CONVICTED (2024) | Dawid Palyz, born c. 1985, of 38A Bechers, Widnes WA8 4TE – allowed his pets to become so unwell they had to be put sleep.
Polish national Palyz was reported to the RSPCA after police noticed the poor condition of a rabbit and dog in his care. Despite being told by RSPCA officers to take the pets to a vet Palyz failed to get them treatment. The animals were subsequently seized and taken to a vet.
The dog – a 13-year-old German shepherd called Vaga – was suffering from a skin disease, while Snow the rabbit had severe conjunctivitis. Both animals were put to sleep on welfare grounds
During interview Palyz, who came to the UK with his family and Vaga in 2015, conceded he had failed in his responsibilities to the pets, but blamed financial difficulties.
A probation officer told the court Palyz had also been struggling with his health as a result of stress and had taken a ‘significant period of time’ off work.
The officer said: “He did say the dog had previous health issues and that he was to and from the vets in the past. He concedes the health deterioration of the rabbit and the dog was huge in a short space of time and that as a result the animals had to be put to sleep. He was very upset because they were family pets. He accepts that he did not meet his responsibilities.'”
Anna McDonald, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said: “In July 2023 the RSPCA had a telephone call with the defendant when he agreed an appointment for the RSPCA to see his dog Vaga. The RSPCA went to his home on July 21 and they were shown the dog. It had obvious hair loss and a skin disease. The officer was also shown a rabbit called Snow, which had a weeping right eye.
“Mr Palyz confirmed that the dog and rabbit had not seen a vet and a warning notice was issued to go and get the animals seen by a vet by August 14.
“In August and September the RSPCA had various phone calls with the defendant to check whether the animals had received veterinary care, but it was confirmed that they had not.
”Mr Palyz did say to the RSPCA that he had booked appointments with different vets in the area. But when the RSPCA checked those practices, it was confirmed there was no history of appointments made with them.
“On September 29 the RSPCA went to the defendant’s home address and they were again shown the animals. Inspector Norris described the dog as having nearly all of its hair missing. The rabbit’s eyes were scabby and filled with pus. Mr Palyz said he knew the dog should be put to sleep. He said it was a hard decision to make.
“He agreed to sign over the dog to the RSPCA and gave his consent to allow those animals to be removed and allowed a veterinary examination to take place.
“The vet Mr Rawling examined both animals and recommended they be put to sleep on welfare grounds.
“Mr Palyz was cooperative and gave his consent.”
“The animal could have been suffering for at least a month. We are not suggesting that he was deliberately cruel – we are not suggesting that Mr Palyz deliberately caused those conditions. Both animals had to be euthanized due to the poor condition that they were in.”
Sentencing JP Alan Ayers told Palyz: “We have heard from your solicitor that life has not been so good for your mental health and the rest of it but we take the view that those animals were under extreme pain at the time.
“The vet report on the dog makes for sobering reading. All the time you were telling the RSPCA you were going to get them treated by a vet but but you lied and did not get it done.'”
Sentencing | 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months; 80 hours of unpaid work; 10 days of rehabilitation activity; £400 towards RSPCA costs plus £154 surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires June 2029).