A dog named Rusty, found living in appalling conditions during a police raid in Calne, has made a remarkable recovery and been successfully rehomed nearly a year after his rescue.
In May 2024, officers responded to a property on Dixon Way where Rusty was discovered confined in a kitchen overwhelmed with rubbish and animal waste. The space was devoid of any food or water, and Rusty was severely malnourished when found. Emergency intervention saw him taken to a kennel for immediate medical attention and rehabilitation.
On April 30, 2025, Paul Brewster, 38, the resident of Dixon Way, admitted guilt at Swindon Magistrates' Court for failing to ensure Rusty’s welfare and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. He was fined £285, ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge, and £85 in court costs.
READ MORE: Emberwood: Bath’s New Fine Dining Gem with Open-Fire Cooking
READ MORE: Somerset Funeral Notices: Heartfelt Tributes to Cherished Locals, Including Beloved Pub Landlady
PC Lizzie Wright, the investigating officer, described the scene as “a terrible case of animal cruelty.” She explained, “Rusty was housed in a kitchen cluttered with junk and his own faeces, without a water bowl or food in sight—a blatant neglect of his most basic needs. His malnourished condition and damaged skin underscored the severity of his suffering.”
Authorities urge the public to report suspected animal cruelty cases to the RSPCA immediately. They also emphasize the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence, noting that harm or threats to pets by family members or partners may be considered forms of domestic abuse.