A prolific backyard breeder has been banned from keeping animals for a decade after a severely emaciated dog was found suffering from chronic health problems while carrying an unborn litter.
Matthew Andrews pleaded guilty in an RSPCA prosecution after failing to properly address the deteriorating condition of five-year-old Shar Pei-cross Pandora.
When vets examined Pandora, she was found to be completely emaciated and was given a body condition score of just one out of five.
Her muscle wastage was so severe that vets were unable to tell from looking at her that she was heavily pregnant. A subsequent scan revealed she was carrying an advanced pregnancy of between seven and nine puppies.
Pandora was also suffering from a chronic skin infection and serious weight loss.
She later required emergency surgery after suffering a twisted intestine. Tragically, complications following the operation, combined with her already severely weakened condition, meant she had to be euthanised. Her unborn litter was also lost.
Following the case, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper described the outcome as a tragic one for Pandora and her puppies, stressing that animals depend entirely on their owners to ensure their welfare needs are met.
Andrews was handed a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
He was also ordered to pay £400 in prosecution costs.
Most significantly, Andrews was disqualified from owning or keeping any type of animal for 10 years, with the ban running until July 2036.
The case serves as another reminder that anyone responsible for an animal has a legal duty to provide appropriate care and seek veterinary treatment when an animal is suffering.
