Wirral greyhound owner banned from keeping animals for life after pleading guilty of neglect

Feb 24 2010 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

Greyhound trainer Ian Street was given a lifetime ban from keeping animals

On April 1, Street agreed to sign over 10 dogs to Greyhound Rescue West of England, but when the organisation asked for all 29, he refused. Two animals were in a particularly bad condition, the court heard.

‘Star’ had a large, open, untreated wound to her side, while ‘Dancer’ had untreated gingivitis.

Judge Abelson said: “Quite simply, they hadn’t been looked after.”

Defending, Matthew Reynolds told the court his client considered the animals to be suffering from bald thigh syndrome.

He said: “The bald thigh syndrome can often not be dealt with until the animals retire.

“When they have a long break from the stress of racing, the hair may grow back.”

He said his client was well known in the greyhound fraternity, and several references were produced to suggest Street was a responsible dog owner.

But District Judge Abelson said: “No-one likes people who ill treat animals.

“We are a nation of dog lovers, people love their dogs and don’t expect to see animals kept in these conditions.”

Ian Street was handed a four month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping animals, except pigeons, for life.