JODIE PITTS AND DANIEL KEENAN FROM SANDWELL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ROTTWEILERS

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Jodie Pitts, born around 1994, and Daniel Keenan, born around 1990, both residents of 106 Coronation Road in Wednesbury, Sandwell, were found guilty of neglecting their dogs in a manner that led to severe suffering and death. The incident came to light after a vet, who had euthanised one of the couple’s Rottweilers due to extreme emaciation, raised concerns about the welfare of the remaining dog in their care.

The vet’s intervention was prompted by the condition of Pandora, a Rottweiler that was so malnourished that euthanasia was deemed necessary. The vet’s alarmed report prompted the RSPCA to investigate further, leading to a visit to the couple’s home on Coronation Road. There, animal rescue officer Ash Moore encountered Lola, a ten-month-old Rottweiler who was visibly suffering from starvation. The dog was so underweight that her skeletal structure was clearly visible, and she was found to weigh only 13.8 kilograms.

Lola was in a state of extreme weakness, with muscle wastage evident and difficulty walking. During her examination at the veterinary clinic, she was observed scavenging around the room for food, a sign of her desperate hunger. Blood tests confirmed her malnourished condition, and the officer described her as having indentations in her head, a typical sign of prolonged undernutrition. Officer Moore recounted, “She was extremely underweight with her full skeletal structure clearly visible, she also had indentations in her head that normally signifies being underweight severely.”

When questioned about Lola’s veterinary history, Pitts and Keenan admitted that she had only been taken for vaccinations when she was much younger, indicating a lack of proper medical care. The officers noted that Lola’s hind legs were shaking and struggled to support her weight, further evidence of her neglect. The situation with Pandora, the deceased Rottweiler, underscored the severity of the couple’s neglect.

Fortunately, after being placed on a proper diet and receiving veterinary care, Lola’s condition improved significantly. She made a full recovery and has since been rehomed through the RSPCA. The couple’s neglectful actions led to their prosecution, and on 30 September 2024, they pleaded guilty to two offences related to animal welfare.

As part of their sentence, Pitts and Keenan received an 18-month community order, were fined £664 each, and were banned from owning animals for a period of 20 years. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of the RSPCA to combat cruelty in the Sandwell area.