Anthony Harding, 55, from Brinnington, Stockport, has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after repeatedly failing to take his elderly Rottweiler to a vet. The dog, named Isa, had to be put to sleep due to her condition.
Harding allowed the black and tan Rottweiler to suffer by not seeking treatment for several health issues, a court heard. Isa was seized by RSPCA officers, with police assistance, in June last year after the charity received pictures showing discharge around her eyes and extremely long nails.
Warning notice and missed opportunities
Harding had previously been given a warning notice by the RSPCA to take Isa to a vet regarding eye and ear problems. He was provided with vouchers towards the cost on two occasions but still failed to get her help.
After being removed from his care, Isa, who was at least eight years old, was taken to the RSPCA's Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. There, she was diagnosed with several health issues, including an eye disease and overgrown nails that caused her to walk differently. One nail, largely unattached from the root, measured 65mm in length compared to a normal length of around 20mm.
Health problems and sentencing
Isa was described as weak and unsteady on her back legs. The vet also found skin issues and a flea infestation, while blood samples and X-rays revealed spinal issues and mammary tumours, both common in older dogs. Magistrates were told that all the issues causing her suffering could have been effectively mitigated had her owner sought veterinary attention. She received palliative care but was put to sleep three months later.
Harding, of Falmouth Crescent, Brinnington, was previously found guilty in his absence of an animal welfare offence. In mitigation, it was said he had mental health, drug and alcohol issues. At Manchester Magistrates' Court on October 30, he received an 18-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Another defendant in the case was given a ten-year disqualification order at a hearing in August.
