Man given 12-week suspended sentence after leaving dog to suffer with tumours and fleas

A man from Newcastle who left an elderly dog riddled with large tumours and crawling with fleas has been given a 12-week suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping all animals for five years.

Oscar, a bull terrier and Major, an adult cat, had both been left with no food or water at the flat in Tumulus Avenue which had not been accessed by their owner Lee Jackson for a minimum of seven days.

The dog, who according to the RSPCA had been suffering for many weeks, had paws that were soiled with urine and faeces as well as struggling with multiple untreated tumours, including one mass that measured 3.5 inches (9cm). A severe flea infestation had also caused significant hair loss and left him with skin that was sore and seeping fluid.

Lee Jackson, who had admitted four animal welfare offences at a previous hearing, was given the 12-week prison sentence - suspended for 12 months - at Newcastle Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 8 following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

Magistrates heard how one of the charity’s inspectors, Jaqui Miller, had visited the flat with the police officer and a housing officer on Thursday, June 16 last year after Jackson had told the police to remove his animals because he wasn’t returning.

In her evidence to the court, inspector Miller said: “The flat was unkempt and faeces was seen on the floor. No food or water was available anywhere. Initially no dog was heard or seen but very slowly a dog came wandering out of a bedroom.

“He had numerous tumours all over his body and legs. He was half bald from midway down his body to his tail and covered in fleas which were running in all directions on his body. On containing the cat I could also see thinning fur towards his back end and fleas in his coat.”

Oscar’s condition was so serious that he was put to sleep on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering. Major was signed over into the care of the RSPCA and has since been rehomed after making a full recovery.

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