Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A Croydon man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after the RSPCA prosecuted him for starving and neglecting his XL bully.
Following an inspection of his bulldog, Raynor, in a malnourished state with severe ear illness, Nicholas Johnston, of Norbury Avenue, Croydon, was charged by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (the RSPCA).
On February 23, 2024, Raynor was brought to a PDSA clinic in Croydon, where the veterinarian determined that the most humane course of action was to put her to sleep due to her bad health.
In June 2023, the dog was brought to The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) after being prescribed steroid treatment for an ear infection.
Johnston was not seen again for eight months after missing a follow-up visit in July.
Yalina Blumer, an RSPCA animal rescue officer who visited the PDSA clinic, said that the dead dog’s clipped ears appeared “very inflamed” and that her ribs and spine were easily apparent.
The dog was underweight, with a body condition score of two out of nine.
Eventually, the defendant contacted the charity and consented to an interview, but the owner was not there when an RSPCA official walked around the premises.
According to a PDSA veterinarian who testified in court, Johnston first took Raynor in for an examination on June 23, 2023, after the dog had been experiencing ear pain for six months.
It was found that Raynor had cropped ears, which is against the law in the UK.
During a phone check-up on July 7, Johnston reported that the dog’s ears were getting better after the veterinarian recommended steroids and antibiotics.
The defendant inquired as to whether the dog could have both of his ear canals removed surgically, but was informed that the practice was costly.
The vet stated:
“During this appointment, the owner raised a concern that he felt Raynor was losing weight so he was prescribed further steroid medication for 30 days and advised to have a recheck in three weeks, but the owner did not arrange, nor attend, any further appointments until February 2024.”
The veterinarian also stated that “neighbors would sometimes throw food over the fence into his garden for the dog to eat,” however Johnston was unable to provide an explanation for what he fed Raynor.
An examination revealed indications of long-term alterations to the dog’s ear canals, which had become so restricted with thicker tissue that the veterinarian was unable to examine them with an otoscope.
“I am of the belief that Raynor undoubtedly suffered for a period of at least three months as the defendant failed to take reasonable steps to ensure she had a suitable diet and failed to protect her from pain, suffering and disease,”
concluded the vet.
The court was informed in mitigation that Johnston was regretful of his acts and had mental health and housing problems.
It was claimed that he was not accountable for the dog’s ears being illegally cropped.
Speaking after the sentencing, ARO Blumer said:
“This poor dog’s ear disease was left to get progressively worse and she was in great pain when the defendant finally took her to a vets, some seven months after he was advised to return for a check-up.
Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy.
Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate veterinary care when they need it is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
Johnston appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on February 17 for punishment after entering a guilty plea to one offense under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006.
In addition to the prohibition, he received an eight-week prison sentence with a 12-month suspension.
He will be subject to a four-week curfew and must complete 15 days of rehabilitative activity as part of the suspended sentence order.
What are the key highlights of this case?
After being found guilty of neglecting the XL Bully, the person in charge of its care was banned from owning animals for ten years. The severity of the offense is reflected in this harsh punishment.
XL bullies, who often weigh between 100 and 150 pounds, are renowned for their size and strong physique.
When properly taught and socialized, they are often thought to have a calm and friendly disposition despite their size.
One frequent legal outcome for situations involving animal abuse or neglect is the prohibition of animal ownership.
By taking animals out of the hands of careless owners, it seeks to stop additional harm to animals.
Such incidents frequently prompt community conversations about the value of proper pet ownership and animal welfare.
To increase knowledge of appropriate animal care and the legal repercussions of neglect, educational programs could be started.