A Blyth man who severely neglected his dog and failed to seek medical attention for it, has received a suspended prison sentence, a fine and has been banned for keeping animals for 10 years.  

 

The case was brought to Court by Northumberland County Council and on 28th March 2024 Daniel Glancey from Eighth Avenue, Blyth appeared before Newcastle Magistrates Court where he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal which was contrary to Section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 

 

Glancey received a 9-week custodial sentence, reduced to 6 weeks for his early guilty plea (suspended for 18 months). Magistrates also imposed a victim surcharge of £154 and costs of £300. Glancey was also disqualified from keeping all animals for a period of 10 years.  

 

In May 2023 an animal welfare officer at the County Council picked up a female Rottweiler named Xena which was reported straying in Blyth and was in very poor condition.  

 

The following day the Council received a lost dog report from Daniel Glancey, matching Xena’s description. 

 

The animal welfare officer called Glancey to discuss concerns with Xena’s condition and he said she was under the care of St Clair Vets in Blyth after being poisoned by fertiliser.  

 

Glancey subsequently admitted that he had lied about the fertiliser as Xena’s current weight did not look good. During that call he confirmed he had no money to pay for vet care and wasn’t able to get any help. 

  

When Xena was taken for a veterinary examination, she weighted just 19kg and had a significantly low body condition score of 2/9. Her hip bones, ribs, spine and skull were visibly on show. She was weak, had overgrown nails and discharge to her eyes 

 

The vets said she was in a poor condition due to lack of proper nutrition and diet and that Xena suffered unnecessarily.  

 

Glancey attended a voluntary interview conducted by Council officers during which he confirmed he had Xena from being a puppy but could not afford to take her to see a vet due to working part time.  He signed over the care of the dog to the animal welfare officer who placed her in the care of Northumberland Dog Rescue to recuperate and gain condition.  She has since been rehomed. 

 

Northumberland County Councillor Gordon Stewart, cabinet member with responsibility for Looking after our Communities said: 

  

“Pets are a long-term commitment and do cost money – sometimes a lot of money. People really need to think long and hard before getting any pet and consider whether they have the time, dedication and finances to look after a pet properly. 

“We won't tolerate animal cruelty and our welfare officers are dedicated and very persistent in bringing offenders to justice time and time again. 

“We hope that this sentence serves as a warning to others. If you make a commitment to own a pet, then you really must be able to care for it responsibly or face the consequences.” 

“If you already have a pet and your financial or personal circumstances change and you are struggling to care for your pet, please contact our animal welfare team or a local pet charity to see what support you may be able to get.”