A Calne man kept an ‘incredibly malnourished’ dog in his poo-ridden home – failing to provide food, water or veterinary care.
Paul Brewster pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
The 38-year-old, of Dixon Way, Calne, also admitted a charge of failing to ensure the welfare of his dog – Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Rusty.
Police officers found the unwell pet when they raided his house in May 2024. Watch body-worn camera footage of the scene on our Facebook page >
The dog was initially believed to be a banned breed, and was subsequently seized.
“A poorly looked-after dog, believed to be a banned breed, was seized from the property and moved to kennels for medical attention”, a spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said.
They continued: “The dog was assessed and was not classified as a banned breed and is going to be a charity to be re-homed.
“Brewster was arrested on suspicion of causing cruelty to animals under section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.”
The defendant was fined £285, ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and must pay £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. Wiltshire Police confirmed that no animal ban was imposed by the court.
The investigating officer, PC Lizzie Wright said: “This was a terrible case of animal cruelty.
“The dog was found to be living in a kitchen full of rubbish, including its own faeces.”
She added: “It did not have a water bowl, and we could not find any dog food in the house – a clear failure to provide the dog’s most basic needs.
“Rusty was incredibly malnourished, and its skin was visibly in a bad shape.
“Thanks to our swift intervention, Rusty is now recovering well and will have the opportunity to be re-homed through a dedicated animal charity, and Brewster has been fined for his lack of care for the animal.”
