Overview
- Carl Reardon, 58, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on January 9 to three months in prison, banned from keeping animals for 10 years, and made subject to a deprivation order.
- Police alerted the RSPCA, and Inspector Ryan King removed German Shepherd Mitzi from Reardon's home on February 17, 2025; she remains in the charity’s care.
- Veterinary examinations found severely swollen ear canals, reddened skin, a perforated eardrum, and likely significant hearing impairment after at least three months without pain relief.
- Mitzi underwent multiple ear flushes at the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, and the infection proved resistant to antibiotics, requiring extensive treatment.
- Reardon told the court he avoided prescribed treatment due to cost and tried olive oil and vinegar at home, and the judge said he showed deliberate disregard for the dog’s welfare; the RSPCA shared its cost-of-living helpline on 0300 123 0650.