Man escapes jail term after dogs found in shocking state
A man has been disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years and given a suspended jail term after dogs he kept were found in “disgusting” conditions.
Kieron Wade, 22, appeared before South Shields Magistrates’ Court following an RSPCA investigation.
Four dogs – two terrier types and two lurcher types – were discovered when a warrant was executed at his home in Coalbank Road, Moorsley, near Hetton, in April this year.
One of the dogs – a terrier called Musto – had severe injuries to his face and jaw, consistent with having been used for hunting, and the dogs were all living in “disgusting” conditions.
RSPCA chief inspector Mark Gent said: “These dogs were living in absolute filth.
“Three of them were confined to a pen, which was covered in diarrhoea– some of which had gone mouldy – and was swimming in urine. “It smelled horrendous. “One of these was Musto, whose injuries were terrible.
“Most of his lower jaw was missing and he was struggling to eat as a result.”
At an earlier hearing Wade admitted three offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
As well as the disqualification he was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He was also ordered to do 15 days’ rehabilitation activity and 150 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £115.
Insp Gent added: “These dogs have suffered a great deal.
“I have no doubt they have also caused a great deal of suffering to other wild animals in the charge of Wade.”