PAUL WHITEHEAD FROM SCUNTHORPE CONVICTED OVER DOG NEGLECT CASE IN LINCOLNSHIRE

Paul Whitehead, born around 1972 and residing on Ravendale Street South in Scunthorpe, was convicted in 2020 of failing to seek veterinary care for his severely ill dog.

The dog, an eight-year-old Yorkie/poodle cross named Tootsie, was so gravely ill that veterinarians feared euthanasia was the only option when RSPCA officers brought her in March 2019. The court heard that Whitehead admitted to causing pain and suffering to Tootsie by neglecting to get her proper veterinary treatment.

Rachel Taylor, prosecuting, explained that Whitehead's former partner contacted the RSPCA after noticing Tootsie’s condition. RSPCA inspector Kate Burris took the dog to a veterinarian, where it was discovered that her weight had plummeted from 7.6kg to just 3.9kg. The vets recommended putting Tootsie down due to her severe illness, which prevented her from digesting food properly because of a disease affecting her enzymes.

Despite suffering from a disease that led her to excrete blood, Whitehead had failed to obtain suitable treatment, although he had attempted to feed her. Tootsie died three days after the vet visit, having endured significant pain.

An investigation by the RSPCA followed, during which Whitehead was interviewed. Previous veterinary care records indicated Tootsie had been a “chunky” dog. Inspectors also examined Whitehead’s two other dogs, Chester and Ziggy, which were confirmed to be in reasonable health.

The court was informed that Whitehead suffers from multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder. A report from a probation officer revealed that he had been targeted by vandals who branded him a “paedo” and vandalized his property. The report stated: “He admits he did not give enough attention to the dog and he is sorry. Dogs are his life.”

Peter Cruickshank, representing Whitehead, stated: “Mr Whitehead loves his dogs. He had loved his dog for six years. It suffered from a pancreatic disease. This is not a case of deliberate neglect or suffering. He accepts he did not do enough. He wishes he had done more. He is sorry and misses Tootsie.”

Cruickshank added that Whitehead had recently broken up with his partner and was experiencing emotional turmoil. He also noted that Whitehead had owned dogs for 20 years previously.

He explained: “He gave well-intentioned but incompetent treatment. It is an isolated incident. He is at a low risk of harm and has a long history of responsible dog ownership. It is a sad case; he was overwhelmed by his condition.”

Whitehead was permitted to keep his other dogs, Chester and Ziggy, as there was no evidence of neglect. The magistrates concluded there was insufficient evidence to restrict his ability to care for dogs in the future.

The sentencing included a 12-month community supervision order with a 12-week curfew, and Whitehead was ordered to pay costs of £500.