CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder Dean Kenneth Savage, born 26 April 1979, of Crescent Road, Crumpsall, Manchester M8 – kept neglected and injured dogs in squalor. One of Savage’s three Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs, a brown and white female called Harley, was discovered by the RSPCA in May 2023 suffering from a severe ear injury. Savage admitted causing Harley unnecessary suffering by failing to provide prompt veterinary treatment. He also pleaded guilty to cruelty to two other Staffies, Joker and Snowflake. The RSPCA attended his flat after a tip-off. A spokesperson for the charity said after a sentencing hearing in court: “The court heard that the dogs were kept in an unhygienic environment and were not provided with clean water at all times, or a clean and dry comfortable place to rest. “In addition, Savage failed to separate the dogs to prevent fighting as necessary, and did not provide veterinary treatment for the dogs when required.” Animal Rescue Officer Steve Wickham described in a witness statement how Harley was in ‘discomfort’ and ‘shaking’ her head. He said: “Once the dog was out in the daylight I was shocked by what I could see.” Harley’s left ear was said to be ‘hanging on by a very small amount of skin’. The RSPCA said a cage the dogs were locked up in was found in the front room, with ripped up rubbish and bedding inside it. The flat smelled of urine and dog faeces was found. ARO Wickham added in his statement: “Joker was locked in the bathroom with a child gate so it couldn’t get out of there. In the bathroom was ripped up toilet paper and other stuff on the floor, as well as a smell of dog urine coming from in there.” Vets subsequently found both Joker and Snowflake to have multiple scars and wounds on their legs, face and neck. Greater Manchester Police then placed the dogs into the care of the RSPCA. All three dogs have now been found loving new homes and are said to be thriving. Savage was prosecuted by the RSPCA and appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on November 19, 2024. After the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats said: “It was very tough to see Harley with such a horrible injury and for all three dogs to be living in such bad conditions, but I’m delighted that we could secure such a positive future for these dogs.” Sentencing | 12-month community order with 120 hours of unpaid work; £400 in costs. Five-year ban (expires November 2029). Manchester Evening News