Couple Receive 10-Year Animal Ban After Dog Dies From Untreated Injuries
Two West Midlands residents have been handed a decade-long animal disqualification order after their two-year-old pocket bully dog died from untreated bite wounds that went without veterinary attention for eight days.
Massana Burton Marie Lyons from Providence Lane in Walsall and Munyardzi Vincent from Woodlands Avenue in Wolverhampton both pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
Tragic Delay in Seeking Veterinary Treatment
The distressing case heard at Birmingham Magistrates' Court revealed that Vatoloco, the pocket bully dog, sustained bite injuries on August 18 last year but wasn't presented to veterinary professionals until August 26.
By the time the dog received professional medical attention, the situation had become tragically irreversible. The veterinary examination revealed multiple deep, necrotic wounds that emitted a foul odour, with one particularly extensive injury tracking under the skin across the thorax area.
Inadequate Home Treatment Attempted
The court heard that Vincent had attempted to treat the serious injuries at home by cleaning and bandaging the wounds while administering his own supply of amoxicillin antibiotics.
However, veterinary evidence presented to the magistrates explained that dog bite wounds represent deep, contaminated, penetrating injuries that require specialised treatment. Proper care typically involves extensive cleaning with debridement, appropriate pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication, and professionally prescribed antibiotics.
The veterinary report stated clearly: "In my opinion, the treatment course provided by the individual was inadequate for the extent of the injury. Also, dressing the wound likely created an environment that trapped the infection."
Court Sentencing and RSPCA Response
Alongside the ten-year animal disqualification order, which cannot be appealed for five years, both defendants received a twelve-month community order with ninety days of unpaid work requirements.
They were also ordered to pay £350 in costs plus a £114 victim surcharge. During proceedings, the pair expressed remorse, acknowledging they had made "a huge mistake" in believing they could manage the serious injuries without professional veterinary intervention.
Following the sentencing on January 15, RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones emphasised: "Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it. Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy."
The inspector added: "Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them."
Veterinary Evidence Highlights Preventable Tragedy
The veterinary professional who examined Vatoloco determined that euthanasia represented the only humane course of action given the extensive nature of the wounds and the advanced infection that had developed during the eight-day period without proper treatment.
The report explained that without appropriate veterinary intervention, bacteria from the biting dog's mouth would inevitably cause infection in the wounds. The delayed treatment allowed infection to fester while the dog received no pain relief following the substantial injury.
The veterinary opinion concluded: "In my opinion this could have been avoided if appropriate treatment was sought as soon as possible after the initial injury."
