MATT AND KIRSTY GERLACH HORRIFIC PET ABUSE IN DURSLEY REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Matt and Kirsty Gerlach, residents of Kingsdown, Dursley, have been found guilty of allowing their elderly Labrador, Marley, to suffer in deplorable conditions. The case has drawn significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations due to the severe neglect inflicted upon the 13-year-old dog.

Marley was discovered in a state of extreme malnutrition, covered in his own excrement, and suffering from a lack of proper care. The RSPCA conducted two welfare checks on the Gerlachs' property, first in December 2022 and again three months later, after a concerned member of the public raised alarms about the dog's condition. During these inspections, it was evident that Marley’s health had deteriorated drastically.

Initially, Kirsty Gerlach claimed she was giving Marley joint supplements to help with his age-related issues. The RSPCA inspector, Richard Carr, advised her to seek veterinary assistance if Marley showed signs of weakness or mobility problems. Despite this guidance, Marley’s condition worsened, prompting a follow-up visit. When inspector Carr returned with a council animal welfare officer, they found Marley in a dire state, confined to a dog crate in the kitchen, covered in his own waste, and exhibiting lethargy and reluctance to walk. His ribs and hips were prominently visible, indicating severe undernutrition.

Inspector Carr recounted that Marley’s health had significantly declined, with the dog losing control of his bowels. Kirsty Gerlach consented to having Marley taken to a veterinarian, but he was so unwell that he had to be carried away from the property by the council officer. The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that Marley was extremely underweight, with a body condition score of just two out of five, where five is considered ideal. The vet concluded that Marley’s weight loss was likely due to either an underlying medical condition that should have been treated or prolonged starvation, which had persisted for more than four weeks.

In court, the couple claimed they would have taken Marley to a vet if they had been advised to do so. However, their neglect resulted in Marley’s suffering and eventual euthanasia, which was deemed the most humane option by the vet.

As part of their sentencing, Kirsty Gerlach received 20 days of rehabilitation activity (RAR) and a fine of £40. Matthew Gerlach was sentenced to 15 RAR days and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were also ordered to pay costs amounting to £400 and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, they received a ten-year disqualification order from owning or caring for animals.

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals. The community and animal welfare organizations continue to emphasize the need for vigilance and prompt action when animal suffering is suspected, to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.