SIMON MOYNES FROM CHATHAM CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG WITH GRAPEFRUIT-SIZED TUMOUR IN KENT

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Simon Moynes, a resident of Chatham, has been found guilty of severe cruelty towards his elderly dog, Cassie, who was left to suffer with a large, ulcerated tumour and other untreated health issues. The incident came to light in January 2023 when the RSPCA responded to reports of a dog in distress at Moynes' address on 26 Pimpernel Way, Chatham ME5 0SF.

Upon arrival, inspectors discovered Cassie in a deplorable state. The dog was subdued, covered in urine stains, and visibly underweight, with ribs protruding sharply through her skin. An inspector described the scene, stating, “I immediately noted a strong smell of urine and infection coming from Cassie. She appeared extremely lethargic and subdued.”

During the inspection, Moynes placed Cassie on the floor, revealing further details of her suffering. The dog was extremely weak, with fur loss across her mid to lower back and down her legs, and was involuntarily dripping urine. Flea dirt and live fleas were evident on her back, indicating a severe infestation. Cassie could only stand briefly before collapsing, her legs trembling with weakness.

Most concerning was a large, open, ulcerated mass on her front left leg near the elbow, approximately the size of a grapefruit. The mass was oozing pus and blood, emitting a strong, foul smell indicative of a severe infection. Additionally, a smaller, similarly ulcerated mass was present on her abdomen, also oozing pus and blood. The inspector noted that Cassie was in a state of advanced neglect, with her condition having gone untreated for an extended period.

When questioned, Moynes admitted that Cassie had not been taken to a veterinarian since before 2020. He explained that the COVID-19 lockdown prevented him from securing veterinary appointments, according to the RSPCA. Despite her condition, Moynes agreed to allow the inspector to take Cassie to a vet for urgent treatment.

Veterinary assessment confirmed the severity of her suffering. The vet's statement revealed that Cassie had endured approximately 18 months of pain and neglect, which could have been mitigated had she received timely medical attention. The large masses on her body caused significant pain, with rotting tissue and severe infection. Her anemia was so advanced that she was extremely lethargic, with shortness of breath upon examination.

The vet explained that Cassie had likely been suffering from anemia for up to six months due to her untreated conditions. Her emaciation and muscle wastage rendered her unable to stand or walk, as she was too weak and in constant pain. The size and extent of her tumours made surgical removal impossible; removing them would have required amputation of her entire front leg, a procedure she could not have survived due to her compromised health and the risks associated with anesthesia.

In court, Moynes expressed remorse for his neglect, citing mental health issues as a mitigating factor. He acknowledged that he should have sought veterinary care for Cassie earlier and showed significant remorse for his actions.

The court sentenced Moynes to an 18-month community order, which includes 180 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. Additionally, he received a ten-year ban from owning or caring for any animals, reflecting the severity of his neglect and the need to prevent future incidents.