CONVICTED (2023) | Ian Johnathan Podmore, born 16 May 1981, of 3 Ailsa Road, Blackburn BB1 2JL – caused the deaths of two dogs through neglect. Serial dog killer: Ian Podmore from Blackburn, Lancs. Pic: Facebook Ian Podmore was prosecuted by the RSPCA in relation to a Staffordshire bull terrier named Bentley, who was found with a severe skin condition and claws so overgrown they had penetrated the pads on his feet. Bentley’s claws were so overgrown he struggled to walk. He was also suffering from a severe skin condition. Blackburn Magistrates Court heard how RSPCA inspector Vicki McDonald had visited Podmore’s home after the charity was contacted about concerns for Bentley’s welfare. She said: “I was immediately struck by how thin he was and that he had an extensive skin condition and fur loss. I could also see that his claws were overgrown. “Bentley’s skin was very red, smelly, crusty and thickened and there were sores present with extensive fur loss. His ears appeared infected. “His claws were significantly overgrown with several so long they had pierced the pads and become embedded and infected. They were the worst I have seen on a dog in my 20-year career. “His skin condition had caused what fur he had to contain head to toe scab-like patches giving him the appearance of being mottled. “Ian Podmore stated he had owned the dog for about 18 months to two years and that he was not on any veterinary treatment. “He showed me some over the counter dog shampoo he said he had tried using but it had not resolved the problem.” Bentley was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for immediate veterinary treatment. His claws were causing him so much discomfort that he had to be sedated so he could be examined and treated without causing further pain or trauma. Podmore – who had received a written caution in 2019 in relation to another dog – was advised that he would need to be interviewed in relation to animal welfare offences and subsequently signed Bentley over into the charity’s care. A vet from Greater Manchester Animal Hospital gave evidence to the court. She said: “Given the severity of Bentley’s condition on presentation, in my opinion he will have suffered for many days, as a minimum, likely longer. “The low body weight will have taken many days or possibly weeks to have developed and would have left him experiencing weakness and debilitation. “Ultimately Bentley had endured suffering unnecessarily. Regardless of the cause of the emaciation, ear disease, eye disease and skin disease and whether treatable or not, veterinary treatment should have been sought much earlier in this case.” Despite extensive treatment in the following weeks, Bentley’s condition was so severe that the vet said it was detrimental to his ongoing welfare and that it was in his own best interests to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering. She said had he received appropriate treatment sooner, his condition could have been managed. Podmore pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to ensure the welfare of an animal. Ian Huggan, mitigating, said his client didn’t have the strength of character to refuse when a family member asked him to take on the dog. “He thought he could help,” said Mr Huggan. “He was using shampoo he thought would help and feeding the dog but clearly he should have sought veterinary care.” Passing sentence, District Judge Alexandra Preston said she had been shocked by the photographs shown to the court. “It would have been obvious to anyone that he would have been in serious discomfort and pain,” said District Judge Preston. “This is the second time you have had a dog that has been in a terrible state. “You shouldn’t own dogs because you clearly don’t know how to do it properly.” Sentencing | eight weeks in prison suspended for 12 months; 13 days of rehab activities; £100 costs and £128 victim surcharge. Banned from owning dogs for 10 years. Lancashire Telegraph Hull Daily Mail Lancashire Telegraph