Teesside dog recovers from almost deadly flea infestation

Bessie was rescued from a filthy property on Teesside in August last year, where sadly her emaciated canine companion was found to be starving to death.

Animal rescuer inspector Garry Palmer told how he was met with a ‘pitiful sight’ when he came across the white Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Annie.

Every bone in her body was protruding through her skin and she was so weak she could not stand and could only just lift her head up enough to drink water from a bowl next to her.

Annie, who unfortunately was so badly neglected and abused, she had to be put to sleep. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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She was lying in her own filth, crawling with fleas and was the ‘thinnest dog he had seen alive’.

In another room Garry came across a dark coloured Staffordshire Bull terrier called Bessie.

She was of a more normal body weight, but was completely bald on her body due to an untreated flea infestation which she could not stop scratching.

He carried both dogs to his van and rushed them for emergency veterinary treatment.

Bessie, although not in as desperate a state as Annie, was still very thin and had hair missing on her back. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

Sadly the vet decided that Annie had to be put to sleep to end her suffering, while Bessie responded well to treatment and was rehabilitated by RSPCA Macclesfield, South East Cheshire and Buxton where she was found her loving new home with Rob McNeil (31) and his partner Jessica Murray (27) who live in Buxton, Derbyshire.

A couple was handed a five-year ban on keeping all animals after they were convicted of three animal welfare offences. They were also sentenced to 18 weeks in custody suspended for 24 months. 

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Now her fur has grown back and she looks like a completely different dog and the couple says her initial shyness has now gone and she has a bouncy personality.

Bessie is now much more socialised and affectionate. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

Rob, a dog trainer, said: “It seems she wasn’t used to human interaction and was obviously timid from the circumstances she lived in before and it must have been awful for her, especially as her canine friend was left in such a suffering state.

“We rehomed her in November and by the new year her personality had really come through. She is a typical bouncy Staffy who loves people and enjoys playing with her tennis ball. She is still learning how to play with people but she is doing so well.”

Jessica said: “Bessie has come on leaps and bounds and she loves her long walks and getting plenty of love and affection. It is so sad to think of her past but it is great she has such a happy future to look forward to thanks to the work of the RSPCA.”

Garry said he is delighted to see Bessie enjoying the life she deserves and he is pleased that something positive came out of such a tragic case.

Bessie enjoying a day chilling out at the beach with owners, Rob and Jessica. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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He said: “I was called to investigate following reports by a concerned member of the public about the welfare of the dogs and when I went in I was truly shocked.

“Poor Annie had access to a water bowl and when she went to drink it she could only lift her head and was propped up on her front two legs, but she was unable to use her rear legs and stand.

“It was obvious to see she was unbelievably underweight with a skeletal frame showing and I could see fleas crawling all over this dog's body. It was also clear to see that the dog had overgrown nails and fur loss on her paw region and one paw had a growth present.

“Meanwhile Bessie was bald from the base of her neck to the tail and her skin had become thickened and scabby. She was in discomfort from the fleas who were crawling on her body.

“A vet said both dogs had suffered for at least a month, it was a really upsetting incident to deal with and one of those cases you don’t forget.”

Dermot Murphy, RSPCA Chief Inspectorate Officer said: “It is incredibly worrying that still in 2022 we are seeing this high level of cruelty towards animals.

“We’ve seen a rise in reports of beatings and with the increase in pet ownership and financial pressures growing we are sadly braced for a summer of suffering which is why we are calling on the public to help us Cancel Out Cruelty and help more animals like Bessie.”

Read next:

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