Jonathan Cartwright and Kimberley O’Neill faced legal trouble, as the RSPCA prosecuted them. As a result, they cannot own dogs for ten years, and the court also gave them community orders.

Their dogs, Bella and Fudge, were found very thin in the back garden of their Selby Crescent home. A vet examined the dogs carefully and stated that they had suffered weeks of insufficient feeding, which ultimately caused them unnecessary suffering.

The vet also stated that Bella and Fudge looked underweight and emaciated due to poor nutrition. This lack of food had lasted for at least a month.

The court hearing took place on February 19. RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson had visited their home after reports of malnourished dogs and saw them in the rear garden on May 17.

Inspector Wilson described a scene where drains were blocked near the house, and sewage covered the ground. The garden also had scrap metal, rubbish, and old items scattered around.

The dogs lacked clean bedding, and their bowls were empty, with neither food nor water available.

Cartwright claimed that a family member took the dogs to a vet, though he couldn’t recall when or which vet. The dogs were then given to the RSPCA, and at the vet, they drank water immediately.

Cartwright received an 18-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation. He must also pay £180 in costs and a £114 surcharge.

O’Neill received a 12-month community order, which includes 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity. She pays £180 in costs plus £114.

Fudge, a male crossbreed, weighed 13.1 kg, while a dog like him should weigh over 25 kg. Bella, a female crossbreed, weighed 10.5 kg, but should have weighed over 18 kg.

The RSPCA rescued both dogs, and they gained weight quickly, exceeding half their body weight in one month. Now, they live in new homes.