Cruel pet owner let his starving dog eat plastic

A MAN who starved dogs in Plymouth for months has been banned from keeping animals for seven years following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

- By IAN LEWIS

Shaun Robert Ferguson, 44, of Cam-rose in Pembrokeshire, was living in Clarence Place, Plymouth, at the time of the offences, between December 4, 2023 and March 1, 2024.

He was found guilty in his absence at Llanelli Magistrates Court, of two animal welfare offences.

The court heard how two rottweilers owned by Fergerson, named Prince and Trixie, were seized by police after concerns were raised about their treatment. Subsequently he was charged under Section 9 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The vet, who examined the dogs, said in their report: "Both the dogs were extremely thin and this alone would give cause for concern about their suffering. Both had mild to severe ligament or tendon laxities, showing that their malnourishment or starvation would have been going on for at least three to four months. Prince was most affected, with a body conditioning score of just 1, the lowest in the range. His weight was 27.7kg.