Walsall couple slapped with 10-year pet ban after neglecting dogs and kittens
A Walsall couple have been banned from keeping animals for ten years after admitting to neglecting the care of a dog and three kittens.
Kevin Castle, 53, and Julie Lugg, 53, both of Buxton Road, Walsall, pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences following an investigation by the RSPCA.
When officers rescued the animals, a dog named Chase was found to be severely underweight, with his ribs and spine visible. He was also suffering from fur loss and scabs across his skin.
Three kittens, aged just five weeks, were also undernourished. Two were struggling to open their eyes due to severe discharge, later found to be caused by cat flu and a flea infestation.
The kittens were treated in the isolation ward at the RSPCA’s Birmingham Animal Hospital, where they received medicated eye drops and routine parasite treatment. All three recovered well, gaining more than half of their body weight within two weeks.
Chase also made a full recovery after being placed on a proper diet and treated for fleas.
In their report to the court, the vet said: “There were no underlying medical causes identified for the poor body condition. Once under RSPCA care, Chase gained weight with an appropriate diet which could have easily been provided by an owner.”
At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 6 October, Castle and Lugg were each sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity. Both must also pay £350 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
The pair were handed a ten-year disqualification order from keeping animals, which they cannot appeal for five years.
Inspector Taylor, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it.
“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate care, including a suitable diet, is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
All the animals rescued in the case have since been successfully rehomed.
