RICHARD SERL FROM DUDLEY JAILED FOR CRUELTY TO IRISH SETTER PUPPIES ON CANAL BOAT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Richard Serl, a resident of Dudley, was found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to four Irish setter puppies kept on his canal boat near Dunns Bridge in Bumble Hole. The investigation was initiated in August 2019 after concerns were raised about the welfare of the dogs living in what can only be described as deplorable conditions.

Inspector Vicki Taylor from the RSPCA responded to the call and visited Serl’s boat on the Dudley Canal. Upon arrival, she found that no one was present at the scene, but her attention was immediately drawn to the four puppies inside. The animals were confined in a damp, dirty environment, surrounded by flies, and appeared to be in a state of neglect. The inspector observed that the puppies were visibly underweight, with their ribs, spines, and hips easily felt through their thin bodies. The conditions inside the boat were unsanitary, with wet surfaces and a significant fly infestation, indicating a lack of proper care and hygiene.

Following her initial visit, Inspector Taylor contacted Serl and advised him to clean the area thoroughly and to seek veterinary attention if any of the puppies showed signs of illness. Despite this, when she returned for a follow-up inspection, the situation had not improved. The puppies remained underweight, and their physical condition was more alarming. The inspector noted that the puppies’ long bones, pelvic prominences, and other skeletal features were prominently visible, and there was little to no body fat detectable. The animals also appeared unusually quiet, which raised further concerns about their health and well-being.

Subsequently, the puppies were taken to a veterinarian for a thorough examination. The vet confirmed that all four puppies were underweight due to inadequate diet and poor living conditions. The veterinary report detailed that the puppies’ bones were easily palpable, and their overall body condition was severely compromised. The lack of proper nutrition and care was evident, and the vet emphasized that puppies require a specific diet tailored to their growth needs, which Serl had failed to provide.

Despite the evidence, Serl did not attend court to face the charges. He was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting the needs of protected animals. His absence in court led to a conviction in his absence. The court proceedings highlighted the severity of the neglect, and the judge handed down a sentence that included an 18-month community order and a financial penalty of £840. Additionally, Serl was banned from keeping animals for 20 years, although he has the right to appeal this ban after 10 years.

Inspector Taylor expressed her concerns about the case, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership. She stated, “Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege — and ensuring appropriate diet and essential veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets. Puppies require a specific diet for their age to allow them to grow and put on weight.” She also noted that during the six weeks the puppies were under the care of the RSPCA, their condition improved significantly, with weight gain and better health. She concluded by warning that responsible owners would have increased the food intake and sought veterinary advice if the puppies were not gaining weight as expected, underscoring the importance of proper care and attention in animal ownership.