Dogsey

A couple from Telford have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after RSPCA inspectors found their two Dalmatians starving and tied to a kitchen wall.

Neil Harris, 49, and Julie Harris, 42, from Leadon Close, Little Dawley, appeared at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. They were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the welfare needs of their dogs.

Neil Harris was also given a 150-hour community service order and a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for a year. Julie Harris was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for a year. They were each ordered to pay £500 in costs and an £80 victim surcharge.

Porsha and Enzo were found tied to a kitchen wall by their leads and without bedding to sleep in, this February.

Two-year-old Enzo weighed only 19.2kg - about nine kilos less than an ideal weight for a dog of his type.

Ten-year-old black and white Porsha weighed just 15.8kg.

"It was a very distressing case for everyone involved. These poor dogs were found extremely emaciated and with a number of serious problems.
"I'm glad the magistrates took this case very seriously and this is reflected in the sentencing.
"These dogs are absolutely lovely and are up for rehoming and I just hope they go on to have a very happy, healthy life with new owners that will treat them with the love and respect they so greatly deserve."

– RSPCA inspector Nayman Dunderdale