Bexley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Disturbing photos show dogs found in severe neglect at a Bexleyheath home, where two puppies and an adult dog were discovered dead, sparking investigation.
As reported by News Shopper, it was revealed in April that 60-year-old dog owner Kriss Kesson had received a suspended prison term and a minimum 10-year ban from owning pets.
Photos of the dogs’ condition at the time of their discovery have now been made public by the RSPCA.
Prosecutor Joel Wootten told Woolwich Crown Court that on the afternoon of February 28 of last year, RSPCA investigators visited Kesson’s residence on Rydal Drive with the police.
Officers discovered three Rhodesian Ridgebacks and one Dalmatian inside the house; they were all clearly emancipated, with noticeable hip bones and ribs.
In addition, they discovered a dead adult Rhodesian Ridgeback named Reggie and two dead puppies.
Mr Wootten said:
“The defendant told officers the dog had died a few days earlier and he was waiting for rigor mortis to end so he could bury him, while the puppies had died a few weeks ago.”
When asked why the dogs were so skinny, Kesson explained that he had reduced their diet because he couldn’t take them out for much exercise due to a poor knee.
The RSPCA adopted the four surviving canines, Ozzy, Max, Alice, and Harry.
Alice, the mother of the puppies, was malnourished, with all of her ribs, spine, and hip bone visible, according to RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Tia Pennan.
Ozzy, who was severely underweight, and Max, who was emaciated, both had flea infestations and had scabbed over fur on their backs.
According to Mr. Wootten, veterinarians determined that the dogs had been in pain for at least three weeks, if not longer.
While Harry and Alice have now recovered well, Ozzy and Max both passed away while in the custody of the RSPCA.
The bodies of the deceased dogs were also examined by veterinarians, who discovered that they were noticeably underweight.
Kesson entered a guilty plea on four charges of subjecting animals to needless pain.
Ten more dogs and several fish were discovered in his house while he was out on bail with a directive not to retain any pets.
In defense, According to Ben Wild, Kesson had been a dog breeder for thirty years and had a strong bond with the animals.
He claimed that when his health declined, the dogs’ health also declined.
The court heard that Kesson was ultimately the one who had contacted the RSPCA.
Judge Ben Gumpert KC sentenced Kesson to 30 weeks in jail with a one-year suspension on Tuesday, April 22.
“These were sustained and prolonged periods of neglect, you failed to feed or care for these animals,”
Judge Gumpert said.
Noting that the defendant had tried to hold those who tried to save the dog’s lives accountable for their deaths, he claimed that Kesson’s actions indicated he lacked regret.
RSPCA Inspector Clive Hopwood said:
“The degree of emaciation of these dogs would have been apparent to any owner and it was lucky we visited the defendant’s home when we did as the other dogs may have died at his home.”
What actions are being taken to prevent animal cruelty in Bexley?
Reports of animal abuse and neglect, including serious ones like those involving XL Bully dogs discovered in Bexleyheath, are actively looked into by the RSPCA. They try to save animals, bring criminals to justice, and spread the word about proper pet ownership.
To aid with animal identification and protection, authorities promote procedures including microchipping, canine registration, and neutering/spaying pets. Education initiatives encourage the public to report abuse and encourage compassion, appropriate care, and awareness of cruelty.
By increasing the maximum prison term for cruelty from six months to five years and instituting penalty notices for less serious offenses, the UK government has reinforced its legislation pertaining to animal care.
To guarantee greater welfare standards, licensing procedures for pet retailers, shelters, rehoming facilities, and breeders are being enhanced.