Man banned for keeping dogs for five years as pet was left to suffer

Kristian Beckett, 28, was sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates Court on March 12.

Beckett, of King Charles Avenue, had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one offence under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

RSPCA inspector Fiona Howell, who led the investigation, said: "I found Stella lying on a sheet outside on a wet patio. Her wet, dirty, matted coat was covered in fly eggs and maggots and a wound to her back was bleeding. She was aware that I was there as her eyes would follow me but she was unable to lift her head.

“I took her straight to RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Hospital that night where vet nurses carried her from my then maggot-infested van on a stretcher into the practice.

"An initial examination revealed Stella had multiple skin wounds on her back, some of which contained fly larvae. She also had inflamed ear canals with copious quantities of dark ear wax and reacted with pain when her back and legs were moved.

“Sadly the extent of Stella’s suffering and pain was so much that the vet advised it would be in her best interest to put her to sleep immediately.”

In addition to the five-year disqualification from keeping dogs, which Beckett cannot contest for three years, he was sentenced to an 18-month community order with a requirement to do 170 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

After the hearing, Inspector Howell added: “Sadly, necessary action was not taken in time – and Stella’s condition ultimately deteriorated significantly.

"Owning an animal is a privilege – but this man’s failure to ensure appropriate veterinary care meant that was clearly not appreciated in this case.”