ANTHONY, JOHN AND MERRISSA SELLARS FROM CHOPWELL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG BING

In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, Anthony William Sellars, his wife Merrissa Pauline Sellars, and their son John Thomas Sellars, all residents of Clyde Street in Chopwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, faced justice for their failure to provide proper care for their elderly pet dog. The trio pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Bing, a white and brindle male lurcher aged between 12 and 14 years old, who had been part of their family since he was approximately one year old.

Concerns about Bing’s welfare surfaced in May 2019 when a concerned individual contacted the RSPCA, prompting Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws to investigate. Upon arrival at the Sellars’ residence, she discovered the dog in a deplorable state, suffering from a severely broken leg, chronic dental disease, and extreme emaciation. Bing was found in intense pain, with his left hind leg visibly swollen to at least three times the size of his other leg, and he was unable to bear weight on it. His ribs, hips, and spine were clearly visible, indicating severe undernourishment.

Despite claims from the Sellars that they had taken Bing to a veterinarian, Inspector Keogh-Laws found no record of any veterinary treatment for the dog. Concerned by the condition of the animal, she personally took Bing to a vet for examination. The veterinarian confirmed that Bing had a severe, untreated leg fracture that had likely caused him significant pain since he was injured. Additionally, Bing was suffering from chronic, untreatable dental disease, which necessitated the extraction of all his teeth. The vet concluded that the only humane option was to euthanize Bing to end his suffering.

Tragically, Bing had to be put to sleep, a decision that underscored the neglect he endured in his final years. The investigation revealed that the family had failed to seek proper medical attention for their beloved pet, despite the evident signs of injury and illness. Inspector Keogh-Laws expressed her deep disappointment, stating, “This has been a tragic case which never should have happened. Bing was in his later years of life and should have been treated with love, kindness and been given the care that he desperately needed. He could have been spared this unnecessary suffering if only his owners had taken him to a vet when they realised he was injured.”

She further urged the public to remain vigilant and proactive in animal welfare issues, emphasizing the importance of reporting concerns. “We were only made aware of poor Bing’s situation thanks to the person that called us, so we would always urge anyone with concerns about the welfare of an animal to contact our cruelty hotline on 0300 1234 999 so we can look into it.”

In a court hearing, Anthony, Merrissa, and John Sellars were each sentenced to twelve weeks in prison. Additionally, they received a lifetime ban on owning or keeping animals, a measure aimed at preventing any future neglect or abuse. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals.