A man has been handed a suspended prison sentence and banned from keeping animals after he left dogs in appalling conditions and starved a snake to death.
Jake Riley, 35, of Church Close, Radcliffe-On-Trent, Nottinghamshire has appeared before Sheffield Magistrates’ Court charged with seven charges of offences linked to causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
Earlier this year, on 22 February officers acted on a report and gained entry to an address in Rotherham in which Riley was housing six dogs and a snake.
Two of the dogs were found to be living inside crates, in their own faeces and without water.
All of the dogs suffered injuries and medical issues of some kind and a veterinary report highlighted that Riley had not given the dogs the care and treatment they required.
Sadly, one dog’s condition could not be cared for and following its seizure had to immediately be put to sleep, following advice from a vet.
Following the seizure of the other dogs, a further two dogs had to be put to sleep due, but the remaining three were able to continued their rehabilitation and have now become someone’s loved pet.
Officers also found a dead Royal Python snake in the property, in a glass case. The snake had a heat lamp above it but with no bulb and a vet report showed that the snake had likely starved to death due to its body condition.
Riley pleaded guilty at any earlier hearing to the offences and on 15 December appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, banned from owning animals for seven years and ordered to pay fines of £754 and complete 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months.
Causing pain or suffering to animals is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in South Yorkshire. While animals cannot speak for themselves, we are grateful to those who raise their voices on their behalf — whether to the police or to charities. Together, we can ensure they are protected.
