Man Banned from Keeping Animals for 15 Years After Dog Neglect in Rochdale

A man from Burnley has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after an emaciated dog was discovered living in squalid conditions at a property in Rochdale. Paul Lewis Dawson, 37, of Brownside Road, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences concerning a bullbreed dog named Kano. He received a 22-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Tameside Magistrates' Court on 31 July 2026.

The investigation by the RSPCA began on 6 August 2025, following reports that Kano had been left unattended at a property on Alice Street in Rochdale. RSPCA inspector Beth Fazackerley, accompanied by animal rescue officer Francesca Iraci, initially observed the dog through the keyhole of the property. After no one answered the door, they pushed wet dog food through the letterbox for Kano, who appeared very thin and weak.

Upon returning with a police officer later that evening, the inspectors found Kano in a dire state. He struggled to walk and exhibited signs of severe neglect, including visible ribs and hip bones, skin infections, and a significant flea infestation. A veterinary examination confirmed that Kano had been suffering from malnutrition and inadequate living conditions for at least three weeks, if not longer. The property itself was found to be filled with rubbish and faeces, creating an unsanitary environment for any animal.

Dawson admitted to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide Kano with a suitable diet, necessary veterinary treatment, and an appropriate living environment. The judge described the case as "the most serious case of animal cruelty I have ever dealt with." Following the court's decision, Kano has since been taken into the care of the RSPCA and has made a full recovery.