Cruel Gateshead man went on holiday and left severely injured dog who had to be put down

A sick pet owner chose to go away on holiday while his poor dog was left alone to deal with horrific facial injuries.

Helpless pooch Boost had puncture wounds on his neck and skin peeling from his face after being viciously attacked by another of Wayne Donnelly’s dogs.

But instead of getting help for Boost, Donnelly left the two dogs at home together and went on holiday.

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Donnelly, 43, of Coldwell Street in Gateshead, even took little Boost to the out-of-hours vets but left before he was examined, leaving for his holidays the next day.

Another person was checking up on Boost while Donnelly was away, but a concerned member of the public reported Boost to the RSPCA during his absence.

Boost was sadly put down because of his injuries (RSPCA)

“The skin underneath the fur was severely infected and there were numerous puncture wounds around Boost’s neck, face and around his eyes,” said RSPCA inspector Rachel Hurst, who was sent to rescue the desperate dog.

“There was severe bruising to the inside of his upper lips on both sides and marked swelling of his muzzle. His eyelids were so swollen it was not possible to fully assess his eyes. There was infection in both ears with pus visible, and large areas of hair and skin were peeled away and sloughed from his face.”

Inspector Hurst said that Donnelly’s refusal to get treatment for Boost led to severe pain, skin necrosis, and “ultimately the need to euthanise Boost.”

Donnelly admitted failing to provide veterinary treatment for injuries his eight year-old Akita sustained on June 11, contrary to Section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates on November 17 and was sentenced to a six-month jail term, suspended for a year on the condition he completes 200 hours of unpaid work and does not commit further offences.

He is now banned from owning dogs for seven years, and paid £720 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

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