Man convicted for neglecting nine dogs to the point of death

A man responsible for starving nine dogs in his home, leading to the death of five, has been prohibited from owning animals for life.

RSPCA officers discovered four extremely malnourished dogs still alive and the remains of five others in June 2023. Some of the deceased dogs were decomposed, while others were found confined and surrounded by filth and rubbish.

Joshua Johnson, aged 28, from Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, admitted to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering. He was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 21 months, at Birmingham Crown Court.

The surviving dogs were taken in by the RSPCA but were later euthanized due to health complications resulting from neglect, the charity reported.

The investigation began on 7 June when an RSPCA officer visited Johnson's Spring Road home after concerns about the condition of a dog. A severely underweight tan Kangal-type female dog was found in the backyard with visible ribs, spine, and pelvis, and no access to food or water. Other dogs were discovered in similarly dire conditions.

Inspector Steve Morrall stated, "Inside the property, we found four living dogs in skeletal condition and five deceased dogs. Some were decomposed, others confined, all surrounded by waste."

Veterinary examinations revealed that each dog had a body condition score of one out of nine, indicating extreme malnutrition. Several showed signs of long-term neglect, including muscle wastage and overgrown claws.

Johnson admitted to struggling with alcohol and drug issues at the time, which were recognized in court as factors in his loss of control. As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to undergo rehabilitation for substance abuse.

Inspector Morrall added, "This case was deeply distressing. The surviving dogs were extremely thin, weak, and dehydrated. No animal should ever experience such prolonged suffering."

Author: Ava Mitchell