PAUL SMITH FROM NORTH SHIELDS CONVICTED OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT CASE

In a case that has shocked the local community of North Shields, Paul Smith, born around 1955 and residing at Percy Court, was found guilty of multiple animal welfare violations. The court heard how Smith had failed to provide proper care for his pets, which included two Bichon Frise dogs named Bobby and Molly, as well as a Chinese water dragon named Charlie, all kept at his residence in Percy Court.

In January 2023, the RSPCA intervened after receiving reports of neglect and conducted a thorough investigation into the conditions of the animals. The rescue team discovered the pets in a deplorable state, with Bobby, aged seven, suffering from severe dental disease that necessitated the removal of 14 teeth. Molly, who was eleven years old, was found with a coat so badly matted that her movement caused her pain, and she was unable to see out of her left eye. The conditions of the dogs indicated a prolonged period of neglect, with their fur covered in faeces and their overall health severely compromised.

Additionally, the RSPCA officers found the Chinese water dragon, Charlie, in a vivarium within the same property. The reptile exhibited signs of injury, including a missing portion of his tail and an abnormality in his upper jaw and nose area. Smith claimed that Charlie was unable to see the glass of his enclosure and kept hitting it, which suggested a lack of proper care and attention. The officer, Heather Wade, noted that the environment was extremely unhygienic, with a pervasive unpleasant smell throughout the house, which was described as run-down, messy, and covered in brown grime. The property lacked flooring in key areas, further emphasizing the neglect.

During the investigation, Smith was unable to recall when the dogs last received veterinary or grooming care, citing 'functional memory loss.' The neglect was evident, and the animals' suffering was apparent to the rescuers. Bobby responded well to treatment and was able to recover under the care of the RSPCA. However, due to the severity of their conditions, Molly and Charlie were humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering. Molly had been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and was no longer eating, with tests revealing declining kidney function. Charlie suffered from severe mouth rot affecting his nose and jaw, both upper and lower, on both sides.

Following the case, RSPCA inspector Helen Bestwick, who led the investigation, expressed her concern: “All three animals were clearly in a terrible and unacceptable state, and this would have been obvious to their owner for months, yet veterinary help had not been sought. It’s imperative that people reach out and ask for support at an early stage, rather than letting animals suffer unnecessary neglect in circumstances like this.”

Smith was sentenced to a suspended eight-week prison term and was banned from keeping dogs and reptiles for two years, with the ban set to expire in April 2025. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare awareness and the need for timely intervention to prevent such tragic neglect from occurring again in North Shields.