SIMON SHORT & LEANNE WRIGHT

Short and Wright, formerly residing on Middleborough Road in Coventry CV1, faced prosecution by the RSPCA concerning a Cane Corso-type dog named Sofia, who was discovered in a severely emaciated state.

In May 2024, inspectors visited the couple’s Coventry residence following reports raising welfare concerns about a dog living there.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones stated: “During the visit, I met a woman who is now identified as Miss Leanne Wright, and a man who is now known as Mr Simon Short.

They presented me with an adult female dog called Sofia, described as a dark brindle Cane Corso-type breed.

Sofia’s ribs, spine, and pelvis were clearly visible.” The couple explained to the inspector that they had received Sofia from drug dealers around eight weeks prior, unaware that she was pregnant until she gave birth to a litter of eight puppies.

All but one puppy were sold by the couple, with the remaining one they kept.

The inspector observed that while the puppy was in decent health, Sofia’s condition raised concern.

After agreeing to transfer her to the RSPCA, she was taken to Newbrook Farm Animal Hospital for evaluation.

A veterinarian at the hospital found Sofia to be “extremely underweight,” assigning her a body condition score of just 1 out of 9.

The vet noted that while dogs can lose condition when nursing puppies, they should be fed a higher-calorie diet, and Sofia’s score was abnormally low.

It was estimated that Sofia had lost around 15 percent of her body weight and had endured unnecessary suffering for at least two weeks, likely longer, due to starvation.

The vet explained: “To have lost 15 percent of her initial, ideal weight suggests she was totally starved for at least 2-3 weeks, though she might have been partially restricted from food for an even longer period.” The conclusion was that both owners failed to take reasonable steps to prevent her pain, suffering, injury, and disease by not providing proper nutrition.

They should have sought veterinary advice and fed her appropriately.

Following a feeding plan, Sofia’s condition improved within weeks.

Both individuals pleaded guilty to violations under the Animal Welfare Act.

Sentencing details: Short received an 18-month community order including 20 days of rehabilitation and 100 hours of unpaid work, along with costs of £350 and a £114 victim surcharge.

Wright also received an 18-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation, a £180 fine, £350 in costs, and the same victim surcharge.

Additionally, both faces a 10-year ban on keeping any animals, effective until July 2035.