Chewie had ‘severe anaemia’ and was infested with fleas

A MAN from Finsbury Park has been given an indefinite ban on owning animals after his dog became so malnourished and ill it had to be put down.

A member of the public took a Shih Tzu called Chewie to the vets after finding him collapsed at his owner Darren Hughes’ home. Vets found evidence of animal neglect, as Chewie had “severe anaemia” and was infested with fleas.

The vet made the sad decision to put Chewie to sleep to end his suffering.

Mr Hughes, 49, was sentenced at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Monday February 12 for causing “unnecessary suffering” to Chewie between June and August last year.

Mr Hughes was banned indefinitely from keeping all animals. He was sentenced to 18 weeks’ custody, suspended for 18 months and was fined a victim surcharge of £154.

He also had a cat removed from the property, who will now be rehomed.

Mr Hughes said alcohol addiction stopped him from taking Chewie to the vets.

RSPCA inspector Shahnaz Ahmad said: “This was a distressing case. Poor Chewie had been left on his own for large periods of time while he was riddled with fleas. They were literally eating him alive.

“It’s thanks to a member of the public alerting us to the condition of this dog that he was punished for his actions. Sadly it was too late to save Chewie, but it does mean this individual will never be able to neglect pets in this way again.”

In evidence, the vet wrote: “The biochemistry blood test results show that he had low creatine, which was likely related to muscle loss, and increased urea, which is likely related to dehydration. He was diagnosed with severe anaemia due to his infestation with fleas.”