Case Snapshot
Case ID: 15150
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008


Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Michael McCall

Chris Towler issued the warning after magistrates banned a Carlisle man from keeping animals for two years because he allowed his terrier to suffer a chronic skin condition for months.

The dog, called Scally, suffered so much pain and discomfort it was left depressed, the court heard.

When asked why he had not sought proper treatment for his pet, owner Michael McCall, of Petteril Terrace, said: "I'm sick of paying for treatment."

At an earlier hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to causing the terrier bitch unnecessary suffering.

The court was told how in July last year an RSPCA inspector visited McCall to check on the condition of his two pet dogs, both terriers.

One of the animals was fine but Scally was suffering from the skin condition, which left her very smelly and partially bald.

Asked about the dog, the defendant confirmed he had last taken the animal to the vet in September 2007.

He explained that he had applied a Tea Tree paste in an attempt to treat the condition but it was not a treatment supervised by any vet.

Asked why he had not taken Scally to the vet, he said: "It's something we live with. It doesn't get any better. I am sick of paying for treatment."

As it was being examined on a vet's table, Scally simply lay still, showing no interest in her surroundings.

Yet after proper treatment, her weight rose from 5.4 kgs to 9.7 kgs, and her personality was transformed.

Prosecutor Peter Sharpe said: "The dog was reexamined on October 23 and it appeared bright, relaxed, and comfortable. It was in good condition."

Geoff Lockerbie, for McCall, said McCall, who was going through a difficult time when Scally's condition came to light, felt deeply sorry for what happened.

He had not simply ignored his dog's condition, said the lawyer.

Magistrates also ruled that McCall should hand over his second dog within seven days, imposed 60 hours unpaid work and ordered that he pay £200 of the RSPCA's £1,928 costs.

References

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