Tipton man banned from owning pets after 'self medicating' his emaciated dogs with drugs
A Tipton man with more than 10 dogs has avoided jail after 'self medicating' his filthy emaciated animals with drugs.
Andrew Slocombe, 33, from St Johns Road, was forced to hand over seven dogs to authorities after a female bulldog called Minnie died after being caused unnecessary suffering.
In October 2024 RSPCA animal welfare officers found terriers, French bulldogs and lurchers in rancid conditions at Slocombe's home. The emaciated animals had a variety of health complaints which had worsened due to Slocombe not bothering to care for the dogs called Duke, Minnie, Dolly and Nala or getting veterinary care despite knowing their conditions could only get worse.
Slocombe pleaded guilty in January at Dudley Magistrates Court to several charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals in October 2024 by failing to investigate the causes of weight loss, leg injuries and poor body condition.
Prosecuting for the RSPCA Janita Patel said: "The kennels were filthy and the smell of urine was overpowering. There was no fresh water and due to being emaciated female bulldog Minnie had to be euthanised, Duke's nails were dangerously long and had flaky skin, like the canines he was covered in urine.
"He self-medicated the dogs with unprescribed antibiotics which leads us to believe all of the dogs in his care are in danger."
As well as Duke, Dolly, Dolly, Bella and Nala, which animal welfare officers saved from further suffering in the autumn of 2024, Slocombe had seven dogs in his home when sentenced last week by Black Country Magistrates.
In mitigation, the court heard Slocombe, wearing a grey t-shirt and tracksuit in the dock, suffered from depression and and anxiety requiring a carer seven days a week.
He apologised for becoming overwhelmed by responsibility of caring for the animals. He was sentenced to 18 weeks, suspended for 18 months.
He was banned from owning pets for 10 years, ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation days and pay £540 costs. He was ordered to hand over his seven remaining dogs to authorities with seven days.