Suffolk man receives dog ban after cutting off puppies' tails on Norfolk farm
Daniel Eldridge from Glemsford also neglected to get medical help for his terrier Spud, who suffered painful jaw injuries likely caused by a badger.
A man from Suffolk has been sentenced after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a terrier at a farm in Norfolk, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
Daniel Eldridge, of Tye Green, Glemsford, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at Norwich Magistrates Court on Friday (12 September).
The court heard how a male Patterdale terrier in his care, named Spud, sustained severe injuries to his lower jaw, consistent with bite wounds from a large mammal, such as a badger.
Eldridge had failed to seek appropriate vet care for the dog on two occasions - between 1st and 4th December 2021 and 11th and 15th January 2023 - while at a farm in Marshland St James, Wisbech.
An expert witness vet said that mobile phone messages and images sent by Eldridge suggested the dogs had been used in hunting activities that involved digging - referring to “dogs being dug”.
Further video and messaging evidence also showed that Eldridge had illegally docked the tails of six puppies, a procedure only permitted in England under strict veterinary and working dog exemptions.
Eldridge was sentenced to a 12 month community order, which includes 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and 120 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £1000 in costs, and banned from owning dogs for two years.
The RSPCA say Spud has since recovered from his injuries and has been rehomed by the RSPCA.