Warning: We’ve now received some distressing images from the RSPCA of the two dogs. We thought twice about showing them, but in an attempt to stop neglect of this level happening again, they are shown at bottom of the article
Isle of Wight residents Tony and Kaye Toogood have been banned for life from keeping dogs after appearing in court this week.
Tony Toogood, a town councillor in Brading, and his estranged wife, Kaye Toogood, both admitted neglecting their two dogs, Minnie and Daisy.
RSPCA inspectors discovered the neglect after the older dog, Daisy, was found as a stray. A visit to the couple’s home in Brading revealed similar neglect of the other dog, Minnie.
Long-term neglect
Inspector Mark Buggie told OnTheWight,
“These dogs were quite simply not getting the care they deserved. They were in a great deal of discomfort and their needs were not being taken care of.”
After the hearing he told the CP,
“They were covered in matted fur and no oxygen could get to the skin, which meant they developed a skin disease, sores and eye infections.
“You couldn’t make out their facial features through the fur.”
He went on to say they would have been in pain from the long-term neglect.
Suspended prison sentence
Following the hearing, at which Mr Toogood was sentenced to three months in prison (suspended for 12 months) 180 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
Mrs Toogood was given a three month community order and a 7pm-7am curfew as well as sharing a £300 fine with her estranged husband in costs and charges.
Toogood: “I suppose I did neglect them”
Mr Toogood told the County Press,
“Of course I am sorry about it.
“I suppose I did neglect them in the last couple of months but I’ve had trouble at home.”
The town will miss out
Talking on his expected resignation from the town council he said,
“It means all the volunteering I do will stop, so the town will miss out.”
OnTheWight understands that standing down as councillor will not be Mr Toogood’s choice now he has a criminal record with suspended sentence of three months in prison.
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Source: County Press 18.12.2016
