A dog had to be put to sleep after being left suffering from a severe skin condition so painful she scratched herself until she bled. Tia, a pocket bully, endured weeks of agony as intense itching caused extensive fur loss, raw red skin and open wounds across her body.
Despite her condition worsening, owner David Michael Jones failed to seek veterinary treatment. When animal welfare officers eventually stepped in, they found the dog suffering from severe skin and ear disease, with bleeding scratch wounds and signs of prolonged neglect.
An examining vet later concluded that Tia had been left in pain for at least two weeks and should have received urgent medical attention long before her condition reached such a serious stage. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Freya Norton visited Jones’ home in after concerns were raised about the dog’s welfare.
View 3 ImagesDespite her condition worsening, owner David Michael Jones failed to seek veterinary treatment
In a witness statement, she said: “It was clear to me that Tia had fur loss on her feet, abdomen, tail and face, sparse fur on her body, thickened skin, scabs and dark pink sores. I couldn’t easily tell the colour of her fur due to the lack of it.”
Jones agreed for Tia to be taken immediately to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for examination. Veterinary surgeons discovered extensive skin disease and a serious ear condition affecting both ears.
Tia’s skin was red, inflamed and intensely itchy, with multiple scratch wounds still actively bleeding. She had suffered widespread fur loss, thickened skin and chronic irritation.
A painful haematoma was also discovered on her left ear. The vet said: “A reasonable owner would make efforts to have this dog assessed and treated by a vet to relieve the sore and itchy skin and ear disease before it became this severe.”
View 3 ImagesTia had been left in pain for at least two weeks
Despite receiving extensive treatment in RSPCA care, including pain relief, steroid medication and surgery to treat the ear haematoma, Tia’s condition failed to improve sufficiently. Because of ongoing health and behavioural issues, the difficult decision was taken to humanely euthanise her in August 2025.
The investigation into Tia’s suffering began after RSPCA officers visited Jones’ property in Beverston, Rochdale, on 19 June last year. On 20 May this year, Jones appeared at Tameside Magistrates’ Court.
The 51-year-old was banned from keeping animals for 10 years. He was also handed a 12-month Community Order, including 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and a nine-month Drug Rehabilitation Requirement.
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Jones was fined £120 and ordered to pay £400 in costs. RSPCA Inspector Beth Fazackerley said: “Tia endured prolonged pain and discomfort from highly visible medical conditions which very clearly required veterinary treatment.
“Pet owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their animals receive appropriate care when they are ill or injured. Seeking veterinary attention at an early stage can prevent animals from suffering unnecessarily and stop conditions from becoming much more serious.”