Police hunt dog owner who left pup to starve in Birmingham

A severely malnourished and injured dog has been rescued from a home in Birmingham.

PC Tracey Shea, from the Small Heath and Highgate Neighbourhood Police Team, went to the home in Nechells with Inspector Kate Levesley from the RSPCA in August last year. Once inside the flat, they found the dog Rookie had open wounds to his hip and leg and was significantly underweight.

He was in such a poor state of neglect, PC Shea used Section 18 powers under the Animal Welfare Act to have the dog taken away. With the assistance of staff from Birmingham City Council a CCTV trawl was completed which showed his owner had not taken Rookie out of the flat for five days prior to their arrival.

The RSPCA collated evidence and on Monday (12 June) the matter was heard at Birmingham Magistrates Court, where Rookie’s owner was found guilty in his absence. There is now a Fail to Appear Warrant out for his arrest.

Rookie remains in the care of the RSPCA and is recovering well, West Midlands Police said.

Police statement

PC Tracey Shea said: “Myself and Insp Levesley from the RSPCA were shocked at the condition we found Rookie in, and were happy to get him out to a place of safety where he could be properly examined and cared for.

“It’s great to see his progress since then. This has been a very emotional operation, thankfully with a positive ending.”

“Anyone who witnesses cruelty to animals should call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. Help raise awareness of animal cruelty, share this post and together we can keep animals safe.”