Whitefield: Dogs abandoned in rubbish and faeces-strewn house

Peter Bedford failed to return to the address in Brierley Avenue in Whitefield for days, prompting concerned residents to contact the RSPCA.

The Staffordshire bull terrier type dogs, a male called Menace and a female called Doris, were removed from the property with the help of police after the charity’s officers had been providing dog food via a downstairs window.

Manchester Magistrates' Court was told that RSPCA inspector Rachel Whalley and animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce removed the dogs on June 25 last year after police forced entry via a back door which had been barricaded with a mattress and other belongings.

Several days before, seals had been placed over the front and rear doors to see if anyone was attending and police were then asked to provide assistance when it became clear that no-one was going in the property.

Both dogs - described as scared and nervous - were living among broken glass, mouldy faeces and piles of rubbish, and no fresh food or water could be seen.

The dogs were found living in appalling conditions (Image: RSPCA)

The dogs were found living in appalling conditions (Image: RSPCA)

The property was found in a disgusting state (Image: RSPCA)

In written evidence to the court, Insp Whalley said: “I entered through the back door and into the kitchen and I was instantly hit with the strong smell of ammonia and faeces.

"There were lots of piles of faeces on the floor of the kitchen and flies flying around the room.

"As I continued through I entered the living room the smell continued and there were more piles of faeces on the floor.

“When I reached the top of the stairs I could see more faeces over the floor and the strong smell continued.

"There were bags of rubbish and clothes strewn in the hall.

"There were four doors and three of them were closed over with one ajar which is where the second dog was.

“This dog was a black and white, female bull breed dog.

"Based on her teats I could tell that she had a litter fairly recently. She was severely underweight, her rib and hip bones were very prominent.”

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The state of the property was disgusting (Image: RSPCA)

The state of the property was disgusting (Image: RSPCA)

The dogs were taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

Menace weighed 17kg (37.4lbs) and was given a body condition score of 2/9 by the vet who examined him. His ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones were easily visible and he had no palpable fat.

Doris weighed 15.2kg (33.5lbs) and was attributed a body condition score of 3/9. She had a superficial wound with a scab above her left eye and two scars between the left eye and ear.

Her mammaries were enlarged, although no milk was present.

In written evidence to the court, the vet said Bedford had failed to provide his dogs with a safe, clean, warm and comfortable environment, free access to clean water, a suitable diet and veterinary care.

“By failing to attend for a prolonged period the owner has caused unnecessary suffering to Menace and Doris,” she said.

“Regardless of the reason he had not attended, he should have sought alternative arrangements to ensure the dogs were cared for adequately and to ensure their needs were met.”

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The state of the property was disgusting (Image: RSPCA)

Magistrates were told that Bedford was contacted by Insp Whalley on July 11 after his number had been obtained via a third party.

He told her that a family member was supposed to be checking on both of the dogs daily but they had disappeared.

He said he had left food and water for them and had not been back to the property for a week and that Doris had just had an accidental litter but he had managed to rehome her pups.

Throughout July and August numerous attempts were made by Insp Whalley to meet Bedford at the property to interview him but he failed to show up on four occasions.

Notices advising him of her attendance remained taped to the front door and the garden became more and more overgrown.

By the time of the inspector’s last visit on August 2, neighbours said they had not seen him at the house in more than two months.

One offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 was proved in Bedford's absence at a court hearing.  

He was banned from keeping animals for three years, given a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and told to complete 40 hours of unpaid work.

The state of the property was disgusting (Image: RSPCA)

Speaking after the case, Insp Whalley said: “Menace and Doris had more or less been left to fend for themselves for long periods of time in conditions that were wholly unacceptable.

"Life often throws changes in circumstance at us but it’s important to ensure the needs of animals you are responsible for are always met.”

Menace and Doris remain in RSPCA care and are making good progress.