Man banned from keeping animals for 10 years after starving Staffordshire bull terrier found 'with every rib showing in garden

A man has been banned from keeping all animals for a decade after a dog was found starving and alone in a Whittlesey garden.

The RSPCA had received reports of a thin dog at a property in Whittlesey in January this year. RSPCA Inspector Justin Stubbs had attended the property and had found an emaciated dog loose in the garden.

He contacted the police who attended and seized Shadow on welfare grounds and placed her in the care of the RSPCA.

Inspector Stubbs said: “Shadow was emaciated. Every rib, vertebrae, collar and pelvic bones were clearly visible. She was, however, active and alert and clearly craving attention and company.”

Inside the house he had seen two bowls in the kitchen, there was no food and little water - she had been left for days in the same blocked off area of the kitchen, and was only able to toilet in her own living space.

The RSPCA said the fact that there was no faeces there appears to suggest that Shadow had either eaten it due to hunger or that she had not been fed and therefore there was no food going through her to produce faeces.

Joshua Exall (25) of Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, Kent has now been banned from keeping all animals for 10 years, and ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary to Shadow, and failing to ensure Shadow’s needs were met.

In his defence, Exall said he was very sorry and he should have done better for Shadow.

Speaking after the case Inspector Stubbs said: “Shadow’s owner had failed in the most basic needs, of supplying appropriate food and water, for a prolonged time.

“Shadow, was a particularly friendly dog, absolutely craving attention.

“She was left for days, with no exercise, no interaction with human or another dog, and had nothing to do in a small, bare kitchen.

“She was signed over and has been doing well in RSPCA care and has now been rehomed.

“I would like to express my thanks to the members of the public who had done all they could to help Shadow.”

Exall was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a victim surcharge of £95.