Exeter man banned from keeping animals after dog found in 'appalling' conditions
An Exeter local has been found guilty of an animal welfare offence and subsequently banned from keeping animals after his pet dog was found in 'appalling' conditions and with 'multiple, serious' health problems.
A man has been banned from keeping animals after his pet dog was found in ‘appalling’ conditions and with ‘multiple, serious’ health problems.
Kevin Robjent, 55, from Clyst St Mary, Exeter, was found guilty of an animal welfare offence following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.
His Staffordshire bull terrier, Shadow, is understood to have been rescued by the charity from a property scattered with faeces and “filled with rubbish and clutter”.
Shadow was recovered from an address at Hornbeam Country Park, Dunkeswell, on August 29, 2025. She was found overweight, struggling to walk, with “severely” overgrown nails, and had an open wound on her side.
It is understood Robjent attempted to treat the wound himself by covering it with a plaster instead of seeking veterinary attention.
An RSPCA officer presented the dog to vets after she was seized by police.
Shadow was found by vets to be suffering from “multiple serious, untreated conditions” including, it is understood, infected tumours, dental disease, a heart murmur, and “severe” joint pain.
Despite receiving “extensive veterinary treatment”, the RSPCA said Shadow’s condition steadily worsened and she was humanely euthanised on September 25, 2025.
Robjent was sentenced for the offence at Exeter Magistrates Court on October 28, where he was banned from keeping animals for one year. He was also ordered to pay a £300 fine and £400 costs.
The District Judge described the conditions he kept Shadow in as “incredibly poor” and "appalling".
In mitigation, it is understood Robjent said he cared deeply for the dog, and that he was suffering with mental health problems and financial challenges at the time.
RSPCA Chief Inspector for Devon and Cornwall, Patrick Hamby, said after sentencing:
“Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. Shadow was clearly in pain and in desperate need of help to treat her skin condition.
“Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege - and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets.
“If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.”