Dursley couple who kept emaciated dog given pet ban

The vet who examined Marley the Labrador decided he needed to be put down

A couple have been banned for keeping animals for 10 years after their elderly dog had to be put down due to being extremely underweight.

Kirsty Gerlach, 41, and Matthew Gerlach 43 from Dursley in Gloucestershire pleaded guilty after their Labrador cross's physical health deteriorated.

RSCPA inspector Richard Carr found the dog named Marley emaciated and sitting in his excrement at the couple's home.

A vet decided to put Marley to sleep to end his suffering.

The couple appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on 2 November where they both received 10-year disqualification orders and were placed under 12-month community orders.

Welfare concerns

Mr Carr attended the couple's home on 12 December last year after a member of the public contacted the animal charity with concerns about Marley.

Ms Gerlach told the inspector she was giving Marley joint supplements because of his age.

The inspector offered her guidance on how to care for elderly dogs and advised her the animal would need to see a vet if he became weak or developed mobility issues.

Following further concerns that had been raised for the dog, the inspector returned three months later with a council animal welfare officer.

He found Marley in a dog crate in the kitchen and his physical condition had deteriorated, while he was also covered in his own excrement.

'Extremely underweight'

In a statement presented to the court, inspector Carr said: "Marley's hips and ribs were easily visible and he was lethargic and seemed reluctant to walk. The owner said he had lost control of his bowels."

Ms Gerlach agreed to let the inspector take Marley to a vets where he had to be carried into the premises by the council officer because he was so unwell.

The vet who examined him said that Marley was extremely underweight with a body condition score of two out of nine.

In her report she said that the dog's weight loss was caused either by an underlying condition for which the owners should have sought treatment, or from him being starved for a period of longer than four weeks.

Kirsty Gerlach has to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days, while magistrates also fined her £40. Matthew Gerlach was told to complete 15 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Both defendants were told to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £114.