A man has avoided immediate prison after his severely neglected dog was discovered emaciated, covered in fleas and living among rubbish and faeces inside a filthy Rochdale property.
Paul Lewis Dawson, 37, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences after RSPCA officers rescued bull-breed dog Kano from the property on Alice Street.
Kano was so weak that after officers finally gained access to the house, he managed to walk only a short distance before slumping to the ground.
The disturbing case began on 6 August 2025, when the RSPCA attended the address following concerns from members of the public that a dog had been left unattended inside.
Inspector Beth Fazackerley and animal rescue officer Francesca Iraci managed to see Kano through the keyhole and immediately noticed how thin he appeared.
Wet dog food was pushed through the letterbox and Kano ate it straight away.
When attempts to get Dawson to answer the door were unsuccessful, a warrant was obtained. Officers later returned with police and gained entry to the property.
What they found revealed the extent of Kano’s suffering.
Inspector Fazackerley told the court that the dog was covered in large clumps of fleas and was constantly scratching. His ribs, spine and hip bones were clearly visible because of his extreme weight loss.
Kano also had wounds and scabbing above his left shoulder and on his right elbow, while his nails were overgrown. His skin and coat were dirty, with brown crusting and areas where his fur had disappeared.
The conditions inside the house were also described as appalling.
Photographs showed a filthy mattress and rubbish scattered across the property, while faeces had accumulated inside. The amount of clutter in the rooms and corridor made it difficult for Kano to move around properly.
A vet later confirmed that Kano had been suffering from hunger and severe weight loss as well as anaemia caused by the heavy flea infestation.
The veterinary evidence indicated that he had been suffering for at least three weeks and probably considerably longer.
Thankfully, Kano survived. After being removed from the property, he received veterinary treatment and was cared for by the RSPCA, where he was brought back to health.
Dawson, now of Brownside Road in Burnley, admitted three offences of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide an appropriate diet, veterinary treatment and suitable living conditions.
Appearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 31 July 2026, he was handed a 22-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to complete 18 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £400 in costs.
Dawson was banned from keeping animals for 15 years, meaning the disqualification is due to remain in place until July 2041.
The court heard that Dawson had expressed remorse and entered guilty pleas, while his legal representatives referred to a bereavement as part of the mitigation put forward on his behalf.
The judge reportedly described the case as the most serious animal cruelty matter he had dealt with.
Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Beth Fazackerley stressed that providing an animal with suitable food, veterinary treatment and a safe environment is a fundamental responsibility of pet ownership.
She said it was clear Kano’s basic needs had not been met and that he had been suffering for some time.
The RSPCA also thanked the members of the public who raised the alarm, allowing officers to rescue Kano before his condition deteriorated any further.
The charity urged anyone who finds themselves unable to care properly for an animal to make alternative arrangements rather than allowing their pet’s welfare to suffer.
