(Image: RSPCA)
A heartbreaking image has been released of scratch marks on the door of a filthy cellar where a dog was left to “suffer” and starve to death.
Last month, Bradford man Paul Wright was given a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for life after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
The case, bought by the RSPCA, began after the body of a Spaniel called Biscuit was found emaciated and surrounded by household rubbish in the cellar of a property on Southfield Lane, Little Horton, on November 26.
Dog spent final days in 'dark cellar'
During a sentencing hearing in Bradford Magistrates Court, Louise Freeman, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said Wright, 37, of Hawkshead Drive, close to Manchester Road, had been involved in “prolonged negligence culminating in Biscuit’s death in an emaciated state.”
She said the cause of death was determined to have been starvation, and the court was told that “Biscuit’s suffering would have lasted for at least 10 days” before her death.
Mrs Freeman said: “But it was potentially considerably longer. The deterioration would have been obvious, but no veterinary assistance was sought.”
The court was told that Biscuits final days were spent in “a dark cellar – packed with rubbish and household clutter.”
“There was faeces on the floor and no identifiable bedding. There was no visible food or water.
“The body was found laying under a plastic chair.
“There were scratch marks on the rear of the cellar door. It all demonstrated an appalling environment, and the body was in a shocking condition.
“A vet gave her a body score condition of 0.5 out of 5. There was no muscle mass. There was an untreated parasitic infection.”
Man avoids jail time but gets lifetime ban
Wright was unrepresented in court.
Magistrates handed Wright a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.
He was ordered to carry out six RAR (Rehabilitation Activity Requirement) days, and 150 hours of unpaid work.
He was given a lifetime ban on keeping animals, or being involved in the care of animals.
After the case, Inspector Williams, who investigated for the animal welfare charity said: “It is heartbreaking to imagine what Biscuit may have gone through.
“All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and should have their needs met.
“We want to prevent other animals going through the pain and suffering she did - anyone who is struggling to care for their pet should seek help at the earliest opportunity.
"There are charities and organisations that can provide support and advice before situations escalate.”