A dog owner has been banned from keeping animals for two years after his shar pei was found to be suffering from a severe skin condition and sadly had to be put to sleep
Boo the shar pei who had to be put down after being discovered to be suffering from a severe skin condition and ear infection(Image: RSPCA Submitted)
A dog owner has been banned from keeping animals for two years after his ten-year-old shar pei was found to be suffering from a severe skin disease causing extensive fur loss and chronically thickened skin. The dog, known as Boo, sadly had to be put down due to the extent of her suffering.
She was found by an RSPCA officer to have a “severe skin condition with fur loss on a large portion of her body”. Samuel Grey, 38, of Blackburn Avenue, Bridlington, pleaded guilty to one animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity received concerns for Boo, so visited her owner’s home where Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) James Dack found her to be “very subdued” and “constantly scratching”.
ARO Dack said: “I was immediately concerned for the welfare of Boo. She appeared to be in extreme discomfort, likely in pain and in my opinion, needed to see a vet urgently for treatment.” The vet who examined Boo said in their report to the court: “It was immediately obvious that Boo had severe skin disease. The owner had reported … that Boo had not been to a vet for years.
“Boo had hair thinning over the majority of her body. Her skin was chronically thickened and pigmented in multiple areas.” The vet also reported that Boo had “numerous sores on her skin” and “numerous warty masses”.
Due to the severity of Boo’s condition, it was sadly determined to be in her best interests that she be put to sleep. Alongside the two-year ban, Grey was also sentenced to pay a fine of £120 and a victim surcharge of £48, alongside costs of £200, when he appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on May 29.
In mitigation, it was said that this had not been malicious offending but that Grey had been overwhelmed by mental health difficulties and unable to care for Boo properly. It was also heard that he took Boo to a vets but could not afford the prescribed medication. The RSPCA publishes advice on its website about those struggling amid cost of living challenges .
Speaking after sentencing, ARO Dack said: “Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key responsibility we have towards them. Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. If any pet owner is struggling to care for their animal , we’d encourage them to reach out to a local charity or organisation who can help.”
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