Burnley Man Banned from Keeping Animals for 15 Years After Dog Found Neglected in Rochdale

A man from Burnley has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after his dog was discovered in an emaciated state at a property in Rochdale. Paul Lewis Dawson, 37, of Brownside Road, admitted to three animal welfare offences involving a bullbreed dog named Kano during a hearing at Tameside Magistrates' Court on 31 July.

Dawson was sentenced to a 22-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 18 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also required to pay £400 in costs. The investigation by the RSPCA began on 6 August 2025, following reports from the public about the dog's condition at an address on Alice Street in Rochdale.

RSPCA inspector Beth Fazackerley, along with animal rescue officer Francesca Iraci, initially observed Kano through the keyhole of the property. They noted that the dog appeared very skinny and pushed wet dog food through the letterbox, which Kano ate. After obtaining a warrant with Greater Manchester Police, they returned to the property later that evening. Upon entry, they found Kano in a severely neglected state, struggling to stand and covered in fleas.

A veterinary examination confirmed that Kano had been suffering from malnutrition, flea infestation, and unsanitary living conditions for at least three weeks. The vet described the conditions inside the property as unsuitable and noted that the dog was in a state of severe distress. Following his rescue, Kano has since been rehabilitated and is now in good health. The judge in the case remarked that it was one of the most serious instances of animal cruelty he had encountered. The RSPCA expressed gratitude to the public for reporting the situation, which allowed them to intervene before further harm could occur.