A man has been banned from keeping animals for seven years after failing to seek help for his starving dog.

Joshua Alexander Latibeaudiere (date of birth: 01.07.2001) of Church Road, Croydon,
Greater London, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity first became aware of two-year-old Rika after being contacted by a vet who had been presented with the dog for euthanasia but was concerned about her physical condition and the way the young dog was treated prior to arriving at the vets.

The vet, who examined Rika, said in their report to the court: “She was actively seizuring on presentation. She was in extremely poor body condition, was very weak, had extremely pale mucous membranes and very cold extremities. I believe this animal was suffering. It was evident that she hadn’t been eating leading to severe weight loss and emaciation. Her mucous membranes were extremely pale indicating that body systems were affected. I think these signs would’ve started to be noticeable to the owner at least three to four weeks before presentation. They would’ve noticed that she wasn’t eating, her weight loss and weakness.”

Alongside the seven year ban from keeping animals, which he can not appeal for five, he was sentenced to eight weeks custody, suspended for 12 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £500 cost and a £154 victim surcharge when he was sentenced at Croydon Magistrates Court on March 24.

In mitigation, the court was told Latibeaudiere had caring responsibilities and it was not deliberate cruelty.

RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson, who investigated for the charity, said: “Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs, including the need for a suitable diet and timely vet care, are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”