A man has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after an emaciated German shepherd was found dying at the bottom of his garden.
The nine-year-old dog, called Max, was found in a dirty kennel in the back garden in south London by RSPCA inspectors.
Neighbours in Croydon feared the dog had died. He was still alive but was found to be “completely collapsed in an emaciated state”.
His dreadful condition meant he had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering as soon as he was taken to a vet.
Anthony Pulfer, RSPCA inspector, said Max was “just” alive when he arrived at the home.
He said: “He was in a shocking condition - the worst I have ever seen. He was not moving and I had to carry him to my van and take him straight to the vet.
“Sadly there was nothing they could do to save him and he was so poorly that he had to be put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
“This was a horrible case of extreme neglect and I don’t think I will ever forget the sight of the poor dog lying there in filth in such a collapsed state that winter’s evening.
“Who knows how long he had been lying there in that terrible way.”
Paul Turner, 51, of Brookmead Road, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Max by failing to address his poor bodily condition and not taking steps to ensure a suitable living environment for the dog.
He was disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years and sentenced to six weeks in prison at Camberwell Green magistrates’ court on Tuesday.
Turner has been bailed pending an appeal.
Max’s plight will be featured on Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers on July 19 at 7pm.
