South Norwood dog owner who left pet with half its face ripped off jailed

A callous dog owner who left his pet with half its face ripped off after it was mauled by another dog was jailed for four months yesterday.

Police called to investigate a horrific smell in Richard Goring’s South Norwood home discovered maggots eating what was left of the emaciated dog’s face as it cowered in a corner.

Vets were forced to put the black and tan mongrel to sleep immediately due to Goring’s maltreatment, which had caused the dog to lose its eye and teeth on one side after the wound became infected.

Describing it as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty he had ever seen, the sentencing magistrate told Goring he had no choice but to send him to prison.

The 47-year-old, who lives in Hurst Court, Selhurst Road, was also banned from keeping animals for 20 years after pleading guilty to causing unecessary suffering and failing to meet the dog’s needs.

Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard Goring had decided to treat his pet’s wound himself rather than taking it to a vet after it was attacked by another dog in a park.

RSPCA inspector Rebecca London said: “This dog endured terrible suffering because its owner did not take her to the vets and had to be put to sleep.

“I have never seen anything like it.”

Click here to view the full extent of the animal's injuries - WARNING: THIS PICTURE CONTAINS EXTREMELY GRAPHIC IMAGES OF THE WOUNDS