Home alone for 3 days

A DOG owner who left his pet home alone for three days with no water and only mouldy biscuits for food has escaped a ban from owning animals.

Paul Dancer admitted to not taking reasonable steps for the welfare of his terrier Roxy — who was discovered by RSPCA inspectors and police in an “frightened state”.

Oldham magistrates heard how Dancer’s living room and kitchen was covered in faeces where Roxy was confined.

But magistrates deemed the case as a “one-off” — with no evidence of ill health or abuse towards the pet, who has been owned by Dancer (22) since 2004.

The RSPCA were called to the defendant’s flat on Rock Street, Oldham, on June 14, after neighbours became concerned into Roxy’s safety.

They could hear Roxy, but could not see her.

Greg Kemp, defending, revealed his client was helping a hospitalised close friend with the care of her children, which caused his absence.

He said: “It is a very unusual case with the dog showing no physical signs of abuse or neglect. My client clearly loves the dog.

“He admits it was irresponsible to leave her on her own for the length of time he did, but he is a man who has never been in any trouble with the RSPCA and has taken the dog to the vets in the past.”

Dancer was fined £565 in total, but has been allowed to keep Roxy.