WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT – Ryan Scandrett’s unnecessary suffering to Rocky and Max left neighbours in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in tears – and others were angry
This heartless yob starved his two dogs so badly they had to be put down.
Ryan Scandrett, 37, has now been banned from keeping animals for life after lurcher Rocky and shepherd-type dog Max were left in “extremely poor conditions” in his home. Neighbours were left in tears when Scandrett’s cruel neglect became clear, and so the RSPCA and police intervened.
The emaciated mutts were found in a car near the property in Bradford, West Yorkshire. They were both severely unwell, so much so vets had no choice but to euthanize the animals to prevent further suffering.
But Scandrett was spared jail despite admitting causing unnecessary suffering. He has been made subject to the ban, and was also given a year-long community order, requiring 180 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £600 and a victim surcharge of £114.
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Speaking after the man’s sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Leanne Booth said: “It is a pet owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care.
“Poor Rocky and Max were starved by Scandrett to the point where they had no chance of recovering – and he failed to seek veterinary treatment which could have alleviated their suffering.”
When Inspector Booth encountered the canines, Max’s ribs, spine, hips, leg bones, shoulder blades and skull were clearly visible – unusual in double coated breeds such as shepherd-type dogs. Both dogs were exhausted and weak.
Recalling the job, she continued: “As I turned onto the road I was met with a large crowd of people and several police officers. Some of the members of the public who had gathered were crying, some were angry and others could be heard talking on mobile phones saying how disgusting it was.
“One of the dogs was called Rocky. He was upright, it was very dark but under the streetlight that was shining into the vehicle I could see he was in extremely poor condition, all his bones were visible.
“I asked if the dogs could walk, I was told they could but they were very unsteady when walking, especially Max. I picked Rocky up and carried him to my vehicle, for a dog of his breed and size I was surprised how light he was. As I was carrying him I could feel every bone in his body.”
Rocky was unable to stand and then he began vomiting, bringing up pieces of a raw chicken carcass. The vet found that the dogs were “lethargic, depressed and weak” and both were emaciated. The vet also said that the dogs’ weakness, lethargy and malaise was due to chronic malnutrition.