Rioen Shorthouse Animal Abuser in Birmingham

In 2010, two brothers-in-law received a three-month prison sentence after being found guilty of keeping six dogs in extremely poor conditions without access to food or water.

Gary Brighton, 41, of Reservoir Road, Rowley Regis, and Rioen Shorthouse, 22, from Windmill Lane in Smethwick, appeared before Warley Magistrates' Court and were subsequently jailed.

The court was informed that one of the dogs was near death and required eight days of veterinary care.

The men had admitted to 15 charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to their animals, covering the period from May 30 to June 30 of the previous year.

The RSPCA investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip-off.

District Judge Michael Wheeler sentenced each man to 12 weeks in jail.

Prosecutor Nick Sutton described the scene upon inspection, noting loud barking and five animals in dire health, with one collapsed and barely able to move.

Brighton, who is married to Shorthouse's sister, and Shorthouse jointly cared for the dogs.

Defense lawyer Ranjit Bains stated Brighton acknowledged his failure to fulfill his responsibilities, while Shorthouse admitted he should have done more.

Both men were also prohibited from caring for any animals for five years and ordered to pay costs of £500.