An elderly dog who was left with untreated skin and ear disease for ‘several months,’ has been transformed in the care of the RSPCA in Warrington and her owner disqualified from keeping animals for a decade.
English Springer Spaniel Tilly was suffering from an untreated skin condition, which had caused her to lose over 70 per cent of her fur. The 13-year-old dog’s ears were also severely inflamed and her nails overgrown.
Darren Parker of Tillmouth Park Road, in Throckley, Newcastle, was handed a ten-year ban at a sentencing hearing on March 20 after he was prosecuted by the RSPCA. He had previously denied one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Magistrates told him Tilly’s “every movement” had probably resulted in her suffering as a result of his neglect, despite Parker saying it wasn’t his “problem.” They also imposed a confiscation order after he refused to sign Tilly over, saying he wanted her back.
The elderly dog has since made a full recovery thanks to the care and dedication of a fosterer from the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch.
Newcastle Magistrates Court heard that RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Keogh had gone to Parker’s house on 18 October 2023 to check he had taken Tilly to a vet to get treatment for a skin condition which the officer had given him a warning notice about two weeks before.
Parker confirmed to Inspector Keogh that he hadn’t taken Tilly to a vet and he then became aggressive and abusive, resulting in the officer requesting police assistance.
In her written statement to the court the Inspector said: “I asked Darren Parker for permission to take Tilly to the vet. He said “you can, but it’s not my problem and I want her back.” I advised I would be taking her to a vet for an opinion on her condition and if a vet believed she was suffering or likely to suffer she would remain in RSPCA care.”
Tilly was seized by the police and taken for immediate veterinary treatment. In her written statement to the court the vet who examined her, said: “Tilly had severe hair loss over 70 per cent of her body. A heavy burden of live fleas were seen. There were several areas of mild scabbing over her skin indicative of self-trauma and trauma caused by flea bites. Her skin was red and warm to the touch.
“Both her ears were swollen shut with inflammation. Her teeth had significant plaque build-up and gingivitis. She had immature cataracts in both eyes and her nails were overgrown. She was timid but friendly, but reactive when we examined her skin and cleaned her.
She was then transferred to the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch and placed in the care of a fosterer.
Fearful of being handled at first, she was temporarily given medication so her skin could continue to be bathed. This helped Tilly enormously and she made good progress, both mentally and physically.
Sentencing Parker, Magistrates said the case photographs showed “prolonged neglect” and that Tilly’s “every movement” had probably resulted in her suffering because of her overgrown nails and untreated skin and ear conditions.
In addition to the ten year disqualification order, which cannot be contested for five years, Parker was also given a 12 month Community Order with 12 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £364 in costs and fines.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing Inspector Keogh said: “Darren Parker was given the opportunity to do the right thing by Tilly but he displayed a consistently disinterested attitude towards her.
“Tilly’s health issues were entirely preventable and with the right care – which any responsible owner would have provided – she made a full recovery. The pictures of her now enjoying life and playing with her beloved tennis ball are heartwarming to see. The team at our Warrington branch have done a fantastic job and I’d particularly like to thank Tilly’s fosterer who has been so patient and helped nurse her back to full health.”
