A man has been sentenced for committing animal cruelty offences after a dog was seized from an address in Calne. Paul Brewster, 38, of Dixon Way, pleaded guilty to being responsible for an animal to ensure welfare and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Swindon Magistrates Court on April 30. On 29 May, 2024, officers carried out a warrant in Dixon Way and found a poorly looked-after dog, believed to be a banned breed. He was moved to kennels for medical attention where he was assessed and was not classified as a banned breed. Brewster was fined £285 and ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service. The investigating officer, PC Lizzie Wright said: “This was a terrible case of animal cruelty. The dog was found to be living in a kitchen full of rubbish, including its own faeces. "It did not have a water bowl, and we could not find any dog food in the house – a clear failure to provide the dog’s most basic needs. Rusty was incredibly malnourished, and its skin was visibly in a bad shape. “Thanks to our swift intervention, Rusty is now recovering well and will have the opportunity to be re-homed through a dedicated animal charity, and Brewster has been fined for his lack of care for the animal." If you see, or suspect, that a person may be treating an animal badly, whether this is physical violence, neglect or any other form of cruelty, you should report this to the RSPCA.