Forgetful owner left pet puppy to die

A nine-month-old Staffie puppy was left to starve to death – after his owner forgot about him. The brindle and white dog went without food for up to three weeks after being left in his kennel to fend for himself.



He was finally remembered by his owner Nigel Leech who had become depressed after his girlfriend walked out of their Pittshill home up to a month earlier. RSPCA inspectors called by Leech on July 12 found the puppy weighed 20lbs, had severe mouth ulcers and had been left in a urine-soaked bed. He was able to wag his tail when he was rescued and tried to lift his head but could not stand. He died a few hours later.

The court heard Leech had acted like a 'zombie' after splitting up with his girlfriend. Leech, of Brinscall Green, Fegg Hayes, told police that he had fed and watered the animal for about a week but then became depressed and forgot about it.



He told officers he only remembered about the dog when he went to put rubbish in his bin and saw it in the kennel. Now the 40-year-old, who has admitted eight charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, will be sentenced at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court next Friday.