Emaciated dogs with split tails covered in black substance “much happier and healthier” after RSPCA rescue

Lurchers Sadie and Blaze had not been fed properly in three months when RSPCA Inspector Kim Greaves attended their owner’s property in Dinnington.

Now, they are described as “much happier and healthier”, as seen in photos shared by the charity .

In her written statement to Sheffield Magistrates’ Court, following the visit on October 23, 2023, Insp Greaves said: “Both dogs were tethered at separate points outside.

“The area was covered with faeces, to such an extent that both dogs were having to walk through it, there was no way for them to avoid doing so, and there was no evidence of any food.”

Jack Pearson, aged 22, of Leicester Road, Dinnington, has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

He was not home during the visit, but Insp Greaves photographed the dogs and contacted a vet, and returned to the property with police later that day.

It is said both Sadie and Blaze were not fed properly for three months.

Insp Greaves added: “Blaze was visibly underweight, lethargic and had no access to a clean laying area as his kennel was damp and extremely dirty. He also appeared to have blood on the tip of his tail. 

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“Sadie was brighter in her demeanour but due to her rough coat I was unable to tell her bodily condition. Her ‘kennel’ was a storage area with a door which was wide open to the elements and could not have been closed due to her tether being attached to the opposite fence.

“There was a black substance all over the floor which I could see on her legs and paws. Water was available but the receptacle was green with algae. 

Four-year-old Blaze had pressure sores on his elbows and hipbones, a split tail - which was bleeding profusely - and a cut on one of his back paws. Blaze’s tail could not be saved and was amputated the following month.

One-year-old Sadie was covered in a black substance compatible with either engine oil or black paint. She too had pressure sores and a split tail.

Pearson pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in May 2024.

A deprivation order imposed by the court means the centre is now able to work towards finding them loving new homes.

Speaking after the conclusion of the case Insp Greaves said: “They’ve made fantastic progress at our branch-run animal centre in Bawtry, the staff there have done a fantastic job, and they now have a much brighter and happier future ahead of them.”

A spokesperson from the Doncaster, Rotherham & District Branch described the pair as “much happier and healthier now”.

If people are interested in rehoming them, they should keep an eye on the branch’s website.