In the coastal town of Suffolk, England, a Lowestoft couple have been banned from owning any animals for the next ten years. The “heartbreaking” neglect of their miniature dachshund, Duggy drew worldwide backlash after the RSPCA released photos after he arrived at the vets.
In December 2023, a concerned relative, who rushed the dog to a local veterinarian hospital, notified the RSPCA of the dog’s condition. When officers arrived, Duffy was barely conscious, hyperthermic and his blood pressure registered very low. He appeared severely emaciated; his ribs and pelvic bones showed underneath a thin layer of skin.
The veterinarian hospital stated Duggy had been suffering and recommended humane euthanasia.
According to the Lowestoft Journal, the RSPCA launched an investigation which led to the arrest of Kelly Utting, 37, and Daniel Kilty, 42. The couple did not show up at the Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court on February 21 and, in their absence, were found guilty of failing to ensure that the needs of the miniature dachshund were met and subsequently sentenced.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the couple, who have seven children and still own seven other dogs, stated they were animal lovers and did not deliberately starve two-year-old Duggy. They claimed the dog had been suffering from a mysterious illness, and although they claimed they had sought help from vets, Duggy continued to lose weight because he refused to eat.
Veterinarians who had treated Duggy testified at the court appearance.
Duggy suffered as a consequence of his emaciated bodily condition.
Utting and Kilty were each banned from owning any animals for 10 years, fined £1,100 ($1,189.) and ordered to pay £1,081 ($1,169) in costs and a victim surcharge of £440 ($476.)
We are so sorry Duggy; you deserved better. If you see something say something.
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