DOG OWNER FINED AFTER 10-YEAR-OLD SHAR PEI IS EUTHANISED OVER SEVERE SKIN CONDITION
A dog owner has received a two-year ban from keeping animals after his 10-year-old shar pei was discovered in a state so appalling she had to be euthanized.An RSPCA officer found Boo in a distressing condition, exhibiting "severe skin issues with hair loss over a large part of her body," which also resulted in thickened skin.
Concerns about Boo prompted a visit to her owner’s residence on Blackburn Avenue, Bridlington.
There, Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) James Dack observed that Boo was "very subdued" and "constantly scratching," according to Hull Live.
Dack expressed concern, stating: "I was immediately worried about Boo’s welfare.
She was in extreme discomfort, likely in pain, and, in my opinion, needed urgent veterinary attention." The vet who examined Boo toldScarborough Magistrates' Court: "It was immediately clear that Boo was suffering from severe skin disease.
The owner had reported...
that Boo had not seen a vet for years." "Boo exhibited widespread hair loss across most of her body.
Her skin was chronically thickened and pigmented in several areas.
She also had numerous sores and warty growths on her skin." Due to the grave nature of Boo's condition, it was sadly decided that euthanasia was in her best interest.
Samuel Grey, 38, the owner, pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence.
He was subsequently ordered to pay a £120 fine, a £48 victim surcharge, and £200 in costs upon appearing at Scarborough Magistrates' Court on May 29.
In his defense, the court was told that the neglect was unintentional and that Grey was battling mental health problems, which hampered his ability to care properly for Boo.
It was also disclosed that he had taken Boo to a vet but could not afford the prescribed treatment.
After the sentencing, ARO Dack commented: "Owning an animal is a privilege—providing proper care is a vital responsibility we hold.
Pets depend entirely on their owners to meet their needs and keep them safe and well.
If any owner is struggling to care for their animal, we urge them to seek help from a local charity or organization."
