Man Killing His Dog With Kindness Banned From Pet Ownership
Brighton Magistrates’ Court ruled that Ronald West, the 63-year-old owner of Taz was not fit to be in charge of a dog.
The crime that West committed was “failing to ensure the welfare of an animal,” or in layman’s talk – he overfed his dog. The five-year-old border collie was ruled dangerously over-weight after tipping the scales at 88lb (twice the weight considered normal).
To be fair, this was not a first offence punishment. West had ignored repeated orders to improve the dog’s diet. The initial complaint was registered in December of last year.
The conviction will cost West £1,477 and the right to own animals for the next 12 months. He will also loose Taz. The border collie has already shed 30lb since being removed, and can now run for an hour – rather than the laboured 10 minutes at its heaviest.
