Dog owner allowed Jack Russells to balloon into the 'most overweight' RSPCA had seen

A marmoset found abandoned in a laundry bag on a London bus has prompted warnings from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) that such incidents may become increasingly common due to new regulations governing primate pet ownership in England. The small primate, named "Oyster" after the Transport for London payment card, was discovered by a bus driver on Friday morning aboard a route 302 bus. The RSPCA subsequently rescued the animal, who has since been treated by a specialist veterinarian and relocated to a primate sanctuary, where she is set to meet a new male companion. The incident follows stricter rules implemented in April under the updated Animal Welfare Regulations in England, which now require all primate pet owners to obtain a license. According to RSPCA exotic animals expert Evie Button, primates are highly intelligent and social creatures requiring substantial space, mental stimulation, and appropriate companionship, needs that cannot be fulfilled solely through human interaction. While the RSPCA acknowledges the significance of the new legislation for animal welfare, it also highlights concerns about the challenges faced by owners who are either unwilling or unable to comply with licensing requirements. RSPCA London chief inspector Clare Dew, who is investigating the case, stated that the abandonment of Oyster is directly linked to the new legislation and expressed surprise that this might not be the last instance of such occurrences. An estimated 5,000 primates are currently kept as pets in England, yet the organization reports minimal adoption of the new licensing system. Born Free, another animal protection group, has similarly noted low engagement with the new rules. Dew urged individuals facing difficulties in obtaining a primate license to seek assistance from specialists, veterinarians, or charities, emphasizing that abandoning these animals can lead to tragic outcomes. Separately, the RSPCA has also dealt with cases involving neglect and mistreatment of domestic animals. In a recent case, 68-year-old William Johns from Swansea, south Wales, was banned from keeping animals for 15 years and received a suspended prison sentence after allowing two Jack Russell Terriers, Cai and Lily, to become severely overweight. During an inspection, RSPCA animal rescue officer Ethan Griffin found Cai in a collapsed state with urine stains on his body. Johns eventually agreed to take Cai to a vet, where it was determined that the dog was in the final stages of heart failure and had to be euthanized. During a subsequent visit, RSPCA Inspector Gemma Cooper and officers from South Wales Police arrived at Johns' home and found Lily in a critically overweight condition. Cooper described the experience of handling Lily as unprecedented in her 15 years with the RSPCA, noting the extreme difficulty in lifting the dog due to its massive size. A veterinary examination revealed that Lily had a body condition score of nine out of nine, indicating severe obesity, and was experiencing significant breathing difficulties. Lily was taken into the RSPCA's care and placed on a strict diet, resulting in a weight loss of over 2 kilograms within the first month. The organization reported that Lily has since recovered well and is preparing for rehoming. In mitigation, the court was informed that Johns suffers from several health conditions, including Parkinson's disease and limited mobility following a leg amputation. Despite these challenges, he ultimately agreed to surrender Lily to the RSPCA's care. Johns was ordered to pay £400 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £187. The case underscores the broader implications of animal welfare laws and the responsibilities of pet ownership, highlighting both the successes and ongoing challenges faced by organizations like the RSPCA in ensuring the humane treatment of animals.