CONVICTED (2014) | backyard breeders Tony John Ford, born 10/07/1978, and wife Tracey Emily Ford, born 12/04/1983, previously of Margate and as of May 2020 of Carew Road, Thornton Heath CR7 7RE – dumped three mange-riddled puppies in the street
The Fords’ neglect of the three husky/Staffy cross puppies and their mother had gone on for so long that all four dogs were virtually bald and covered in scabby sores. The vile pair then dumped the puppies in the street where they were discovered by a member of the public.
Thanet Council dog warden John Coomes collected the puppies and took them to a vet, before tracking down their mother – a two-year-old Staffy called Bonnie – at the Fords’ then address in Arnold Street, Margate.
All of the dogs were suffering from very severe mange, which had led to extensive fur loss.
The six month-old puppies, one female and two male, were also suffering from heat exposure from being left on the street, as well as having extremely infected eyes.
RSPCA inspector Ed Halligan said: “This was an appalling case of prolonged neglect.
“These poor dogs were in a terrible state – they were virtually bald and covered in scabby sores all over their heads.
“For them to have got this bad they must have been just left without treatment for a long time.
“Thank goodness for John Coomes and the member of the public who found the puppies on the street. Without them these animals would have died there is no doubt.”
Mr Coomes said: “It broke my heart to see how poorly these little dogs were. The little ones could barely open their eyes they were so red and infected.”
He said it had been touch and go for a while, with the dogs having to be hand-nursed through the night with wet towels to ease the pain from the sunburn after being abandoned on the street.
He added: “But now the dogs are well and ready for rehoming which is lovely – a real happy ending.”
The four dogs were taken into care and have all made a good recovery.
The Fords both admitted charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs and failing to get the proper veterinary treatment needed.
Sentencing: fined £600 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs. Five-year ban on keeping animals (expired 2019).
