- Tim Springett was found to be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- Vet who shaved Barney’s hair said there was ‘no doubt’ the fur ’caused physical stress as he moved’
These shocking photos show a Russian terrier suffering from 17kg of dirty, matted fur, while his owner is given a five-year ban on owning the animal.
Tim Springett’s pet, named Barney, carried an extra 21 percent of his body weight due to excess hair. He told RSPCA inspectors that he believed the breed did not need to be clipped.
Barney was handed over to the RSPCA, who shaved 7.8kg of his matted coat, with staff suspecting the matting was a result of the dog having to sleep outdoors, with no shelter or dry areas.
Springett pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offenses at Margate Magistrates Court.
Tim Springett’s pet, named Barney, carried an extra 21 percent of his body weight due to excess hair
Springett told RSPCA inspectors that he believed the breed did not need to be clipped
Barney was handed over to the RSPCA, who shaved 7.8kg of his matted coat
RSPCA staff suspect the mats were a result of the dog sleeping outside, without shelter or dry areas
Springett was found to be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Springett pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offenses at Margate Magistrates Court
In her witness statement, RSPCA Inspector Tina Nash said Barney was ‘extremely matted, with large clumps of fur hanging from him that appeared to be full of dirt or faeces and tightly tied to areas around his back’
The vet who shaved the Russian terrier said: ‘The dog was made to support a coat that weighs about 21 percent of its body weight as it moves around.
‘The weight of this coat would have increased significantly if the dog was wet.
‘I have no doubt that this would cause physical stress to the animal as it moved.
‘Based on the information provided to me, it is my professional opinion that the person responsible for the dog’s care failed to provide the dog with a sheltered sleeping area with bedding.
‘The person had also not cared for the dog for months and as a result left it in a position where it was likely to suffer.’
Barney is in the care of the RSPCA where he is currently in private boarding and will soon be made available for rehoming
The matted fur ‘appeared to be full of dirt or feces and tightly tied to areas around his back’
The vet who shaved his hair said there was ‘no doubt’ the matted coat would cause Barney ‘physical stress when he moved’
Springett was found to have breached the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which states that owners must protect the animal from suffering by providing regular care to the animal and providing the animal with a safe and hygienic environment.
During mitigation, Springett said he loves dogs and has experience working with them, and claimed his poor health was behind the problems.
He was banned from owning animals for five years, as well as a 12-month community order.
Barney is being cared for by the RSPCA where he is currently staying in a private boarding house and will soon be made available for rehoming.