Brighton dog’s suffering highlighted as RSPCA publishes annual report

A dog in Brighton was so neglected that its matted fur amputated one of its paws and another had digits missing.

The case of Florence, a shih tzu cross-breed, previously known as Cheeky, was highlighted as the RSPCA animal charity published its annual prosecutions report today (Wednesday 18 June).

She had infections in her eyes and ears and her teeth were so rotten that they had to be taken out.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: “This was one of the most shocking cases of long-term neglect I have witnessed in my 17 years as an inspector.

“As well as her missing paws she had to have more than 1.5kg of matted encrusted fur removed.”

Florence’s owner Derek Goldsmith, 64, of Albourne Close, Whitehawk, admitted causing her unnecessary suffering when he appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court last November.

He was banned from keeping animals for five years, given a four-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months and a community integration order.

Goldsmith was also ordered to pay costs of £2,300.

The RSPCA, which has kennels in Patcham, said that Goldsmith had said that he was ashamed and promised never to own another animal again.

Brighton solicitors David Buck and Co prosecuted another case for the RSPCA after a National Gull Rescue and Protection group in Hastings was found to have neglected dozens of the birds.

The report said: “One bird was even found to have an old piece of sellotape on a wing – an attempt at treatment that had actually made its condition worse.

“A vet concluded that many of the gulls had been suffering for up to two months.”

Three people were banned from keeping birds as a result of the case.

The report said that 14 people were prosecuted in Sussex in 2013, accounting for 39 convictions.