JASON SCOTT FROM GRANGETOWN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG WITH MASSIVE MOUTH TUMOUR IN MIDDLESBROUGH

In a distressing case of animal neglect, Jason Scott, a resident of St Andrews Road West in Grangetown, Middlesbrough, has been held accountable for failing to seek necessary veterinary care for his pet dog, Buster. The incident, which came to light through an investigation by the RSPCA, highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Jason Scott, born around 1990, owned Buster, an eleven-year-old Mastiff x American bulldog, since he was a puppy. However, despite the dog's evident suffering, Scott did not take the necessary steps to address a severe health issue that had developed over several months. Buster was suffering from an enormous growth inside and outside his mouth, so large that it obstructed his ability to eat or drink properly. The tumor was described as being larger than Buster’s entire mouth, with his teeth protruding beyond the mass, and he was observed foaming at the nose, indicating distress and difficulty breathing.

The condition had caused Buster to become emaciated, with his body weight significantly reduced due to the inability to eat. He was also unable to stand, and blood and pus were visibly dripping from his mouth, further evidencing the severity of his suffering. Veterinarians who examined Buster concluded that he had been left untreated for at least three months, a neglect that ultimately led to his deteriorating health and suffering.

Tragically, the veterinarians decided that the only humane course of action was to euthanize Buster to prevent further pain and suffering. The decision was made after a thorough assessment of the dog's condition, which had become critical. The investigation revealed that Scott had failed in his duty to provide essential healthcare for his beloved pet, despite owning him since he was a puppy.

Scott was prosecuted by the RSPCA for causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He admitted to the court that he had caused Buster to endure pain and neglect between June 7 and July 27, 2020, at his residence on Somerset Road in Grangetown. During the court proceedings, it was explained that Scott had initially contacted the PDSA, a veterinary charity, during the early stages of Buster’s illness. The PDSA advised him to administer paracetamol to the dog and to wait for referrals, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Despite multiple attempts by the charity to follow up with Scott and arrange further treatment, he failed to respond or take Buster to a vet.

Scott expressed reluctance to seek veterinary care, fearing that Buster would be euthanized if taken to a professional. This hesitation contributed to the dog's condition worsening over time. When RSPCA Inspector Terri-Ann Fannon arrived at Scott’s property, she was met with a pungent smell of infection and decay. She found Buster lying under a stairwell, suffering from an enormous growth that covered his mouth and extended outside it. The inspector noted that Buster’s teeth appeared to be protruding beyond the tumor, which was larger than his entire mouth.

During the investigation, Scott agreed to allow Buster to be taken to a veterinarian. As he carried the dog outside to the inspector’s van, he requested that she walk in front of him to hide Buster’s condition from neighbors, indicating a level of shame or embarrassment about the dog's state.

Following the court case, Inspector Fannon emphasized the legal responsibilities of pet owners to ensure their animals do not suffer and receive proper care. She criticized Scott for neglecting Buster’s needs and failing to persist in seeking treatment, which could have alleviated his suffering. Her comments underscored the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary intervention.

In sentencing, Scott received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a requirement to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was banned from owning animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in December 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the vital role of animal welfare laws in protecting vulnerable pets in Middlesbrough and beyond.