Dog found in dire condition was tied to bathtub

The RSPCA said JJ was at risk of strangulation after being found tethered to a bathtub

A dog had to be put down after it was found tethered to a bath and in a dire condition, RSPCA inspectors said.

The Doberman, called JJ, was discovered at a property in Ogle Street, in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, in March 2024 after the charity received a complaint about the dog's welfare.

Jack Lewis Elshaw and Chelsea Scott Owens, who both now live in Grimsby, were sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on 30 October after each pleaded guilty to two offences relating to the mistreatment of JJ.

Insp Katie Burris said: "He had no access to a comfortable laying area and I don't think he would have been able to lie down properly in the bath and it looked as if he was at risk of choking himself."

The court heard that RSPCA officers had visited the property after previous welfare notices had not been complied with.

JJ was taken to a vet, who described its ribs, hip bones and spine as "prominent", with an eye condition causing "irritation and pain".

It was discovered JJ also had abdominal disease and later had to be put down.

Elshaw, 27, of Winchester Avenue, and Owens, 22, of Willingham Street, both in Grimsby, pleaded guilty to failing to adequately investigate and address JJ's weight loss and body condition, and failing to provide adequate veterinary care for its eye condition.

'Incredibly sad'

Elshaw was sentenced to a two-year community order with 140 hours of unpaid work. He must also complete 15 days' rehabilitation.

Owens was sentenced to an 18-month community order. She must also complete 15 days' rehabilitation, and was ordered to pay a £120 fine, a victim surcharge of £114 and costs of £400.

After sentencing, Insp Burris said: "I was quite shocked to see a dog tied up like that.

"It was incredibly sad to see JJ being kept in such conditions. He was such a lovely dog."

She added that the RSPCA had practical advice on its website about vet care costs and said mistreating an animal was "never the answer".

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