Cruel family locked dog inside filthy ‘cell’ all day long – Surrey Live

A dog was found smelling of urine and with matted hair after being left in a filthy room likened to a ‘cell’ by the RSPCA. Three members of the family responsible have now been convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

The RSPCA said the German Shepherd called Leo was kept in a bare 5ft by 6ft room at a flat in Covert Road, Oldham. Now, three people have faced a court and pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences.

Leo was kept in the room all day on his own, only being allowed out to eat and drink. He also developed an ear infection, the RSPCA said. After the dog was saved, it was left needing veterinary treatment, reports the MEN.

Michael Newell, 31, of Shaw Road, Oldham, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years when he appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on April 22. Susan Stewart, 51, of Covert Road, Oldham, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She was also banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.

Her partner, Lee Stewart, 50, also of Covert Road, Oldham, admitted the same two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. He was banned from keeping animals for life. The RSPCA was alerted after a caller advised ‘a dog was being kept in a small room and never let out’.

When RSPCA inspectors visited the flat on November 9, 2019, Susan Stewart told inspectors that Leo belonged to her son Michael, who had left him in her care after he moved in with his girlfriend. The inspectors returned to see Newell at the flat the next day when they discovered Leo’s confined living conditions.

Inspector Daniel Tomlinson said in his witness statement: “The room had no natural light, the walls were covered in black dirt. I can only describe this room as a cell.” Inspector Danielle Jennings added: “Although Leo appeared to be in a normal body condition, his coat was very dense and matted and I could smell a mixture of urine and faeces. Leo’s eyes also appeared bright red and inflamed.

“No bedding was available, just a concrete floor. I closed the door leading out and was saddened to see the back of the door. Clearly Leo had been trying to scratch and bite his way out.”

Newell agreed to have Leo signed over into the care of the RSPCA and he was taken to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment. A vet found Leo was suffering from conjunctivitis and severe ulcerated inflammation of his ears.

The door that Leo scratched at
(Image: RSPCA)

Vet Dr Sean Taylor stated: “The …….

Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/cruel-family-locked-dog-inside-23947178