A man from Redcar has been disqualified from keeping all animals for a decade after neglecting his severely malnourished dog, described by an RSPCA inspector as a ‘walking skeleton.’

Flossy, a brindle-coloured lurcher, weighed just 11.6kg (25.57 pounds), less than half her expected body weight, after she was inadequately fed for at least six weeks.

She had overgrown nails, a wound to her leg, sores on her hips, and was given a body score condition of only one out of five by a vet.

Her owner, Daniel Hewitt of Westfield Court, Redcar, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Flossy by failing to address the cause of her poor body condition and weight loss, following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

The Northern Echo: Flossy was very malnourished when she was rescued by the RSPCA. Picture: RSPCAFlossy was very malnourished when she was rescued by the RSPCA. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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At a sentencing hearing on 18 July, Teesside magistrates heard how Flossy had been living at a flat in Cedarhurst Drive, Lingdale, but been rehomed by a concerned member of the public in September 2019 after she’d been discovered living in a faeces-strewn cage at the property.

The 25-year-old had moved out of the flat to live with a family member in June of that year because he was struggling to pay the rent.

The court, however, heard evidence from a witness who said that the he was still continuing to return to the flat and was fully aware of Flossy’s deteriorating condition.

RSPCA inspector Garry Palmer, who investigated the case for the animal welfare charity, took Flossy for immediate veterinary treatment after visiting the home she had been taken to.

The Northern Echo: Flossy's nails were extremely overgrown as her owner had not tended to them. Picture: RSPCAFlossy's nails were extremely overgrown as her owner had not tended to them. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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The court heard that numerous attempts were then made to interview Hewitt about the situation but they were unsuccessful.         

The veterinary surgeon who examined the lurcher, said: “At the time of examination, Flossy was suffering from malnutrition and I believe this would have been apparent to any reasonably competent adult.

“She weighed 11.6kg (25.57 pounds), whereas I would expect an otherwise healthy female, young adult lurcher to weigh approximately 25/30kg (55.1 - 66.1 pounds).

“Flossy gained significant body weight simply through receiving adequate nutrition once removed from the household.

“It is my opinion that the weight loss was a chronic process lasting no less than six weeks though likely longer.

“I believe this dog was caused unnecessary suffering by the person responsible for her.” 

The Northern Echo: Flossy weighed less than half of her expected weight when she was rescued. Picture: RSPCAFlossy weighed less than half of her expected weight when she was rescued. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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Disqualifying Hewitt from keeping any animals for ten years, magistrates said they considered the offence had crossed the threshold for custody but recognised that the defendant had already spent 35 days in prison during the case for another matter.

The pre-sentence report had noted that he spent £10 a day on cannabis, but said he couldn’t afford to feed himself or Flossy.

A community order of 15 months with a requirement that Hewitt undertake 22 RAR days and 100 hours unpaid work was also imposed, along with a £90 victim surcharge and £600 in costs.

Speaking after the conclusion of the case, inspector Palmer said: “If Flossy had not been removed from the flat when she had, I think she would have been dead within days as she was nothing more than a walking skeleton with her hips, ribs and spine clearly visible.

The Northern Echo: Flossy's owner, Daniel Hewitt, now has a ten-year ban from owning animals. Picture: RSPCAFlossy's owner, Daniel Hewitt, now has a ten-year ban from owning animals. Picture: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

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“She was in a shocking state of neglect but soon put on weight once she received proper nutrition and the right care.

“I’m delighted that she has gone on to make a full recovery with the person who took her on, as these later images of her show.

“We’d also like to thank the police for helping us to ensure this case was able to reach a conclusion.”