Heartbreaking footage shows the moment RSPCA inspectors entered a home to discover a dog in critical condition, covered in blood and unconscious in a bath after being attacked by her cruel owner. Tragic Smiler, a nine-year-old American bulldog, was brutally mistreated by Gary David Bell, 50, from Keighley, West Yorkshire, who has now been sentenced to 16 weeks in jail and banned from owning animals for life. When inspectors arrived at Bell’s home with the police on August 8, they noticed heavy breathing coming from a bathroom window on the ground floor. Peering inside, they saw the poor dog lying motionless in the bathtub, with blood all over her. In the video captured by RSPCA inspector Sarah Bagley at the scene, she can be heard expressing shock and disbelief as she discovers the severely injured dog.
Bell caused harm to Smiler by neglecting to seek veterinary care for her injuries and using cleaning products on her head and eyes. This was discovered by the RSPCA when they found her.
Inspectors, accompanied by police officers, arrived at Bell’s residence on August 8th and discovered Smiler, covered in blood and cleaning solution. (A photo shows Smiler as she was found by the police).
Bell had attacked Smiler in a cruel and brutal manner, causing her to lose consciousness in a bloody bathtub. This was not the first time Bell had mistreated the dog, as he had previously neglected her medical needs and exposed her to harmful cleaning products on her head and eyes.
Insp Bagley had raised concerns about Smiler’s well-being after noticing her cherry eye condition. When they visited Bell’s home, they found Smiler barely conscious in the bathtub, surrounded by evidence of cleaning products being used on her. They rushed her to a vet, where she was treated for multiple injuries including wounds to her head, bruising, and swollen eyes.
The incident was deeply disturbing, and it highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the need to protect animals from such acts of cruelty.
Smiler looks defeated after the ongoing mistreatment from her owner. Bell has been given a 16-week prison sentence and is now prohibited from owning any animals for life due to harming the American bulldog.
Smiler was discovered by RSPCA inspectors with blood gently flowing down her face, following a brutal beating and being drenched in cleaning products.
The dog suffered severe wounds from being repeatedly beaten by Bell, who failed to seek proper medical care for her. The vet confirmed that the injuries were deliberate and attempting to clean Smiler would have only caused her more pain. After a week of treatment and close monitoring, Smiler slowly began to recover physically. Despite Bell’s denial of causing the injuries, he was found guilty in court on December 3. Scheduled to appear for sentencing on January 7, Bell skipped court and was later arrested. He ultimately received a 16-week prison sentence at Bradford Magistrates’ Court, with the dog being taken away from his care. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a £121 victim surcharge.
Smiler’s health is getting better since she was placed under the care of the RSPCA. In addition to serving a 16-week prison sentence and being banned from owning any animals for life, Bell was also stripped of Smiler and instructed to pay a £121 victim surcharge.
Smiler’s health is improving, she is gaining weight, her skin and coat are looking better, and she appears to be much happier these days. Bell, who neglected Smiler, was sentenced to 16 weeks in jail, banned from owning animals for life, and had to pay a £121 victim surcharge. Fortunately, Smiler has found a new loving home.
In an interview, Bell couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation for Smiler’s condition. He suggested that she might have injured herself on barbed wire during a walk in the woods. However, Smiler is doing well, putting on weight, her skin looks better, and she’s a lot perkier and brighter. Her cherry eye is being monitored by the vet’s advice.
Currently, Smiler is in the loving care of RSPCA Sheffield, where she is adored by everyone. She will soon be available for adoption, and the staff are excited for her to find a loving new home. She is a very gentle dog who adores people, and it will be a joy to see her thriving in a new loving environment.