A dog owner starved his two pets to death over a six week period – before stuffing their bodies into rucksacks to throw them out.
James Cooksley, 31, left rottweiler Tyson and collie Lilly alone to die at his home after he fled the property claiming he was being pursued by criminals.
When he returned six weeks later he crammed their rotting carcasses into bags – before neighbours noticed a foul smell and shopped him to police.
Cooksley admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, leading to its death, at Bristol Magistrates Court.
The court heard police officers and the RSPCA were called to Cooksley’s home in Bedminster, Bristol, on March 8 this year.
An RSPCA inspector found the bodies of the two emaciated dogs in a green rucksack outside the property.
The rottweiler carcass, hidden in the top compartment of the bag, had its rib and hip bones showing and blood coming from its nose.
The thin body of the collie was then found stuffed in the bottom.
Kevin Withey, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said the dogs were examined by a vet from the organisation.
He told the court: ”The conclusion was both animals had not been provided with adequate food or water and therefore starved to death.
”They showed the effects of hunger and emaciation for many days.
”Her conclusion was that the suffering could have easily been avoided and as a result Mr Cooksley was arrested.”
The court heard Cooksley accepted responsibility for the death of the two dogs – but blamed his actions on a series of hardships in his personal life.
John Roberts, defending, said Cooksley’s life began to spiral out of control after his partner left him, taking their six-year-old son with her in August last year.
The pub relief manager claimed he was then targeted by criminals – who ransacked his flat – after he had disposed of a drugs package in his pub’s car park.
He ended up fleeing his home in fear – leaving Tyson and Rosie alone in the property.
Both dogs had died by the time he returned six weeks later.
Roberts told the court that Cooksley was deeply sorry for his actions.
He said the father-of-one was of good character and had cared for the dogs for two years before the offence.
Mr Roberts said: ”His life fell to pieces around him and this is the consequence he will have to live with for the rest of his life.”
Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and gave Cooksley, now of no fixed abode, bail.
this story is really vile that someone can do this to animals . there is one thing missing from all the storys about this case and that is there was two puppys found as well why has there been no mention of them they would of starved as well ?
this story is really vile that someone can do this to animals . there is one thing missing from all the storys about this case and that is there was two puppys found as well why has there been no mention of them they would of starved as well ?