He had lost hair from almost the whole of his body, apart from his neck and hind legs.
He was suffering from a severe untreated skin infection and sarcoptic mange (a skin condition caused by mites) which had caused open sores.
A vet who examined Timmy found that he had suffered for at least two months.
Main article: Shocking rise in animal cruelty cases, 30 July 2008----------------------------------
Timmy's owner, Wilfred Hopkins (63), was banned from keeping animals for life by Wisbech Magistrates Court in October 2007 after previously pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.
He was also ordered to serve 120 hours of unpaid work and to pay £400 towards costs.
The defendant gave financial reasons as mitigation for leaving Timmy without veterinary treatment.
RSPCA inspector Jon Knight said: "This dog was in a terrible state. His suffering could so easily have been prevented had he just been taken to a vet.
"If pet owners really cannot afford veterinary treatment for their animals, they must seek help from the RSPCA or other charitable organisations. An animal should not be left to suffer for any reason."
External link:
RSPCA Peterborough & District BranchThe full article contains 215 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
