CONVICTED (2019) | Dale Antony Oldfield aka Dale Weatherill, born 25 October 1990, of Windsor Crescent, Bridlington YO15 3HX – left his pet dog to suffer in immense pain for a year with untreated infections. Oldfield let the “chronic” skin and ear infection afflicting American bulldog, Taegan, go untreated for over a year. The RSPCA found Taegan in a poor condition on May 8, 2019, and she was seized by police before being taken to a vet for treatment. Unfortunately, the dog’s health deteriorated and she had to be put to sleep. Dale Oldfield left his American bulldog to suffer with ‘chronic’ skin and ear infections instead of taking her to the vets. Oldfield was charged with two offences under the Animal Welfare Act and called to court on August 14, but failed to appear. He was convicted in his absence and, on October 2, 2019, appeared at Beverley Magistrates Court on charges relating to his treatment of Taegan. The court heard Oldfield had been told by a vet a year beforehand that Taegan needed treatment but had not given her any in the time since. RSPCA Inspector Claire Mitchell, who led the investigation, said: “Mr Oldfield was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Taegan by failing to provide veterinary treatment for the chronic skin disease and ear infection she was suffering from, and for keeping her in unsuitable conditions. “Mr Oldfield told the court that he loved his dog and he’d done the best he could but didn’t have the money for veterinary treatment. “We discovered Taegan had been to the vet one year before and he’d been told she needed treatment but he didn’t take any action. “Having a pet is extremely expensive and people need to consider whether they can afford the associated costs before taking one on. “We appreciate that people’s circumstances can change and families can find themselves struggling financially but we would always encourage people to ask for help instead of leaving a pet in pain.” Dale Oldfield posted this photo of Taegan to Facebook in April 2012 and proclaimed that she would never leave his side. Inspector Mitchell added: “The judge accepted that Taegan had suffered immensely. She relied on Mr Oldfield and he let her down by failing to get her the help she needed.” Sentencing | 12-month community order with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 180 hours of unpaid work. Total of £435 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely. Hull Live