Coventry man is banned from keeping animals for five years after dogs found in bad state

A COVENTRY man has been banned from keeping animals after his two dogs were found severely malnourished and scratching away their fur.

Darren Haywood, 37, of Chaloner Close, Bell Green, Coventry, was told he couldn’t own any animal for at least five years at Birmingham Magistrate’s Court.

His Staffordshire Bull Terriers - Tyson and Missy- were both suffering from untreated skin infections that meant they had scratched away at their own fur.

An RSPCA inspector who visited the home said the infection was so bad she could smell it.

And they had also been severely underfed, with their bones protruding through their skin.

Haywood was found guilty in his absence of three animal welfare offences at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

He was later arrested but failed to appear for a sentencing hearing.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was brought before the court for sentencing.

He was found guilty of two counts of causing unnecessary suffering in relation to Tyson, and one count of failing to ensure the needs of a dog, Missy, were met to the extent required.

At the sentencing hearing the court heard that Haywood had suffered financial hardship.

He was banned from keeping animals for five years, and given a 12-month community order requiring him to be electronically monitored for four months, with a curfew from 7pm to 7am.

He was also ordered to carry out a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £85.

The dogs were only rescued after a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA, the court heard.

Inspector Helen Smith, who was sent to the Coventry address to investigate.

The court was told she took them both to receive immediate veterinary care - and the vet said both animals had suffered unnecessarily.

A normal weight for a healthy, adult dog of this breed is 18 to 20kgs.

Tyson, aged eight, weighed just 14.5kgs while Missy, also eight, weighed 14.2.

Tyson was so thin his bones were protruding and both dogs were constantly scratching due to a severe skin infection which had caused hair loss.

Happily, both dogs have now recovered and it is hoped they will soon be rehomed.