MARTIN TRAVERS FROM LADYWOOD SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BIRMINGHAM

Martin Travers, a resident of Ledbury Close in Ladywood, Birmingham, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his elderly dog, Chico, a 15-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier. The case drew attention to the neglect and cruelty that can occur within the community, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

According to court records, Travers neglected Chico to the point where the dog was suffering from large, untreated tumours on his testicles, shoulder, and chest. These tumours were so severe that they dragged on the ground as Chico moved, indicating the extent of his suffering. The dog also exhibited signs of being incontinent, underweight, and in pain, conditions that had persisted for a significant period. Despite the obvious signs of distress, Travers failed to seek appropriate veterinary care for Chico, leaving him to endure his condition in silence.

The case came to light in September 2015 when the police, conducting an unrelated investigation at Travers’s property, contacted the RSPCA. An inspector from the RSPCA, Mike Scargill, was called to assess Chico’s condition. The veterinarian confirmed that Chico was in a dire state of health and needed to be euthanized to prevent further suffering. The decision was made to humanely put Chico to sleep, a heartbreaking but necessary step to end his pain.

During the court proceedings, Travers admitted to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Chico. Inspector Scargill expressed his disappointment, stating, “This was a sad case. Although repentant, Mr Travers did not look after Chico in the way that he should have done. He was riddled with tumours, was incontinent, underweight and in pain – he had been like this for some time. He deserved much more than being left to suffer in this way.”

As a result of his actions, Travers was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included a four-week curfew. He was also ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £60. Additionally, he received a three-year ban on keeping dogs, a restriction that expired in 2019. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in Birmingham and beyond.