Man who starved and neglected two dogs is banned from owning animals

David Lee Farrington, 41, neglected two dogs, Scrappy and Chance, despite the RSPCA offering to help. 

The two dogs were so skinny that you could see all of their ribs, spine and hips.

Chance at the time of rescue 

Inspectors from the animal welfare charity had advised Farrington to seek veterinary help for his dogs, Scrappy and Chance, after concerns were raised about their condition during a visit to his home on December 3.

After a number of attempts by officers to convince Farrington to arrange care for his dogs, another visit was made to his address on December 17. Farrington’s dogs were taken to a vet by the charity’s officers who confirmed the dogs were suffering.

Farrington of Ash Close, Aldershot, Hampshire, was also ordered to carry 160 hours unpaid work and pay £200 costs and a £90 victim surcharge when he was sentenced for an animal welfare offence at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on January 29 after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

Scrappy at the time of rescue 

A spokesperson for the animal welfare charity said: “At the time of rescue, Scrappy weighed just 15kg while Chance weighed just 10.2kg and both were visibly underweight. Scrappy had increased his body weight by approximately 15 per cent over one week and approximately 33 per cent over six weeks. Chance had increased his body weight by approximately 29 per cent over one week and approximately 52% over six weeks.

“The vet found the reason for their initial emaciated state being a lack of nutrition as there were no apparent diseases and both dogs had been happy and eating extremely well since their rescue.

Chance (left) and Scrappy (right) after recovery

“The suffering caused to Chance and Scrappy could have been avoided if Farrington had taken responsibility for their welfare and given them an appropriate diet and appropriate care.”

Both dogs have since found new homes.