David James Etchells
Animal welfare offence *
Sentence
Banned from keeping animals for eight years, 120 hours unpaid work, £400 costs and £114 surcharge
David James Etchells, 24, of Dymond Court, Bodmin, failed to provide an appropriate diet to his Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Roxy, for several weeks, possibly months, resulting in her severe emaciation, extreme muscle loss, ulcers on wrists, tail damage, and skin irritation. Roxy was discovered collapsed in his home, with a body condition score of one out of nine, unable to stand, and close to death. She suffered pain, distress, hunger, stomach cramps, and emotional stress. The condition was life-threatening and obvious to the owner. Following an RSPCA investigation, Roxy was rescued and has since recovered, gaining over 8kg in three months and been rehomed.
Pleaded guilty to animal welfare offence. In mitigation, claimed he had no job or money at the time and expressed remorse.