Couple get five year ban on keeping dogs after their pet was left with untreated skin and ear conditions

A couple from Crewe, who left their Staffordshire Bull Terrier with an untreated skin and ear condition, have been banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Matthew Barlow (date of birth 7/11/1982) and his partner Katarazyna Michalowska (date of birth 5/07/1986), both of Deneside Avenue, Crewe, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering when they appeared before Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday(2 Nov).

The court heard how the couple’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog called Rosie was found straying by a member of the public on July 27. 

She contacted Cheshire East Council dog warden who attended the scene and could see the neglected pet had severe skin, ears and eye issues and reported the matter to the RSPCA.

Five year old Staffie Rosie was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for veterinary treatment as her skin condition - which had led to fur loss on the neck and underside of her body - had caused an ear infection and an eye condition.

An expert vet told the court: “Chronic and severe skin and ear disease of this type can cause suffering in a number of ways. 

“In these cases the dog is constantly irritated and in an uncomfortable state. This may impact on the animal’s ability to rest and conduct other normal activities. Once the disease reaches this level, particularly of the ears, pain also becomes a feature.

“It was clear at the initial examination that Rosie had pain within the ear canals. The final way suffering can be manifested is by the chronic burden of inflammation and infection being a drain on the body’s resources reducing the dog's overall quality of life.”

The vet added the duration of this suffering in this case would have been a minimum of two weeks but is more likely to be for a period of many months to years.

While Rosie was being treated by the animal welfare charity, RSPCA iInspector Caren Goodman-James traced Rosie’s original breeder and  was then able to identify Barlow and Michalowska as her owners.

During an interview the pair admitted Rosie was their pet and they said they had never taken her to a vet’s but had been aware of the skin and ear condition and used non-prescriptions animal and human products on her. A number of these products were found in their home.

After the hearing, Inspector Goodman-James said: “Rosie showed clear signs of scratching and rubbing and both were aware of this behaviour but at no point did they register or go to a vet. Her visible reddening of the skin and thickening of her ears was also clear to see.  

“If pets get obvious skin issues veterinary treatment should be sought immediately so they don’t suffer needlessly. Many vets will offer a payment plan to help spread the cost and there are charities who can help with vet bills.

“I am just delighted Rosie is now doing well in the care of RSPCA Southport. Ormskirk and district branch and her fur has grown back - she looks a picture of health.

“I am pleased she will be able to find her forever home soon.

“I would also like to praise the dog warden who rescued Rosie and reported the matter to us.”

As well as a ban on keeping animals the pair were also ordered to pay £300 costs, £120 fine and a £30 victim surcharge.

The offences they pleaded guilty to 

1.  That between 25th May 2021 and 25th July 2021 at Deneside Avenue, Crewe, you did cause unnecessary suffering to a certain animal namely a blue and white Staffordshire bull terrier type bitch known as Rosie by failing to investigate and provide veterinary treatment regarding the dog’s severe chronic skin disease and you knew or ought reasonably to have known that your failure to act would have that effect or be likely to do so, contrary to Section 4  (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

2. That between 25th May 2021 and 25th July 2021 at Deneside Avenue, Crewe, you did cause unnecessary suffering to a certain animal namely a blue and white Staffordshire bull terrier type bitch known as Rosie , by failing to investigate and provide veterinary treatment in respect of the dog’s severe chronic ear disease and you knew or ought reasonably to have known that your failure to act would have that effect or be likely to do so, contrary to Section 4 (1) 1 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006”.