A cruel pet owner who left his dog in such a neglected state it grew foot-long DREADLOCKS has been banned from keeping animals for life.
Paul Padmore, 58, failed to ever brush or groom his Yorkshire terrier Poppy despite owning her for 13 years causing her coat to become severely matted and overgrown.
Magistrates heard a member of the public called the RSPCA after becoming concerned for the poorly pooch as it could barely walk.
When officers from the animal charity arrived at Padmore’s property in Willenhall, West Mids., they were stunned by the amount of tangled fur on Poppy.
When vets sheared off the dreadlocks they shockingly found the mass of hair measured around 13.5 inches (34cm) long and weighed 2kg (4 lbs).
But shortly after Poppy was rehomed she developed a serious spinal injury and was sadly put to sleep.
On Monday (4/12) Padmore pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of his pet at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court.
As well as being disqualified from keeping animals for life, he was given a six-week community order and was ordered to pay costs of £100 and an £85 victim surcharge.
After the case, RSPCA Inspector Beth Boyd said: “Poppy was completely covered in dreadlocks on every part of her body – she was even struggling to walk because of all the dreadlocks.
“Padmore admitted that he had never brushed or groomed her the whole time he had her, which was years.
“Not only was her fur in a poor condition, but also her claws were overgrown.
“Initially she was quite aggressive but as soon as we got her to a vet her temperament changed completely and she became gentler to handle.
“She was clearly very uncomfortable. This was purely long-term neglect.
“There is no excuse for a dog to be left in this condition. It would have made her quality of life virtually non-existent.
“It’s sad that she died so soon after going to a new home, but she spent her last few weeks with a loving owner.”
