A UK man got a suspended sentence and animal ban after his severely neglected dog, Ruby, died from untreated conditions.

A 71-year-old man from Jaywick, Dennis Ramsey, was given a suspended 26-week prison sentence and a 10-year ban on owning animals after his Dogue de Bordeaux, Ruby, was found in critical condition in February 2025. The dog, weighing just 28kg—14kg below her healthy weight—was emaciated, suffering from untreated skin disease, pressure sores, and breathing difficulties due to nasal crusting. She had previously been treated for skin issues in 2022 and 2024, but follow-up care was missed. Ruby was humanely euthanized after collapsing at a vet clinic, with the court hearing she likely endured weeks of suffering. Ramsey, who pleaded guilty to two Animal Welfare Act offences, expressed remorse citing age and mental health, and was ordered to pay £500 in costs and a £154 surcharge. The RSPCA stressed that timely veterinary care could have prevented her death.