A Devon man has been banned from keeping animals after being found guilty of neglecting his dog leaving her in ‘appalling conditions’

Kevin Robjent of Clyst St Mary, Exeter, was found guilty of an animal welfare offence, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

His Staffordshire bull terrier Shadow was rescued by the animal welfare charity after being discovered in squalid conditions in a lodge at Hornbeam Country Park, Dunkeswell on August 29 last year.

Shadow, who was struggling to walk, had been using the bathroom as a toilet, with faeces scattered throughout the property. Her nails were severely overgrown, and she had an open wound on her side which had been covered with a plaster.

The property was also found to be filled with rubbish and clutter which had piled on surfaces and across the floors.

Shadow was seized by police and presented to vets by an RSPCA inspector due to the concern for welfare.

The vet who examined her found that she was suffering from multiple serious, untreated conditions, including infected tumours, dental disease, a heart murmur, and severe joint pain.

Shadow after being found in appalling conditions by the RSPCA. Image: RSPCA
Shadow after being found in what the RSPCA described as ‘appalling conditions’. Image: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

Despite receiving extensive veterinary treatment and being transferred to a rescue centre, her condition steadily worsened, and she was humanely euthanised on September 25, 2025, on welfare grounds.

During sentencing the District Judge described the conditions Shadow was kept as “incredibly poor” and said photographs confirmed these appalling conditions.

Robjent was banned from keeping animals for a year when he was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates Court on October 28.

He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine and £400 costs.

In mitigation, he said he cared deeply for the dog, that he was suffering with mental health problems and financial challenges at the time.

The squalid conditions Shadow was found living in by the RSPCA. Image: RSPCA
The squalid conditions Shadow was found living in by the RSPCA. Image: RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

After the sentencing RSPCA Chief Inspector for Devon and Cornwall, Patrick Hamby, said “Shadow was extremely overweight with gum disease and claws that were overgrown and had not been trimmed. There was also the ulcerated mass which he had known about for a very long time - and had tried to treat it himself without seeking veterinary advice. It was bleeding and it was becoming ulcerated and was growing rapidly. There was a failure to seek veterinary attention.

“Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. Shadow was clearly in pain and in desperate need of help to treat her skin condition.

“Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets.

“If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.”