Man banned from keeping animals (From Witney Gazette)

Man banned from keeping animals

9:20am Friday 24th November 2006 in Witney By Nione Meakin

A BAMPTON man has been banned from keeping animals for a year after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his dog.

Danny Draper, 20, of Pembroke Place, Bampton, was ordered on Wednesday by Banbury magistrates to serve 120 hours community service, and was fined £500.

His Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Ozzy, was found in June this year with wounds and scars to his head, legs, and chest. None of his injuries had been treated by a vet. He was also found to be severely underweight and dehydrated.

The examining vet said that the wounds were consistent with the dog having been fighting with another dog.

In mitigation, Draper said that his dog had accidentally fought with another dog, but he did not take him to a vet for treatment, as his father had a previous conviction for offences related to dog fighting, and he thought it might look suspicious.

In May last year, Ian Draper, of Walker's Close, Asthall, was sent to prison for three months, and banned from keeping dogs for ten years, after organising dog fights at his father's pub, The New Inn, in Minster Lovell. The pub is now under new ownership.

He had admitted six charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to dogs, keeping a place for dog fighting, and owning an illegal breed of dog. A charge against Ian Draper's father, Martin Draper, of Wenrisc Drive, Minster Lovell, was withdrawn.

After Danny Draper's sentencing, RSPCA inspector, Tracy Davenport, said: "My main concern was that Ozzy should be confiscated to prevent him from suffering further.

"There is no excuse for not taking a sick or injured animal to the vet, and I just hope this sentence will mean that any future pets are given veterinary treatment when they need it, and not just left to suffer."

Two-year-old Ozzy was confiscated into RSPCA care by the court, and will be made ready for rehoming.