Workmen found dying dog lying with ladder on top of him in Sunderland yard '“ owner gets life time ban

Paul Nanson’s dog – Mason – was so emaciated and poorly that a vet had no alternative to immediately put him to sleep, when he was found on February 4.

Builders carrying out work nearby had alerted the RSPCA after seeing the dog lying trapped beneath a ladder, Sunderland Magistrates heard.

Clive McKeag, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said that when inspectors arrived at Nanson’s home in Roker Baths Road, Sunderland, the dog was so weak he was unable to stand up or even lift his head.

Mr McKeag said the frightened dog was described as ‘wet, cold, and shivering’ with a body condition score of one out of nine.

Mason was also suffering from a kidney infection, and the decision was made to euthanize him, to end his suffering, which had gone on over a period of ‘not less than five weeks’.

Nanson, 59, of Roker Baths Road, Sunderland, admitted failing to take reasonable steps to ensure Mason’s needs were met by failing to ensure that he was provided with a suitable environment which was hygienic.

Probation officer Alan Cutting, who prepared a report on Nanson, said: “It would seem he had quite a lot going on in his life over a period of time.”

The court heard Nanson, who works as a handyman for a travel firm, had gone through ‘an absolutely devastating’ time, when after a relationship split he found out via DNA tests that none of the three children he thought were his own were actually his.

Mr Cutting said: “It doesn’t detract from the fact this animal was suffering. He should have picked up on the signs that the dog wasn’t well.

“The animal had to be destroyed because of the state of health it was in when it was found. He tells me he feels very, very sorry and ashamed.”

The bench had indicated that they may send Nanson to jailed for the offence.

Jason Smith, defending, said: “While this was a neglectful situation over a number of weeks and it is serious, it is not as serious as to carry a custodial sentence.”

Bench chairman Cliff Jones said: “It was prolonged neglect, judging by the state of the dog in the photographs, and we are making a life-time ban.”

Nanson was fined £667 and ordered to pay costs of £550 and a £80 surcharge to fund victim services.