THESE are the amazing photographs that show how a dog starved to within two days of death has made a miraculous recovery following the love and attention of its new owner.

American bulldog “Belle” was severely emaciated and weighed just 11.6kg when she was taken to the vets last August.

Her then owner, Robert Daniel Murphy, was banned from keeping or owning animals for 10 years on Monday after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to Belle.

The court heard that the 27-year-old had failed to feed Belle correctly for at least two months between June 29 and August 29, 2014.

But now, Belle – who was described as being dehydrated and too weak to bear any weight – has found herself a loving new home and now weighs more than 30kg.

Wirral RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes  – who previously described Belle as “the skinniest alive dog” he had seen in his career - said: “Although it should never ever get to this stage, it is amazing how Belle has recovered and it is a pleasure to see how well she is doing now after the heartbreaking state she was in back in August.

“I’m so glad she has a second chance and I wish her a long happy life.”

Wirral Globe:
HAPPY ENDING: Belle was severely emaciated and weighed just 11.6kg when she was taken to the vets last August. She now weighs more than 30kg.

During Murphy’s sentencing on Monday – when he was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months – District Judge Michael Abelson was told how the defendant’s former girlfriend had taken Belle to the vets after she had collapsed on his couch.

Chris Murphy, prosecuting on behalf of the animal welfare charity, said: “The vet was so concerned about the condition of the dog that he immediately called the RSPCA.

“The dog was emaciated, weighing just 11.6kg, was dehydrated and was too weak to bare any weight.

“The vet was sure that the animal would have died within the next 24 to 48 hours if left alone.”

 


Magistrates heard how Robert Murphy had admitted ownership of the dog when interviewed by the RSPCA and said he had been working between 10 and 12 hours a day.

“He said he had the dog for two years from a puppy and had got himself into a state. He was also seeing his daughter in the evenings,” added Chris Murphy.

“He was unable to afford proper food things and car for the animal and said he started feeding him biscuits but it had choked.”

The court heard that Robert Murphy had “noticed the change” in the dog but said it had “always been skinny”.

He said the “stress of work” and the breakdown of his relationship had caught up with him.

Chris Murphy said: “He didn’t pay enough attention to the dog and accepted he should have done more or had the dog rehomed.”

During his first appearance, Robert Murphy said: “I had a lot on my plate at the time. I was doing volunteer work, trying to get myself back on the straight and narrow.”

Mr Abelson said: “When I see these sort of photographs of animals I wonder what sort of individual can treat animals like this. It’s shameful, disgraceful behaviour. People should never treat animals like this.”

Gerry Pachter, defending, said Robert Murphy was a recovering alcoholic who suffers with depression and deeply regrets his actions.

Robert Murphy was also handed a 12 month community order with a supervision requirement, placed on a four month curfew and ordered to pay £881.30 costs to the RSPCA, which will be taken from his benefits.

If you would like to help the RSPCA to continue to bring animal cruelty cases to court, you can text HELP59 to 70099 to give £3.