MARK SIMPSON OF JARROW SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT AND BANNED FROM KEEPING PETS FOR 10 YEARS

In 2020, Mark William Simpson, born in 1968 and residing in Westfield, Jarrow (postcode NE32 4QW), was convicted of neglecting his pet dog and is now prohibited from keeping animals for a decade.

Simpson was responsible for a King Charles spaniel-type dog named Angel, who was found suffering from multiple health issues at Simpson's Jarrow home in July 2017.

The RSPCA reported that Angel was missing fur, appeared weak, and was suffering from eye and ear diseases when discovered. An RSPCA inspector observed the dog wrapped in a blanket at Simpson’s residence.

Prosecutor Stewart Haywood described the scene: "The dog’s eyes were filled with pus, it had missing fur, the skin was reddish and it had very long nails."

Simpson claimed that Angel had been attacked by a Rottweiler some weeks prior and had been taken to a veterinarian. However, veterinary examinations revealed Angel was "extremely weak," with reduced vision and "permanent irreversible damage" to her eyes. Her ear canals contained thick, yellow discharge, and her skin was described as being in "an appalling condition."

The RSPCA provided treatment for Angel, and the dog is reported to be doing well now.

Mr. Haywood emphasized that the animal had been suffering for at least one month before discovery: "The suffering had taken place for at least one month." He also noted that Simpson had arranged veterinary visits in January and March 2019 to address Angel’s skin and eye issues but failed to attend.

He added, "There’s a high level of suffering in this case. There is prolonged neglect here."

Defense lawyer Annalisa Moscardini mentioned that her client has learning difficulties.

The court sentenced Simpson to a 12-month community order, ordered him to pay £385 in costs and fines, and banned him from owning animals for 10 years.

Sources: Chronicle Live, Shields Gazette