Owner faces jail over dog cruelty

Wednesday’s hearing at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court heard how Luke Thompson  caused unnecessary suffering to two Sharpei-type dogs, Miller and Sasha.

The court heard that Thomspon failed to provide the animals with an adequate diet.

He had also failed to give veterinary attention to an American bulldog which died as a result of dehydration.

District Judge for Rotherham, Mr John Foster, said: “I have to take a serious view of these offences and I’m not ruling out the possibility of a prison sentence.” 

Mr Brian Osborne, prosecuting, told the court how RSPCA inspector Leanne Booth had gone to a vacant property on Warwick Street, Rotherham, in October last year and found the two Sharpeis who were said to be close to being emaciated.

The court also heard how she found the dead bulldog behind the curtains of the same property.

A report from the RSPCA, which was read out in court, said that the bulldog had been dead for at least two days before it was discovered.

The dog was extremely thin and a blockage had been found inside its intestine, which had caused the dog to dehydrate.

In a statement read out in court by Mr Osborne, Thompson, of Morley Road, Doncaster, said: “If I didn’t have enough money for food.”

I just used to leave water down for them.”

Mr Jones, mitigating, told the judge: “I think it's important that you know Mr Thompson has suffered in this life with learning difficulties, so it's a possibility that because of this, he was ignorant to the condition of the animals.”

Thompson, who admitted causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of the dogs by failing to provide necessary veterinary attention, was granted unconditional bail and the case was adjourned for sentencing on May 10.