CONVICTED (2022) | Michael Richard Martin, born 16 October 1984, of Hainton Avenue, Grimsby DN32 – failed to provide care and attention for two dogs kept in a filthy cage at his home. The dogs were kept in a cage with filthy rags for bedding. English bull terrier Bella was suffering from an untreated skin condition. Martin was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to English Bull Terrier Bella and and an American Bulldog cross called Spike. The dogs were discovered in the appalling conditions at Martin’s previous address in Eleanor Street, East Marsh on September 3, 2019. Both dogs needed urgent veterinary care and Bella needed her long nails trimming as she struggled to walk. Martin was convicted following a trial in his absence of causing unnecessary suffering to Bella by failing to provide the necessary veterinary care and attention for her skin condition and for failing to provide the necessary care and attention for her ingrowing nails. Bella’s nails curled into her pads causing her pain and discomfort and rendering her unable to walk properly. He also caused unnecessary suffering to Spike for failing to provide veterinary care and attention for his ear infection. Martin had denied four offences, including three of causing unnecessary suffering to his pet dogs by not getting them the medical treatment they needed. He faced a further charge of not providing a suitable environment. Prosecuting, Rachel Taylor said how Bella had a skin condition and her skin was red and sore looking with patches of fur loss on her legs, body and face. She was also slightly underweight. Her nails had been cut by a vet following her removal as they were curling round and had been protruding back into her pads making it very difficult for her to walk. Spike was very active and friendly but slightly overweight. He had been prescribed medication for an infection in his ears upon examination by a vet, following his removal. Spike had an untreated ear infection and was overweight. The prosecutor said the dogs were being kept in an East Marsh flat that was untidy and dirty. A cage at the flat had old dirty rags for bedding. A vet report stated it was “completely unsuitable for these animals to be housed in.” Both the dogs were removed from the home due to concerns for their welfare and were later signed over. The dogs were signed over into the care of the RSPCA and have since been rehomed to new families. In mitigation the defendant said he did not have time to look after the dogs due to work and had been let down by friends. Sentencing: 200 hours of unpaid work over 12 months; £895 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping all domestic pets for life. Grimsby Live