Eastbourne couple left dog to starve while on Centre Parcs holiday

Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne left their 14-year-old boxer bulldog Bentley struggling for breath and weighing just 12.5kg while they headed to Centre Parcs for a family holiday.

Singer and Byrne, 41 and 38, both from Eastbourne, were told they would have been sent to prison if they were not the parents of seven children.

Bentley died on February 2.

A hearing at Lewes Crown Court was told that boxer Bentley was found covered in scabs, a severe ear infection and conjunctivitis.

Judge Christine Laing KC fumed at the couple, telling them they could not have failed to notice their family pet was starved and suffering.

Sentencing the pair, she said: “The dog had clearly been suffering for a very substantial period of time and you decided to swan off on holiday.

Bentley the 14-year-old Boxer (Image: RSPCA)

"I'm not even convinced you had somebody to look after it or that this person even existed.

"The animal was clearly starving.

"There was no food in its stomach.

"It really is appalling behaviour.

"I am at a loss.

"Both of you talk about it as if it was a beloved family pet.

"What an example you are showing to your children about what love is."

How Bentley was found in the couple's home (Image: RSPCA)

The RSPCA inspector who battled in vain to save Bentley the boxer in January 2022 described the scene at the family home as horrific.

Bentley was found lifeless and emaciated the day after the family left for a holiday to Centre Parcs.

He weighed only 12.5kg, was covered in scabs and had a severe ear infection and conjunctivitis.

Judge Laing said Singer, and Byrne, a long-distance lorry driver, had point-blank refused to accept the dog was suffering and failed to do anything about it.

She said that Bentley “would not have been able to move without being in agony”.

Inspectors found an untouched bowl of water and dog snacks nearby, he said.

His stomach contained food wrappers and a felt pen.

Bentley's ribs, hips and spine were prominent his eyes were sunken eyes and his claws were so long they were curling over, the court heard.

An RSPCA vet said the dog was a victim of chronic neglect.

Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Singer and Byrne were convicted in their absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure his welfare.

Singer was given a six-month prison term suspended for two years.

She will have to do 200 hours unpaid work.

Byrne was jailed for nine months, suspended for two years.

He will have to do 300 hours unpaid work.

They will pay £350 costs each.

Both are disqualified from keeping animals for five years.