RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancs Branch appeal to help find neglected Staffordshire Bull Terrier Reggie a home
The RSPCA in Lancashire is appealing for a foster home for a dog who has made a heartwarming recovery after being left for many weeks with untreated skin, eye and ear conditions.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Reggie, 8, was suffering from a number of severe health issues which his owner had failed to seek veterinary treatment for.
The RSPCA’s Blackpool & North Lancs Branch is now looking for a loving foster home where Reggie can play with his beloved toys after being nursed back to health by the charity.
At a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, December 9, his owner, Jordan Gilchrist, was disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.
Gilchrist, 30, of Salcombe Avenue in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, was also ordered to carry out a 12-month community order, 12 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and a year-long month mental health treatment requirement by magistrates at South Tyneside. He was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
He had previously pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following a prosecution by the RSPCA.
Magistrates were told RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Heather Wade went to Gilchrist’s address on 7 July this year because of concerns for Reggie’s welfare. The court was told he had areas of exposed red skin that looked to be bleeding and there were scabs and fur loss evident.
He appeared to be extremely uncomfortable and was rubbing and scratching himself constantly.
In her written statement to the court the RSPCA officer said: “Mr Gilchrist said he had just washed Reggie. He showed me his own neck which had a big red patch on it. He said he had been to the doctor for himself and the doctor had told him it was contact dermatitis and had given him gel which he had been using on himself and the dog.
“Mr Gilchrist claimed he had been struggling to get in contact with the vets and had to re-register with them. I advised him I would like to remove Reggie and take him to see a vet and Mr Gilchrist agreed.”
Gilchrist confirmed he owned Reggie and the dog hadn't seen a vet for about two years.
A local vet who examined him on behalf of the RSPCA said he was suffering from severe skin disease with multiple areas of infection and fur loss and he was seized by the police as evidence.
The court was told the dog had red conjunctiva, chronically inflamed ears, swollen gums and a large, but painless, skin tag hanging from his lower abdomen which was nearly touching the floor. Some of Reggie’s nails were so long they were growing into his pads, and his feet were particularly sore, inflamed and infected.
In her written evidence to the court the vet said: “There was an overwhelming smell coming from Reggie’s coat. He was very itchy on any touch over his coat and there were flakes and scabs falling onto the floor as he was examined.
“It is my professional opinion that Reggie was caused unnecessary suffering by the person(s) responsible for his care by their failure to provide appropriate veterinary care.
“The extent of the skin, eye and ear disease that Reggie was suffering from would be very easily recognised by a lay person and it would be obvious that veterinary attention should be sought.
“This dog showed evidence of chronic changes to the skin and ear canals which would have taken no less than six to eight weeks to develop but likely to have been considerably longer.”
Reggie stayed overnight at the vets before being transferred to a private boarding facility for ongoing care on behalf of the RSPCA. In October he was transferred to the charity’s Blackpool & North Lancs Branch who are now looking for a foster home for him.
They say Reggie, who is about eight years old, is an excitable older boy who doesn’t let his age slow him down. He loves people and being showered with affection and is always eager to play with his toys.
He thrives from having attention, which has left him struggling to adapt to kennel life, so a foster home is being urgently sought until he is ready to find a permanent new home. He could potentially live with another calm dog and an adult-only household is preferred.
If you think you could offer Reggie a suitable foster home please fill out an application form and send it to [email protected] or contact the branch on 01253 703 0000.