ROY BUSBY FROM BRIDGWATER FAILS TO SEEK VET CARE FOR ELDERLY DOG BINKS AFTER ATTACK

In Bridgwater, a serious case of neglect involving Roy Busby, born around 1959 and residing on Bath Road, has come to light. Busby was found guilty of failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment for his elderly dog, Binks, after the animal was severely injured in an attack by one of Busby’s nine dogs.

Despite owning a total of nine dogs, Busby was permitted to keep his other eight animals, but he neglected to seek prompt medical attention for Binks, who sustained grievous injuries during the attack. The failure to act swiftly resulted in the dog's suffering worsening over time, ultimately leading to the decision by a veterinarian to euthanize Binks due to the extent of his injuries.

Busby admitted that his neglect in providing timely veterinary care was a contributing factor to Binks’ suffering. The case drew attention to the responsibilities of pet owners, especially when dealing with elderly animals who require more attentive care. The RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths expressed her concern, stating, “Our pets are reliant on us and when an animal is injured, it’s an owner’s duty to ensure they receive the veterinary care they need. It’s heartbreaking to think not only did Binks endure painful injuries but that he was left to suffer without the care he deserved.”

During the court proceedings, Busby’s daughter, Emily Courtenay, defended her family’s actions, asserting that they did “everything in our power” to save Binks. She emphasized that if they had treated their animals badly, they would not have been allowed to keep their other eight dogs, implying that they cared for their pets despite the tragic outcome.

As a result of his actions, Roy Busby was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £225 in court costs. Importantly, the court did not impose a ban on keeping animals, allowing Busby to retain his other dogs despite the incident. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership in Bridgwater.