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CONVICTED: Was justice served?
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Case #17971 Rating: 2.0 out of 5
Monday, Nov 1, 2010
Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available
Defendant/Suspect: David Fredrick Wilson
A MAN who starved a dog for so long that it tried to gnaw into metal cans of dog food has been banned from keeping animals.
David Fredrick Wilson's German Shepherd called Stacy was found weighing just 15kg - half her optimum weight, a court heard.
Hartlepool Magistrates' Court heard how Stacy was abandoned by Wilson after he moved in with a new girlfriend whose child was allergic to dogs.
She was found in Thirlby Close, Middlesbrough in squalid conditions.
Neil Taylor, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said Stacy was subjected to "serious long-term suffering".
He said: "David Wilson starved his dog to emaciation.
"It would have taken at least four weeks for the dog to reach that condition if food had been totally withheld and considerably longer if some food had been provided.
"She would have suffered nausea, weakness, sleep disturbance and would have been more susceptible to the cold.
"The house was covered in animal faeces and smelled strongly of urine. And the dog had chewed through aluminium tins in a desperate attempt to eat."
The police officer who found Stacy in November last year said the conditions were the worst he had ever seen and to leave a pet in such an environment was "unthinkable".
Within two weeks of being under the care of the RSPCA, Stacy had gained over 5kg in weight.
She made a full recovery and has now been rehomed.
Wilson, 36, now of Penrith Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty, and was banned from keeping animals for 15 years.
Defending, John Relton said Wilson was of previous good character.
Mr Relton said: "He has said 'I have done wrong, I am sorry and I must face my punishment."
Wilson also received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, an unpaid work requirement of 240 hours and was ordered to pay £400 costs.
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