estott@thekmgroup.co.uk

@emilyhstott

A neglected Jack Russell kept in a cage for five years is now happy and healthy in his new home.

Jasper was involved in a harrowing case of animal cruelty when a couple from Dover kept him locked in a filthy cage in his own mess and with a permanent muzzle on, leaving him emaciated and covered in sores on his legs.

Now, and despite his terrible ordeal, Jasper has been happily rehomed to Pat Beach, 78, in Sidcup.

She said: “He’s absolutely lovely and
all the family and friends, everybody, loves him. When I got him home he was a bit timid, but then he just ran around and it was like he had always been there.

“We’ve always had animals as a family and always rescue animals, and to hear something like this has happened to Jasper just upsets me that people can do things like that.

“If you don’t want them, just take them to a rehoming centre. Don’t do things like that.

“It’s diabolical to
keep an animal in a cage. The owners should be put in a cage themselves.”

Jasper’s previous owners were Suzanne and Mark Bunyard, of Boston Close, Dover. They admitted six charges of causing unnecessary suffering to their two Jack
Russells.

The older dog, Spike, had to be put down. The couple were disqualified from owning any animals for life at Canterbury Magistrates’ Court.

They were handed a nine-week prison term, which was suspended for 12 months, and a further 12-week jail term, also suspended for a year.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe said: “I am disgusted to think that Jasper had led a life of misery for more than five years. There is no excuse for keeping animals
like this.”

Mrs Beach said Jasper was friendly, loving and the picture of health.

She added: “He loves people, he loves cuddles and walks, and my daughter is entering him into a pet of the day competition.”