A Leicester man has been ordered to carry out 80 hours unpaid work after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to four of his dogs.
Job Smyle of Mallory Place, Leicester, appeared before Leicester Magistrates Court on May 8.
He had pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to four Cane Corso type dogs by failing to investigate and address the causes of their poor bodily condition and weight loss and failing to meet the welfare needs of those dogs and a puppy by failing to meet their need to be maintained in an appropriate body condition
He was sentenced to a 12 month community order comprising of 80 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £150 costs and £114 victim surcharge.
A vet who examined the dogs said that based on their clinical findings it was their professional opinion that the four adults dogs had suffered unnecessarily due to the extent of their malnutrition for a significant amount of time and they would suggest a minimum of four weeks – due to the extent of their weight loss and pressure sores that were present.
Although the puppy was in better physical condition than the others – he was still underweight.
Speaking after the case Inspector Allison North said: “When I first saw the adult dogs they all appeared to be very thin and I could easily see their ribs, hips and spines.
“I am pleased to say that all dogs are now doing very well in our care and have all put on weight – they have now been signed over to us and we will look to find them new homes.”
The defendant said he was very remorseful the incident was a momentary lapse following him having lost his job and was in a difficult financial position and could only feed the dogs on very cheap food which he now regrets.
