A man has been banned from keeping animals for a decade and handed a suspended prison sentence after his puppy was brought to a vet in such a horrific condition that she had to be put down.
Thomas Buckworth, 23, from Premier Road, Ormesby, in Middlesbrough, admitted one offence concerning his one-year-old cavalier spaniel, Maggie, in a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Vet's account of Maggie's condition
The RSPCA launched an investigation after Maggie was taken to a veterinary practice on November 5, 2025 severely emaciated and near death. The vet reported that she remained motionless except for her head, which raised slightly every few seconds, when she made a "haunting, howling noise", with fixed eyes, and "gasping almost agonal breaths".
Her head was also infested with mites, and she had pressure sores on her right elbow. She was also described as being "soaking" wet, with matted dry faeces within her coat, particularly on her right ear. The vet confirmed that Maggie was dying and the decision was taken to euthanise her to end her suffering.
Post mortem findings
Results from a post mortem revealed a "diffuse reduction in muscle mass and lack of visible adipose tissue [body fat], likely caused by prolonged malnutrition. The report concluded that Maggie had a prolonged period where the calorie intake was too low for her needs.
Buckworth was sentenced to a total of 15 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, and was also given the 10-year ban on keeping all animals which he cannot contest for eight years, when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on September 15. He was also ordered to pay £1,082 in legal fees and vet's fees.
RSPCA response
Speaking after sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Natalie Hill said: "This was a very upsetting case. Poor Maggie had clearly been suffering for some time, as evidenced by the condition she was in when she was taken to the vets."
"It is heartbreaking to think of any animal suffering in this way, and there is simply no reason for it to ever reach this stage."
Buckworth was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal - his female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Maggie.
