DEAN FELLOWS FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR DOG'S DEATH IN HORRIFIC NEGLECT CASE

Dean Fellows, a resident of Dorsett Place in Walsall, has been convicted of neglecting a pet that resulted in its death. The incident involved a three-year-old Jack Russell cross breed named Ruby, who was under Fellows' care for a period of just over two weeks. Fellows had previously looked after Ruby on several occasions, feeding and walking her, but during the period from December 27, 2012, to January 11, 2013, the dog was left in a severely neglected state, ultimately leading to her starvation and death.

According to court reports, Fellows was observed removing Ruby’s body in a plastic bag and placing it into a barrel located at the bottom of his neighbor’s garden. The case was brought to light after the RSPCA received information indicating that an animal carcass had been seen at Fellows’ property. Prosecutor Nick Sutton explained that Fellows had been entrusted with caring for Ruby for a total of 16 days, but during this time, the dog was left to suffer in silence.

Evidence revealed that Fellows had been provided with only two cans of dog food by the owner, Margaret Doherty, before she left. Once the food supply was exhausted, Fellows confined Ruby to a downstairs room and failed to provide any further nourishment. The neglect resulted in the dog becoming emaciated, with her condition deteriorating to the point of death.

During the court proceedings, Nigel Ford, representing Fellows, pointed out that Margaret Doherty, the owner, was present in court supporting the defendant. Ford suggested that the situation might involve some fault on the owner’s part, criticizing her for leaving the dog at home for two weeks with only two cans of food and implying that Fellows, who was on benefits, might have been unable to afford additional supplies or electricity needed to care for Ruby properly. Ford emphasized that Fellows’ actions, or lack thereof, were not deliberate but ultimately led to the tragic outcome.

Fellows was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, he was required to pay a total of £1,131 in costs and charges. Notably, Fellows was not banned from keeping animals in the future, despite the severity of the neglect. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners and caregivers in the Walsall area.