CONVICTED (2021) | David Christopher Phillips, born 10 May 1970, of 7 Eastgate Close, London SE28 8PJ – let his pet dog starve to death

Nine-year-old Staffy Amber was so badly neglected, an RSPCA inspector couldn’t even tell her breed or original colour. The charity investigated after the dog’s emaciated body was left at a Thamesmead veterinary hospital “for disposal”.

Following a post-mortem, it was found that the dog was only 8kg, almost half the weight of 14kg she had been when last brought into the clinic in 2019.

The post-mortem concluded that Amber had died of chronic starvation, and at the time of her death was suffering from a chronic, widespread, skin disease resulting from a mite infestation.

Amber’s owner David Phillips pleaded guilty to two two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, namely causing the unnecessary suffering of the animal by failing to address its weight loss and failing to provide the necessary veterinary care for the animal’s chronic skin disease.

According to an investigating veterinary surgeon who provided testimony for the court, Amber’s case was one of the worst she’d ever seen in his career.

RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday who investigated the case told the court: ”Amber’s body was extremely thin, all her ribs were clearly visible, as were the bones in her head, shoulders, spine and hips.

“Most of Amber’s fur was missing, especially on her legs and underside, her claws were overgrown and there was dried faecal matter over her rear end.

“I was not able to determine the original colour or even what breed Amber was due to her poor body and skin condition.”

Inspector Dalliday added: “It’s very upsetting to imagine the suffering Amber endured at the end of her life, she was so thin and in such a poor state.”

Sentencing: jailed for 12 weeks; ordered to pay £690 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping animals for life.

My London