Darren Hughes, 48, has been banned from keeping animals indefinitely after his neglect led to the suffering and death of his Shih Tzu, Chewie. Highbury Corner Magistrates Court heard that Chewie was left abandoned and in agony at Hughes’ home in Islington for several months. A concerned member of the public found the severely afflicted dog, took him to a vet, and discovered a heavy flea burden and iron deficiency. Unfortunately, the vet had to euthanize Chewie to alleviate his suffering, according to the RSPCA.
Hughes, convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, faced sentencing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on February 12. The court handed down an indefinite ban on keeping animals, an 18-week suspended custody sentence, and a £154 victim surcharge. Additionally, Hughes had a cat removed from his property, which will now be rehomed.
In his mitigation, Hughes attributed his failure to provide veterinary treatment for Chewie to an alcohol addiction. The evidence presented in court detailed Chewie’s extended suffering, with severe anaemia caused by flea infestation. The biochemistry blood test results highlighted issues such as low creatine, increased urea, and thrombocytosis.
Inspector Shahnaz Ahmad, after sentencing, expressed the distressing nature of the case, emphasizing that Chewie had been left alone for extended periods while being ravaged by fleas. The prompt intervention of a concerned citizen led to Hughes being held accountable for his actions. Despite being too late to save Chewie, the conviction ensures that Hughes will never have the opportunity to neglect pets in a similar manner.
