A heartbreaking case of animal cruelty has come to light in Birmingham, where a young man was found guilty of neglecting his female cane corso, Tokyo, and threatening a RSPCA officer.
Dirty and Wet Outdoor Shelter
The dog, who was left in a dirty and wet outdoor area with no soft bedding, was found to be underweight, with a body condition score of 1/9. The RSPCA officer, Ash Moore, described the scene as a shelter constructed from wooden crates and cardboard, which failed to meet the basic needs of the dog.
- The dog weighed 25.2kg, which is 10kg less than the expected weight for a dog of her breed, age, and sex.
- The bones of the dog were visible from a distance, indicating severe malnutrition and a lack of proper care.
Owner’s Aggressive Behavior
Devon Jamal Tyreece Codrington, 23, of Gurney Road, Walsall, was found guilty of an animal welfare offence after threatening a RSPCA officer. The officer, Ash Moore, stated that Codrington had left the dog via the back door, and when confronted, he had taken something from his pocket, which was believed to be a knife.
“ I followed him attempting to get him to stop and talk to me regarding the dog but he just kept walking as if I wasn’t there. He then turned around and shouted before he ran up towards me and took something out of his left inside coat pocket, which I believed to be a knife. “With the item in his hand, he has closed the gap between us before he has put the object back into his pocket. “He then got closer towards me and before making threats and walking away with Toyko.”
Verdict and Sentence
Following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA, Codrington was found guilty and sentenced to a 10-year ban from keeping animals. He was also ordered to pay £180. Additionally, Codrington was found guilty of common assault against the RSPCA animal rescue officer and sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work, £414 costs, and £150 compensation.
| Conviction | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 10-year animal ban | £180 |
| 200 hours unpaid work | £414 costs |
| £150 compensation | Common assault conviction |
Recovery and Rehoming
Tokyo has since recovered and gained weight while in the care of the RSPCA. She is now ready to be rehomed to a loving family.
Quote from RSPCA Inspector
The RSPCA Inspector, Ben Jones, stated: “Tokyo did not have her needs met due to her owner’s failure to provide a suitable diet, failure to provide a suitable environment, and as a result failure to protect from pain, suffering, injury and disease.”
Conclusion
The case highlights the importance of providing adequate care and attention to our pets. Neglecting our pets can lead to serious health problems and emotional distress. As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to ensure that our pets receive the care and attention they need to thrive. By supporting organizations like the RSPCA, we can help prevent animal cruelty and ensure that animals receive the care and respect they deserve.