CONVICTED (2018) | Son Van Huynh, born 20/08/1965, and Hai Huynh, born 02/02/1996, both of 11 Kildare Road, Nottingham NG3 3AF – for the severe neglect of three dogs, all of whom had to be euthanised Vietnamese nationals Son Van Huynh and his son Hai Huynh pleaded guilty to eight Animal Welfare Act offences between them, relating to the neglect of three dogs. The court heard that the RSPCA became involved in August 2017 after a neighbour contacted the animal welfare charity about a “high-pitched whining” which was coming from the garden of the house. When RSPCA inspector Susan Hammond arrived at the house, she found that the high-pitched whining was coming from a Japanese Akita dog, named Skye, who had collapsed and was covered in maggots. There was a second dog also in the garden, a German Shepherd called Gino, and a third dog, a shih tzu called Miko, was inside the house living in a poor environment. None of the dogs had access to an adequate supply of fresh water. Skye’s multiple wounds were infested with maggots. Inspector Hammond said: “Skye was in such a poor condition and had collapsed, she wasn’t able to stand at all. Her high-pitched crying was evident that she was suffering a great deal. She had open wounds on her body which were covered in maggots – her skin was rotting away and she was being eaten alive. Unforgivable neglect: Skye had to be immediately put to sleep on welfare grounds. “Myself and the vet who accompanied me on the visit to the house were really saddened by Skye’s state and she was put to sleep on humane grounds.” Gino and Miko were taken to a vets, where examination showed that Gino was suffering from tumours on his foot and anus. The vet made the difficult decision to put him to sleep on welfare grounds. Sadly, Miko was put to sleep by a vet after he was aggressive and attacked a member of staff at an RSPCA centre. “This is a very sad case which was the result of a long period of neglect. Hai was responsible for the dogs’ welfare while his dad was away, but they had already been suffering prior to this,” added Inspector Hammond. Warehouse worker Hai Huynh’s excuse for his callous cruelty towards three helpless dogs was that he was working on a dissertation as part of a degree course at Nottingham Trent University. Presiding magistrate Caroline Exton told the pair: “We find there was greater harm and higher culpability because of the death and suffering caused to the three animals over a very prolonged period of neglect. “You were both in a position of responsibility of care for these dogs. Both of you omitted to obtain veterinary care. You are equally culpable.” Although the animal ban was imposed without a finishing date, they could return to court and ask for it to be lifted. Sentencing: prison terms of 12 weeks, suspended for a year. They must each pay £150 towards the RSPCA’s costs as well as £115 government tax. The two men must spend 12 days of training with probation officers. Lifetime ban on keeping animals. Metro West Bridgford Wire