 |
| Otis Cann-Smith |
As previously reported, Otis Cann-Smith’s emaciated dog, named Bojo, was seized from his home on Mullet Bay Road in St George’s by SPCA officers on November 16, 2011.
Bojo has been housed at the Paget facility ever since.
Mr Cann Smith denied causing the animal to suffer, saying Bojo suffered from unexplained periods of weight loss and gain and “I did everything I could for my dog.”
Vet Neil Burnie, who gave evidence for the prosecution, said the dog’s pelvis, skull and ribs were clearly visible when he examined him.
He said Bojo was “markedly underweight” — scoring just one out of five on a body condition test — and suffering from pressure sores.
Bojo weighed 58.6 pounds when he was seized, but put on 9.4 pounds in two weeks when cared for by the SPCA.
Dr Burnie said: "This was a weight gain of 16 percent, equivalent to an adult like myself gaining 25 pounds [IN TWO WEEKS' TIME].”
Prosecutor Geoffrey Faiella said the fact that Mr Cann Smith never took the dog to the vet caused him unnecessary pain and suffering.
 |
| Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo |
However, Mr Tokunbo cleared Mr Cann Smith of the charge on Friday, saying the prosecutor had not proved the charge.
SPCA Inspector Glyn Roberts said he is meeting with the prosecutor today to see if there are grounds for an appeal.
(Royal Gazette - Dec 20, 2012)
