Barnsley man handed lifetime animal ban after sick dog left tied to a tree
He's also been given a suspended prison sentence
A Barnsley man has been handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals and a suspended jail sentence after leaving his dog tied to a tree on a cold night.
34 year old Christopher Steven Davison, of High Street in Dodworth, abandoned German Shepherd Snowy in Rabbit Ings Country Park, where she was later found in an emaciated condition by a dog walker.
She was taken to the vets but it was later determined it was in her best interests to be put to sleep.
Barnsley Magistrates Court heard Davison had failed to seek treatment for a blocked intestine and that Snowy was also kept in filthy conditions.
In mitigation, it was said Davison “loved” Snowy “for many years” but struggled to look after her following a relationship breakdown and mental health issues.
Davison admitted failing to take reasonable steps to ensure her needs were met.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Lynsey Harris said: “People who own pets or look after them have a duty to provide proper food and water, a suitable living space and when they are sick, veterinary treatment.
“It is cruel, neglectful and totally unacceptable for them to ignore these needs. It is also against the law and anyone who fails to do this is liable to be prosecuted.
“The court heard that Snowy was weak and thin, and really did deserve better than to be left out all night in the cold, tied to a tree, in that condition.
“I’d like to thank those kind members of the public who tried to help Snowy and provided the evidence needed to allow us to bring this successful prosecution.
“If people are struggling, support, advice and financial assistance is always available from the RSPCA or other organisations.”