PHILIP ROBERTSON BANNED FOR LIFE AFTER CRUELTY TO ELDERLY BOLTON DOG

In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, Philip Alexander Robertson, a resident of Bolton, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his elderly dog, Sacha, leading to severe health deterioration and her eventual euthanasia. Robertson, born around 1974 and living at 94 Withins Drive, Breightmet, was convicted in 2023 after neglecting to seek veterinary care for his aging pet, who was suffering from extreme malnutrition and illness.

On January 3, 2023, RSPCA animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce responded to welfare concerns raised about a dog at Robertson’s address. Upon arrival, she was met by a man who was not the owner but was allowed inside and taken upstairs to the flat. There, she discovered Sacha, a brindle crossbreed, lying on an old coat in the kitchen. The dog was in a dire state, with her body so emaciated that every bone was clearly visible from a distance. Her condition was alarming; her legs buckled when she attempted to stand, and she was unable to walk more than a few steps.

Sacha exhibited multiple signs of neglect, including discharge from her eyes and ears, coughing, and difficulty breathing. The veterinarian who examined her at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital confirmed her critical condition. She was suffering from severe weight loss, with her ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones prominently visible. Her vital signs indicated increased heart and respiratory rates, an enlarged left kidney, and labored breathing, known as dyspnoea. The vet noted that her condition had worsened overnight, with her struggling even more to breathe and vomiting a coffee-ground substance, which is indicative of internal bleeding. Blood was also present in her feces.

Given her deteriorating health and ongoing suffering, the veterinary team decided that euthanasia was the most humane option. Since Robertson had not made any contact to address her condition, police were authorized to proceed with the euthanasia on welfare grounds. The vet testified that Sacha had likely endured weeks, if not longer, of suffering, and her physical and mental distress was undeniable. The veterinarian emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought urgent veterinary care once noticing her decline, especially given her weakness and respiratory distress. The failure to do so was deemed neglectful and unacceptable.

During police interviews, Robertson, who works as a landscape gardener, claimed he always left plenty of food for Sacha, but she refused to eat. He admitted he could not afford to take her to a vet and explained that he had not sought help because he was always working and lacked credit on his phone. Despite these excuses, he maintained that he believed he had done all he could for her.

Magistrates sentenced Robertson to a 12-month prison term, suspended for one year, and imposed a lifetime ban on keeping any animals. The court acknowledged the severity of the neglect, stating that Sacha had been left to die under 'unmentionable circumstances.' However, they considered Robertson’s lack of previous convictions and his employment status when deciding on the sentence.

Following the hearing, RSPCA inspector Deborah Beats expressed her sorrow over the case. She highlighted that Sacha, as an elderly and vulnerable dog, deserved proper care and attention in her final years. She stressed the importance of regular veterinary check-ups for senior pets to detect health issues early. Inspector Beats urged pet owners facing financial difficulties to seek help, noting that many organizations are available to provide support. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglect and the need for responsible pet ownership in Bolton and beyond.