Family sentenced after dog euthanised due to neglect

A black and white collie named Spot was discovered in such appalling condition by RSPCA officers that he had to be immediately euthanised due to severe tumours and infection.

Four family members from Chepstow have received suspended prison sentences after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog under the Animal Welfare Act.

Laurie Anthony Murdin, 32, Matthew Graham Murdin, 22, Nicola Ann Murdin, 58, and Robert James Murdin, 75, all of Bulwark Road, Bulwark, Chepstow, were sentenced at Newport Magistrates’ Court for failing to investigate Spot’s deteriorating condition and provide veterinary treatment for large tumours in his nasal and oral cavities.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Danielle Wilson attended the property on 3rd December and found Spot outside. In her written statement to the court, she said: “I heard loud snorting noises as Spot approached the front door from the garden. The loud snorting noises also sounded like gargling. This noise was prominent throughout my duration at the property. When Spot came into the light fully, I saw that his face was misshaped due to lumps.”

Ms Wilson described how Spot’s nose was pointing to the right instead of forward, his forehead was enlarged and his left eye was squinted. “He moved all of his limbs slowly, his head was lowered and his hips were also lowered,” she said. “Spot was underweight, as the fur loss along the bottom half of his spine showed his spine. I could also see that his waist was thin. I could feel his spine and both hips easily.”

The officer explained that as Spot went inside the property, he stumbled into the wall in the hallway and slightly lost balance. During Ms Wilson’s visit, Spot collapsed and was rushed to the vets where he was immediately euthanised due to the severity of his condition.

Ms Wilson said the vet revealed the extent of the growths: “The roof of the mouth was bulging from a growth and there was a black growth to the back of Spot’s throat.”

All four defendants received 18-week prison sentences suspended for 12 months, 10-year bans on keeping all animals, and were ordered to pay £400 costs each plus a £154 victim surcharge. Matthew Graham Murdin additionally received a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The court heard there had been remorse from the defendants.