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An emaciated XL Bully had to be put down after its owner left its diseased ears untreated for eight months. Nicholas Johnston, 61, of Norbury Avenue, Croydon, left his XL bully’s health deteriorate without seeking vet attention has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after a prosecution by the RSPCA.
The bulldog called Raynor was in an emaciated condition and was in pain with severe ear disease when owner Nicholas Johnston took her to a PDSA clinic in Croydon on February 23 last year (2024). The health of the canine, whose ears had been cropped previously, was so poor that a vet decided the kindest of action was to put her to sleep.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Yalina Blumer, who attended the PDSA clinic, said that the dog’s ribs and spines were clearly visible and that her ears looked “very inflamed.” The dog was also given a body condition score of two out of nine, which is classed as very underweight.
Johnston had first presented the dog, called Raynor, to see the vet on June 23, 2023 after having sore ears for the last six months, the court heard. She was found to have cropped ears, a procedure which is illegal in the UK. Raynor was prescribed steroids and antibiotics. The owner had not been responsible for the illegal ear cropping, the court heard.
In a phone check-up on July 7, Johnston reported the dog's ears were improving. The defendant asked if it would be possible to remove both the dog’s ear canals but was told this was too high risk.
He failed to attend a follow-up appointment in July of that year and was not seen or heard of again for eight months - until February 2024. The vet said that Johnston was unable to explain what he fed Raynor, but claimed that “neighbours would sometimes throw food over the fence into his garden for the dog to eat”.
Evidence also showed evidence of long-term changes to the dog’s ear canals which had narrowed with thickened tissue to such an extent that the vet could not use an otoscope to inspect them.
“I am of the belief that Raynor undoubtedly suffered for a period of at least three months as the defendant failed to take reasonable steps to ensure she had a suitable diet and failed to protect her from pain, suffering and disease,” added the vet.
The RSPCA made enquiries to locate the owner, who was not at the property when they went round. They eventually got in touch and agreed to be interviewed.
In mitigation, the owner, who was said to have both housing and mental health issues, was described as "remorseful".
Speaking after the sentencing, ARO Blumer said: “This poor dog’s ear disease was left to get progressively worse and she was in great pain when the defendant finally took her to a vets, some seven months after he was advised to return for a check-up. Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.
“Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate veterinary care when they need it is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
Johnston pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He was sentenced to an eight week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and banned from keeping animals for 10 years at Croydon Magistrates' Court on February 17.
Under the suspended sentence order Johnston will also have to abide by a curfew for four weeks and complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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