A Coventry man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after starving his two dogs. Mark Lonsdale was said to have caused ‘unnecessary suffering’ to his pets, Zeus and Storm.
Concerns had been raised about Lonsdale, who lives in Wood End, neglecting his two dogs in February. Both were underweight, and their bones were visible when they were rescued by the RSPCA.
Lonsdale, 45, confirmed the dogs were not under veterinary care and gave permission for the RSPCA to take them to be assessed. Vets found that Zeus and Storm were severely malnourished.
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Animal Rescue Officer Jack Curran initially observed Storm, who had visible hip and rib bones, a snotty nose, overgrown nails, and runny eyes. After contacting West Midlands Police, he was also shown Zeus, whose rib and hip bones and spine were exposed.
‘Unnecessary’ suffering had been caused to Zeus and Storm. Lonsdale had not provided adequate nutrition for them both and failed to address the joint pain Storm was experiencing. Both dogs had to be euthanised.
Zeus was severely underweight and estimated to have lost approximately 20 per cent of his body weight, the RSPCA found. He also had mild anaemia and overgrown nails, which suggested a lack of regular exercise and nail trimming.
Storm was also underweight and had uncomfortable eyes caused by eyelid deformities, leading to repeated corneal damage. She also had osteoarthritis in her hip and shoulder joints.
Lonsdale, of Lillington Road, Wood End, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences and received an eight-week suspended prison sentence at Coventry Magistrates’ Court. He was banned from keeping animals for ten years and ordered to pay £154.
Lonsdale said he was ‘remorseful and ashamed’ of neglecting Zeus and Storm. But the 45-year-old claimed to be caring for relatives at the time, Coventry Magistrates’ Court heard.
RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones said: “Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege, and ensuring appropriate diet and care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
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