A dog named Rusty, rescued from a property in Calne a year ago in a severe case of animal neglect, has made a full recovery and found a loving new home.
Rusty was discovered during a warrant executed at a property on Dixon Way in May 2024.
He was found living in squalid conditions, surrounded by rubbish in a kitchen and severely malnourished. Following his rescue, Rusty was immediately taken to kennels for urgent medical attention and rehabilitation.
The owner of the property, Paul Brewster, 38, of Dixon Way, appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on 30th April and pleaded guilty to two counts under the Animal Welfare Act: failing to ensure the welfare of an animal and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Brewster was fined £285 and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge, as well as £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
PC Lizzie Wright, the investigating officer in the case, described the horrific conditions Rusty was subjected to. "This was a terrible case of animal cruelty. The dog was found to be living in a kitchen full of junk, including its own faeces. It did not have a water bowl, and we could not find any dog food in the house – a clear failure to provide the dog’s most basic needs. Rusty was incredibly malnourished, and its skin was visibly in a bad shape."
Wiltshire Police and the RSPCA are urging anyone who witnesses or suspects animal cruelty to report it immediately. "If you see, or suspect, that a person may be treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty, you should report this to the RSPCA," said a spokesperson for the police.
Photo 1&2 show Rusty as he was found
Photo 3 - Rusty today
Video of the raid in May 2024
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