March 2021

Somerset man jailed after terrier discovered ‘close to death’ due to severe neglect

A cruel and remorseless coward has been jailed for 12 weeks after a terrier was discovered ‘close to death’ due to severe neglect.

RSPCA inspector Marie Griffith found the dog -called Barney – under half its recommended body weight, with his ribs, spine and pelvic bones visible.

He was also suffering from hypothermia, depression and dehydration.

Ashley Woodruff, 28, of St Johns Road, Yeovil has also been banned from keeping animals for life after he appeared before Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (11 March), where he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to his dog.

Mrs Griffith attended his address after a tip-off from a member of the public.

She said: “Woodruff was holding a small brown terrier type dog tightly. Even though a lot of the dog’s body was covered by Woodruff’s arms I could see the dog was in an extremely poor condition

“Barney was totally emaciated with no body fat present at all. His ribs, spine and pelvic bones were very visible, and the sockets behind his eyes were sunken. His coat was dull and he appeared lethargic and depressed.”

Barney was rushed to the vets for urgent treatment and checks. Upon examination, vets discovered he weighed just 4.8kg, less than half the weight of a dog of his age, sex and type should weigh.

Medics also discovered that Barney was hypothermic, and concluded that his lack of body fat had left him unable to stay warm while living outdoors.

He was hospitalised and given intravenous fluids and treated with warming equipment to rehydrate and bring up his body temperature.

Barney also had several rotten teeth, including some that were showing signs of infection.

Barney has since recovered and is enjoying life in his new home.