A starving dog who was abandoned at home for at least two weeks has been rescued by the RSPCA and rehomed. Shadow the Staffordshire bull terrier was emaciated and "craving attention and company" when animal inspector Justin Stubbs found her deserted in a Kent property in January this year.
She had been left for days in a small blocked-off area of the kitchen with no food and little water, and was only able to toilet in her own living space. Inspector Stubbs said: "The fact that there was no faeces there appears to suggest that she had eaten it due to hunger or that she had not been fed."
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Every bone in Shadow's body was clearly visible but she was miraculously still active, alert and friendly to her rescuers.
Inspector Stubbs contacted the police who attended and seized the young dog on welfare grounds, placing her in RSPCA care.
After examination, the vet said: "I do believe she was suffering for at least the last 14 days with regard to lack of appropriate feeding. She would have suffered severe hunger."
A man has since pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Shadow by failing to investigate and address the cause of her poor bodily condition and weight loss.
Joshua Exall, of Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, Kent, was sentenced when he appeared before Peterborough Magistrates' Court on August 3.
He has been banned from keeping all animals for 10 years, ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £400 costs and a victim surcharge of £95.
To try and reduce the seriousness of his actions, the defendant said he was very sorry and that he should have done better for Shadow.
Speaking after the case, Inspector Stubbs said: "Shadow's owner had failed in the most basic needs, of supplying appropriate food and water, for a prolonged time.
"She was left for days, with no exercise, no interaction with human or another dog, and had nothing to do in a small, bare kitchen.
"She was signed over and has been doing well in our care and has now been rehomed.
"I would like to express my thanks to the members of the public who had done all they could to help Shadow."
Do you have a dog story to share? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
