Dog Mickey 'starved in total squalor' by Cottingham couple

UNITED KINGDOM -- A COUPLE have been banned from keeping dogs for life after leaving their pet in "total squalor". Inspectors from the RSPCA have said cross-breed Mickey was left in some of the worst conditions they have ever seen.

Jane Jackson and John Aldus's house in Cottingham was covered in dirt and littered with rubbish.

Mickey was found by the RSPCA locked in a kitchen without bedding, food or water. He was severely underweight.

Inspector Hannah Bryer, who raided the property in Millhouse Woods Lane, said: "Aldus and Jackson deprived their dog Mickey of the very basic provisions, leaving him starving, dehydrated and living in total squalor.

"On arrival, I observed a large amount of rubbish and discarded house hold belongings inn the garden. The property itself looked dilapidated, with broken window panes and rotting wooden frames.

"Inside I could hear a dog whimpering. When I went inside, the smell was awful. The floor was damp and felt as if the floor boards were rotting underneath the carpet. The living environment for this dog was appalling and did not meet his needs.

"I am pleased the court have recognised that this couple should be banned from keeping dogs for the rest of their lives."

Emaciated Mickey was about 4kg underweight when he was found.

During his 11-days at Swanbridge Veterinary Hospital, he put on 2.8kg.

Miss Bryer said: "When we arrived, the dog appeared to be extremely thirsty. He became frantic when the water tap was turned on and drank readily when water was offered.

"He was also observed to be very hungry when food was offered."

Aldus, 44, and Jackson, 47, both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Mickey when they appeared at Beverley Magistrates' Court.

The court heard that a veterinary surgeon said: "His ribs, hips and spine were easily palpable with very little fat or muscle coverage. His coat smelt strongly of faeces and urine.

"Blood samples were taken, the results of which revealed changes consistent with dehydration and malnutrition. He was treated with intravenous fluids, a course of antibiotics, vitamin injections and the provision of a suitable diet including fresh drinking water.

"He was incredibly thirsty and hungry."

Aldus was given a six-month community order, including a requirement to take part in the Chance2Change programme. He must also pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Jackson must complete 120 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order. She must also pay £200 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

(Hull Daily Mail -October 21, 2013)