Kieran Dunkley

A nine-month-old puppy was left so severely emaciated that she collapsed and had to be put down after her convicted sex offender owner failed to provide adequate food and veterinary care.

Kieran Dunkley, 21, from Birmingham, admitted three animal welfare offences involving labrador cross Lola and two-year-old bull cross Reggie.

Both dogs had visible bones and no body fat when examined by a vet, Birmingham Magistrates Court heard.

Dunkley was sentenced on 23 September to six additional months in prison, fined £350 and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

He was already serving a sentence at HMP Brinsford for breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The RSPCA investigation began after Dunkley’s partner’s mother took the dogs to a veterinary practice in January 2025.

Lola had already collapsed. Her condition was so serious that she could not be saved.

Reggie was also emaciated and suffering from an untreated ear infection. Pressure sores on his hind legs provided further evidence that his living conditions were unsuitable.

The examining vet said both dogs had suffered because they were not given a suitable diet or timely veterinary attention.

Reggie’s ear inflammation and discharge should have been apparent to a reasonable owner.

Dunkley admitted two counts of causing unnecessary suffering between December 2024 and January 2025, and one count of failing to meet an animal’s need to be protected from pain and suffering.

RSPCA inspector Laura Brewerton described the dogs’ suffering as heartbreaking and stressed owners’ responsibility to protect animals from pain, injury and disease.

Reggie was signed over to the RSPCA and has since been rehomed.

Source: UK Database on Facebook