”
In another witness statement, a vet who assessed Zeus – who was taken into RSPCA care – said he had a “severe flea infestation” and was “constantly shaking/scratching”. She said his skin was thickened and scabby and sore.
Zeus was treated for fleas and worms, and given anti-inflammatories to help with his itchy skin.
In mitigation, the court heard that Georgeson was overrun with animals and was struggling to cope and was no longer capable of looking after them.
Magistrates heard that he no longer had any animals and he was remorseful for Zeus’s body condition.
Sentencing | ordered to pay a total of £978 in fine and costs. Five-year disqualification order on keeping all animals (expires March 2029).