Ryan David Alfred Miller

A chef who abandoned his dog in a filthy cellar without food or water for around three weeks has been handed a suspended prison sentence — after a vet said she was just days from death.

Ryan David Alfred Miller, 44, left American bully cross Mabel alone in the cold, unheated basement of a property in Holmfirth, with only a sofa cushion for bedding.

By the time the landlord discovered her in January 2026, she was severely emaciated and dehydrated with her internal organs at imminent risk of completely shutting down

Her body condition scored just one out of nine.

A vet described her suffering as “very high” and concluded she would probably have died within days without rescue.

A behavioural assessment found that Mabel would have endured fear, anxiety, panic and frustration during her prolonged abandonment.

Kirklees Magistrates’ Court heard Miller was her sole owner and had already been reminded by the RSPCA that dogs must not be left alone for extended periods.

Despite that warning, he left Mabel without anyone providing food, water or care.

A probation officer said Miller had given “no consideration for this dog whatsoever” and described the neglect as wilful.

Miller admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 when he appeared before magistrates on 9 October 2026.

He received 38 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and must complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He was also banned indefinitely from keeping animals.

Magistrates ordered him to pay £587 in costs and granted the RSPCA an order to recover legal and veterinary fees estimated at around £3,000.

Miller, a father of five, formerly ran the Hungry Turtle Holmfirth street-food business.

Mabel was signed over to the RSPCA and has since been rehomed — surviving an ordeal that, according to the veterinary evidence, came within days of killing her.

Source: UK Database on Facebook