SHAUN MUSSON FROM CHESTERFIELD SENTENCED FOR STARVING DOG MAXIE IN DERBYSHIRE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Shaun Musson, born on March 25, 1992, and residing on Chaucer Road, Newbold, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier named Maxie. The incident, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, revealed the severe neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the defenseless dog.

According to court proceedings, Musson admitted to the charges, which detailed how he had starved Maxie to the point of extreme emaciation. The RSPCA inspector Rachel Leafe, who was responsible for rescuing Maxie, provided harrowing details of the dog's condition upon arrival at the veterinary clinic. She described Maxie as being so weak that he struggled to ascend the stairs at the vet’s office, stumbling and stopping frequently because of his frail state. The inspector noted that Maxie’s legs lacked muscle tone entirely, a clear sign of prolonged malnutrition and neglect.

Further examination revealed that Maxie’s weight was alarmingly low at just 11 kilograms, whereas a healthy Staffordshire bull terrier of his size should typically weigh around 18 kilograms. The inspector explained that Musson claimed the dog had lost weight due to stress, attributing it to his owner’s change in routine—going from being at home constantly to working 40 hours a week. However, the evidence pointed to a different reality: Maxie’s suffering was primarily due to inadequate feeding and neglect.

Inspector Leafe vividly described Maxie’s appearance as resembling a skeleton covered in fur, with every bone visible through his thin frame. She also highlighted a painful condition involving an overgrown claw curling into his paw pad, which would have caused him significant discomfort and pain. The case was brought to public attention after a concerned member of the community contacted the RSPCA upon witnessing Maxie’s condition.

Following his rescue, Maxie was placed in the care of the RSPCA and was made available for rehoming once he recovered. The court sentenced Shaun Musson to a 12-week prison term, which was suspended for 12 months, along with a fine of £300 to cover costs. Additionally, Musson was disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that will remain in effect until July 2027. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Derbyshire.