Father-of-three, 32, who left five puppies for dead and was cruel to three other dogs including an XL Bully is jailed

By WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER Published: 22:11, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 22:15, 3 August 2026 A father who left five puppies for dead and was cruel to three other dogs, including an XL bully, has been jailed.  Michael Deas, 32, of Blyth, Northumberland, admitted 21 charges of animal cruelty against eight canines, three of which had to be put down because the extent of the neglect they suffered was so severe, a court heard. The father-of-three has now been sentenced to eight months after starving the puppies, leaving them 'severely malnourished', and giving them 'inadequate exercise'. He was convicted over his mistreatment of the five Cane Corso pups, two adult females of the same breed and an XL Bully.  The puppies were found abandoned in Newbiggin, Northumberland, on January 18 last year, Newcastle Magistrates Court heard. They had a range of health issues including 'cherry eye', a condition where a dog's tear gland in their third eyelid becomes swollen and red, and covers part of their eye. Three of them had to be euthanised, one just days after they were found due to the level of cruelty they had endured.  Following a public appeal, Deas was identified as the owner and an animal welfare officer from the council visited the animal abuser's address, where she found three adult dogs staying at the property alone.  Michael Deas, 32, of Blyth, Northumberland, admitted 21 charges of animal cruelty against eight dogs, including five puppies. Pictured: Newcastle Magistrates Court  He was offered support to look after them, but refused, and further concerns were raised about their welfare.  Deas claimed he was visiting them three times a day to take care of them, but it was later reported that no-one had visited the puppies for a number of days.  The two adult Cane Corsos were rehomed but the XL Bully had to be put down as it was a banned breed.  Prosecutor Lisa Miller said that in a later police interview the defendant 'admitted not enough had been done for the dogs'.  She told the court: '(Their condition) was likely to have been exacerbated by inadequate exercise and nutrition. 'The vet confirmed the puppies were also likely to have been suffering due hunger.' Ms Miller added: '(The vet) was of the view that both the two (female adult dogs) and the five puppies were considered to have been suffering when further assessed.'  She said there had been a 'high level of harm' committed by Deas as the dogs' treatment 'resulted in three of the animals being euthanised'.  Deas, a father-of-three, did not have legal representation during the court hearing.  District Judge Paul Currer said that by pleading guilty Deas had 'acknowledged that you have fallen short of the responsibility that the law requires'.  He told Deas that he had shown 'disregard' for the dogs' welfare, adding that the animals endured a 'high degree of pain and suffering'.  Deas was jailed for eight months and will have to pay a court surcharge and contribution to veterinary costs.  He has also been banned from keeping pets for a period of 15 years. The defendant must wait 10 years before he can apply for this ban to be lifted.