CONVICTED (2024) | Paul Ashley Wilde. born 1 January 1983, of Alderwood Close, Ormesby, Middlesbrough TS7 9PU – left his neglected elderly Staffy unattended in a bungalow littered with faeces, maggots and hundreds of empty lager cans Poppy, aged 14, had a number of untreated health issues and had endured long-term neglect at the hands of her alcoholic owner Paul Wilde. RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson went to Wilde’s property on November 9, 2023, after the charity received reports of an unattended dog. When she arrived she spoke to neighbours who told her that Wilde had been taken to hospital and the bungalow had been left unlocked so people could get in and out to attend to the dog. In her written evidence to the court the inspector said: “It was immediately obvious that the bungalow was in a terrible state. There were faeces and urine all over the floors which we couldn’t avoid standing on. There was also an enormous amount of rubbish everywhere and hundreds of beer cans piled up, especially in the living room of the property. “There were flies and maggots all over a takeaway container in the living room, no windows open to provide ventilation and a disgusting smell. There was no food or water down for the dog and I didn’t see any bowls. There was only a very dirty mop bucket full of brown liquid which was not suitable for the dog to drink.” Poppy was found in the house and followed the inspector outside. She had long claws on her paws and staining around the eyes. A black, smelly discharge was coming from both ear canals which looked infected and caused her to pull away when they were touched, the court was told. Concerned by her poor health and conditions inside the property, the inspector called the police to assist. Poppy was removed and subsequently placed into the care of an RSPCA fosterer while the charity investigated the incident. The dog was examined at a vet later that day who diagnosed her with a chronic ear infection, dental disease and irritated eyes. She was put on medication and subsequently needed her ear canals flushed out and several teeth extracted. In mitigation, the court was told the case had been a ‘wake up call’ for Wilde who had sought help for his drink addiction and had successfully completed rehabilitation and was now alcohol free. After she was found, Poppy was cared for in an RSPCA foster home and enjoyed life for almost a year. Sadly she developed mammary tumours and other age-related health problems and the decision was made by a vet to put her to sleep to prevent further suffering. Wilde pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following the investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. Speaking after the case had concluded, Inspector Wilson said: “Poppy was an elderly dog who needed extra special care in her twilight years, but she was living in a disgusting environment that wasn’t fit for humans or animals and her health issues hadn’t been addressed. I’m so glad she was signed over and got to enjoy life in a loving and comfortable foster home while we waited for this case to conclude.” Sentencing | lifetime ban on keeping any animal. TeessideLive