Cobb, who is well-known to West Yorkshire Police, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of 11-year-old bulldog boxer cross, Sasha. He failed to provide her with prompt veterinary care or to address her poor body condition.
Cobb first came to the RSPCA’s attention in June 2024 after the charity received a report about an underweight dog. Inspector Hannah Williams and a colleague visiting Cobb at his then home in Watling Road, Castleford, and asked to see Sasha.
In a statement to the court, Inspector Williams said: “Sasha’s ribs were visible and she had some fur loss on her back legs. I explained to the defendant that due to the dog’s body condition and fur loss she needed to go to a vets.”
Cobb was provided with a veterinary voucher but failed to keep a follow-up appointment.
In January 2025 the RSPCA received further concerns about Sasha’s welfare. After being unable to contact Cobb, RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor attended his address with a police officer, who executed a warrant.
Sasha was found in the kitchen and was described as “fearful and aggressive”. No food or water had been provided for her. Her ribs, hips and spine were “protruding” and she had been rummaging through a bin in her desperation for food.
When Cobb returned to the property he claimed he had tried to rehome her.
Sasha was signed over into the care of the RSPCA. She was taken to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for veterinary examination. She was given a body condition score of two out of nine. She had an enlarged speen and muscle wastage with further tests showing she may have been suffering from blood cancer.
The vet concluded she had been left to suffer for a minimum of two weeks due to her ailments combined with pain and discomfort from arthritis.
In mitigation, the defendant claimed he did not return to the vet because of the cost. It was said he was “suffering from depression” due to personal and business circumstances.
Speaking after the hearing, Inspector Taylor said: “This owner failed to follow veterinary advice to return for a follow-up appointment and poor Sasha did not have her basic needs met.
“Her medical conditions, including her arthritis, may have been able to have been managed at that stage.
“For anyone struggling to meet vet bills the RSPCA has information about charities that can help with costs at our telephone helpline on 0300 123 0650 and an online hub.”
Sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity; court costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £114. A 10-year disqualification (expires January 2036).