A man and woman from Norfolk banned from keeping animals for a total of 30 years
It's after a young dogs ear was illegally cropped. Leaving the puppy suffering from infected wounds
A man and woman from Norfolk have been banned from keeping animals for a total of 30 years.
It's after a young dogs ear was illegally cropped. Leaving the puppy suffering from infected wounds.
James Musk of Windmill Green, Ditchingham, and Megan Caston from Barley Close, Harleston pleaded guilty to separate charges of two animal welfare offences and causing unnecessary suffering.
As well as the 20 year ban on keeping animals, magistrates handed Musk a total sentence 20 week suspended sentence for 12 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and he was ordered to pay £250 towards costs and £154 surcharge.
While Caston was given a 10 year ban and was handed an eight-week sentence suspended for a year and ordered to pay 250 court costs and £154 victim surcharge.
"I am pleased to say Ocean is doing very well"
RSPCA Inspector Dean Astillberry attended this incident after obtaining a vet certificate supporting the dogs removal and showing she was suffering:
"Ear cropping is a horrific immoral, unnecessary and repulsive practice which has absolutely no benefits for the dogs and can cause them lifelong health, behavioural and social problems
“This is done purely for cosmetic purposes. We would urge the public and anyone looking to buy a puppy to remember this is an illegal procedure, which has a hugely negative impacts for the dogs themselves.
“I am pleased to say Ocean is doing very well and is thriving in her foster home and we would like to thank the Norfolk police officers for all their help and support with this case.”
"Should discourage anybody considering this procedure”
A spokesperson for Norfolk police said:
“In February 2022 Norfolk Police carried out a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act with the RSPCA, where puppy Ocean was seized and taken into care. Ocean was not microchipped, was unregistered, and had had her ears recently cut off to the base.
“Her wounds were infected and had ineffective stitching, showing the illegal practice to have been conducted without any appropriate skill or aftercare.
“Collaborative working between the police and the RSPCA led to a successful prosecution of the owners and should discourage anybody considering this procedure.”