Ashington man jailed following multiple counts of severe animal neglect

Michael Deas appeared before Newcastle Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on August 3, having previously pleaded guilty to 21 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

The presiding judge sentenced him to eight months in prison and a 15-year disqualification from keeping animals. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge and £354.12 in veterinary costs.

The prosecution followed an intensive investigation by Northumberland County Council’s animal welfare officers.

The case began on January 18, 2025, when five Cane Corso puppies – later named Frankie, Freya, Francine, Felicia, and Frederick – were abandoned at a local veterinary practice.

The puppies were severely malnourished, suffering from teeth abnormalities, limb deformities and painful eye conditions.

A veterinary examination later confirmed their conditions were caused by severe nutritional deficiencies and poor diet, all of which were entirely preventable.

Following a public appeal for information on social media, Deas was identified as the owner. Despite extensive veterinary intervention, the damage to three of the puppies (Freya, Frederick, and Frankie) was so severe that they had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.

The remaining two puppies, Francine and Felicia, were successfully treated and rehomed.

The investigation continued with multiple welfare checks between February and May 2025 in relation to three adult dogs – Cane Corsos Belle and Bo, and an XL Bully named Bronso.

While initial conditions for the dogs were satisfactory and Deas refused offers to sign the dogs over to a local animal rescue centre, a subsequent unannounced visit on July 24, 2025, revealed the dogs had been abandoned without care for over 24 hours in inappropriate living conditions.

The following day, animal welfare officers rescued the three dogs. In accordance with current UK legislation regarding banned breeds, local authorities were unable to rehome the XL Bully, Bronson, and he was euthanised.

The two adult Cane Corsos, Belle and Bo, were found in poor condition, severely underweight and suffering from diarrhoea and eye conditions due to prolonged neglect.

Following extensive veterinary treatment, both dogs made a full recovery and have since been successfully rehomed through the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter.

During a Police and Criminal Evidence Act interview, Deas admitted that he had failed to provide appropriate food for the puppies’ development, failed to seek timely medical care and did not do enough for the animals in his care.

Speaking after the sentencing, Cllr Gordon Stewart, the county council’s cabinet member for public safety, said: “An eight-month prison sentence reflects the gravity of this appalling neglect and sends a clear, unmistakable message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our county.

“Our animal welfare officers are dedicated and very persistent in bringing offenders to justice.

“There is no excuse for animal neglect or cruelty. These dogs were in a terrible condition so had been suffering for some time and despite best efforts, some very regrettably had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.

“We urge people to really think very long and hard before getting any pet and consider whether they have the time, dedication and finances to look after a pet properly.”