A Blyth man who severely neglected his dog and failed to seek medical attention for it, has been ordered to carry out unpaid work and has been banned from keeping dogs for two years.  

The case was brought to Court by Northumberland County Council on June 28, 2024, Callum Fuller from Croft Road, Blyth appeared before Newcastle Magistrates Court where he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal which was contrary to Section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and he was prosecuted for other offences contrary to Section 9(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.  

The Court imposed a 12-month community order with a requirement of 120 hours of unpaid work reduced to 80 hours for his guilty plea. He was ordered to pay costs of £978.26 and a victim surcharge of £114, making a total financial penalty of £1092.26. He was also disqualified from keeping dogs for two years. 

Following a report concerning the dog’s welfare, Animal Welfare Officers from the Council’s Public Protection visited Fuller and took possession of Rez, a Jack Russell Terrier on 21st  March, 2023. 

Rez was found to be in extremely poor condition. He was underweight with his ribs and spine showing, he was stained with urine and smelt atrocious, his nails were extremely overgrown, he had hair loss and fleas and his ears were very scabby and ripped at the ends. 

Rez was taken to the vets who gave him a body condition score of just 2/5 which is given when a dog is extremely thin. 

Rez went on to be rehomed through Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels and is doing well in his new home.  

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member with responsibility for Looking after our Communities said: 

"Pets are a long-term commitment and do cost money – sometimes a lot of money. People really need to think long and hard before getting any pet and consider whether they have the time, dedication and finances to look after a pet properly. 

"We won't tolerate animal cruelty and our welfare officers are dedicated and very persistent in bringing offenders to justice time and time again. 

"This dog had a series of distressing health ailments which could have easily been avoided if the owner had sought veterinary treatment. Thankfully with proper care and treatment Rez has made a good recovery.” 

"We hope that this sentence serves as a warning to others. If you make a commitment to own a pet, then you really must be able to care for it responsibly or face the consequences.

"If you already have a pet and your financial or personal circumstances change and you are genuinely struggling to care for your pet, please contact our animal welfare team or a local pet charity to see what support you may be able to get."