SIMON AND SARAH JANE SHERMAN FROM DEVIZES SENTENCED AFTER DOGS FOUND IN HORRIFIC CONDITION

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Devizes, Simon and Sarah Jane Sherman faced justice after their neglect led to the suffering and eventual death of one of their dogs. The incident came to light in March 2019 when RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson discovered two collie dogs, Laddie and Milo, in a deplorable state within their residence on Waiblingen Way, SN10 2BP.

Inspector Albinson’s examination revealed the severe neglect that had taken place. Laddie was found lying in a green plastic dog bed on the kitchen floor, surrounded by a small, dirty cushion and a wet, filthy blanket. The dog’s condition was appalling; he was extremely underweight, with prominent hip bones, ribs, and spine clearly visible. His fur was completely absent from his back end, and he exhibited signs of a painful condition called paraphimosis, which prevented him from retracting his penis, leaving it dry and inflamed. The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that Laddie was in such a dire state that he was humanely euthanized to end his suffering.

Milo, the other collie, was also found in a neglected condition. His coat was sticky, greasy, and dirty, and the inspector could feel that he was similarly underweight. The neglect was evident and deeply concerning, prompting immediate action from authorities.

Simon Sherman took to Facebook to express his discontent following the court’s decision, claiming that he and his wife, Sarah Sherman, were “well screwed over in court.” Despite his protests, the court’s verdict was clear. The Shermans were found guilty of failing to provide proper care for their dogs, which included neglecting their health and basic needs. As a result, they were both banned from keeping animals for life, a measure intended to prevent any future incidents of neglect.

The court sentenced Simon Sherman to 250 hours of community service and ordered him to pay a total of £335 in costs and charges. Sarah Jane Sherman was also fined, with her costs and charges amounting to £230. The case has sparked widespread concern about animal welfare in the Devizes area, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable animals.

This tragic case underscores the devastating consequences of neglect and the critical role of animal welfare organizations in protecting those who cannot speak for themselves. The community continues to mourn the loss of Laddie and hopes that Milo’s recovery will serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion and responsibility towards pets.