Two men from Ilkeston have been banned from keeping animals for 10 years after an elderly dog was discovered suffering with a large untreated tumour and severe neglect.
James Wade and David James Iliffe, formerly of Hallam Court in Victoria Street, both pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act following a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard concerns were first raised by a member of the public in June 2025 about the condition of a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Trixie.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Thomas Hall attended the property on 12 June last year and found Trixie with what he described as a large mass on her stomach “approximately the size of a honeydew melon”.
The court heard the dog was struggling to walk, had overgrown nails and was suffering from a severe flea infestation. Fleas were reportedly visible both on Trixie and throughout the flat.
In a statement read to the court, Officer Hall said the property was dirty and cluttered, with urine on the floor and a strong smell of ammonia.
Trixie was taken to a local veterinary surgery for urgent assessment, where a vet found she was also suffering from muscle wastage associated with osteoarthritis alongside a large ulcerated mammary tumour measuring around 16cm.
The vet told the court the tumour had likely been present “for at least a couple of years” due to its size.
Officer Hall said he asked David Iliffe whether the dog had recently seen a vet, with the court hearing that she had not.
Due to Trixie’s poor prognosis, and despite consideration being given to surgery, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanise her on welfare grounds the following day.
During sentencing this month, magistrates imposed 12-month community orders on both defendants, including Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and six-month Drug Rehabilitation Requirements.
Both men were also disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.
The court additionally ordered each defendant to pay a £40 fine, a £165 contribution towards costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard both men were drug dependent and had expressed remorse. The court also heard that Iliffe had significant mobility issues.
Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Kate Levesley said: “Sadly, Trixie had clearly been in a bad way for a long period of time.
“Her tumour was extremely large and ulcerated, and she was also struggling with fleas and mobility problems which should have been addressed much sooner.
“Animals rely entirely on their owners to ensure they receive proper veterinary care when they are unwell. This case demonstrates the serious welfare consequences when that does not happen.”
The RSPCA said it was grateful to the member of the public who raised concerns about Trixie’s welfare.