DANIEL JACKMAN AND CHARLENE REED FROM GOSPORT SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER MITSY

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Daniel Jackman and Charlene Reed, both residents of Gosport, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dog, Mitsy, a Staffordshire bull terrier. The couple, who live at 123 Queens Road, Gosport, PO12 1LG, were responsible for the severe mistreatment of their dog, which was discovered in a deplorable state in their home.

On February 16, 2017, RSPCA inspectors conducted a thorough investigation at the couple’s residence. Upon arrival, they encountered a scene of squalor: the bathroom was strewn with piles of feces, and Mitsy was confined there with no access to clean water or adequate food. The dog’s condition was heartbreaking; she was severely underweight, with her ribs prominently visible through her skin, and her fur was extensively patchy due to hair loss. Multiple sores covered her body, and she was seen scratching herself in distress, indicating ongoing discomfort and suffering.

The inspectors found that Mitsy had been left in a filthy environment, with a bowl of stale water and an empty food dish, clearly indicating neglect. Despite the RSPCA’s repeated efforts to intervene, including 16 visits to the couple’s home and advice on proper animal care, Jackman and Reed repeatedly ignored these warnings. The situation reached a point where authorities had no choice but to involve the police and seize Mitsy to prevent further suffering.

RSPCA Inspector Jen Ride expressed her concern about Mitsy’s condition, stating, “Mitsy was in a terrible state when she was rescued. She had been left without food or clean water in a dirty bathroom. She was very underweight with all her ribs showing. The neglect suffered by Mitsy could have been easily avoided, but she was simply left to suffer without the care she needed and deserved.”

Following the investigation, both Jackman and Reed faced legal action. They were convicted in their absence on multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to Mitsy and neglecting her welfare. The court handed down sentences that reflected the severity of their actions. Daniel Jackman received an 18-month community order, was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, and attend 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a total of £335 in fines and costs.

Charlene Reed was also sentenced to an 18-month disqualification from keeping dogs, a 12-month community order, a two-month curfew, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement. She was ordered to pay a total of £210 in fines and costs. Both individuals were banned from owning or keeping dogs for a period of 18 months, a ban that expired in May 2019.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and the importance of enforcement agencies like the RSPCA in protecting vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse. The community continues to demand accountability for such acts of cruelty, and authorities remain committed to ensuring that offenders face appropriate consequences.