MICHAEL HAMMOND FROM BASINGSTOKE CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Michael Hammond, a resident of Westray Close, South View, Basingstoke, was found guilty in 2019 of multiple offences related to the welfare of his two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier named Bowser. The court heard that Hammond's neglect had left Bowser in a dire state, living in extremely unhygienic and hazardous conditions that posed serious health risks.

Bowser was discovered in a flat that was heavily contaminated with dog feces, indicating a severe level of neglect. The animal was severely underweight, with a body condition that revealed ribs and hip bones protruding through his skin. At the time of rescue, Bowser weighed only 13 kilograms, a stark contrast to his healthy weight, which increased to 16.3 kilograms within just two weeks after being provided with a proper diet.

The investigation, carried out by RSPCA Inspector Jan Edwards, revealed that between April 1, 2019, and May 1, 2019, Hammond failed to take reasonable steps to meet Bowser’s basic needs. The inspector described the dog's condition as alarming, stating, “Bowser was severely underweight, I could see his ribs and hip bones through the skin, he was not the weight he should be for his age or breed type, and when I touched him I could feel his bones easily under his skin.”

Following the findings, Hammond was brought before the court and sentenced to pay a fine of £275. Additionally, he received a one-year ban from owning any dogs, a measure intended to prevent further neglect or cruelty towards animals in his care. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from abuse and neglect.