A Cheshire man has been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates in Warrington after he left his dog to suffer with a large ulcerated eye mass, failing to provide any veterinary treatment.
Gary Fisher, aged 61 of Westfield Grove, Northwich, pleaded guilty to one Animal Welfare Act offence and was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (2 July).
Fisher caused his 11-year-old male Golden retriever Bodie, to suffer unnecessarily after failing to provide ongoing veterinary treatment for an eye mass despite advice from a vet surgeon, between 22 May 2022 and 30 October 2024. He was sentenced to eight weeks custody suspended for 12 months and 100 hours of unpaid work. Fisher was also disqualified from keeping all animals for five years. He was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £400 for costs.
In mitigation the court heard that Fisher had been remorseful and there was no malicious intent.
In a written statement from RSPCA Inspector Nadine Pengilly, the court heard that on 29 October last year she attended a property on Westfield Grove following concerns raised about a dog with a growth on his eye.
“When Mr Fisher brought Bodie to the front door I was really shocked by the size and condition of the mass above his right eye,” she said.
“The skin had totally split open and a large tumour mass was exposed to the elements. The mass was bleeding in places and was dripping blood with thick dark blood clots. There was hair and dead skin embedded in the mass. The mass was bigger than my clenched fist.”
Mr Fisher told Inspector Pengilly he had taken Bodie to see two vets in 2023 and they wanted £1,600 from him to undertake CT scans. He said that the “vets were just out to make money from him” and he refused to take the dog back for any further treatment or investigation and the eye problem had been going on for two years.
She added: “He said he didn’t think Bodie was in any pain as he was still eating and drinking and wagging his tail. I told him that I believed that the dog was suffering and that the dog needed to be seen by a vet immediately.”
Bodie was examined at RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
In a written statement, the vet said that the large swelling was large, heavy and was causing a head tilt to the right side.
They added: “The whole area was ulcerated, infected, dry crusty discharge as well as wet purulent discharge (pus) were present.
“Dirt and hair were adhered to the area. I could not identify the structure of a healthy eye, the skin of the eyelid was extremely stretched and tense. The mass was bleeding from a few open sores.”
The vet added that Bodie had a very friendly temperament, but was unhappy when the affected area was touched and examined. When walking in the consult room Bodie was also bumping into objects causing more bleeding and sores.
The vet believed Bodie was suffering unnecessary and immediate euthanasia to prevent any further suffering was advised. Police seized Bodie and he was euthanised.
Following sentencing, investigating officer, RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, said: “This is a very upsetting and distressing case. Bodie was clearly neglected and suffered for a prolonged period of time.
“There is never an excuse for failing to provide veterinary care. We urge pet owners who are struggling – including with bills – to please seek help. Don’t bury your head in the sand and leave conditions untreated and for them to become worse. There is help out there and we urge you to seek this before it’s too late.”
