Vanessa Anne Kentfield, of Manor Park, Lewisham, has been banned from keeping animals after her three-year-old bull breed dog, Rubic, was found severely underweight following his death. Kentfield pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on September 14.
Rubic’s body was brought to the New Cross PDSA pet hospital on November 27, 2025, where the attending vet described him as “skeletal.” The dog weighed just 21kg—less than half his expected healthy weight—with no fat or muscle present. The vet’s notes stated that “the bones of his head, thorax, spine, limbs and pelvis were easily visible.”
History of neglect and missed check-ups
Rubic had first been seen by vets on August 13, 2024, for a neck laceration, and was already in a starving condition at that time. Kentfield told the vets that Rubic had been under the care of a friend. Although the dog later returned to the practice in slightly better condition, he remained underweight, and Kentfield failed to bring him back for a scheduled check-up.
According to the RSPCA, Rubic was not seen again until after his death more than a year later. The RSPCA began an investigation after being alerted by the vet practice about concerns over Rubic’s condition.
Court outcome and RSPCA statement
At Bromley Magistrates’ Court on September 14, Kentfield was banned from keeping all animals until further order and ordered to pay £300 in costs. The disqualification order cannot be appealed for five years. The court heard that Kentfield had mental health issues.
RSPCA inspector Natalie Kitchin said: “Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met, including a suitable diet, their ability to exhibit normal behavioural patterns and to protect them from pain and suffering. Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them. There is help for people who are struggling, and we would urge people to reach out for help before it is too late.”
The case highlights the RSPCA’s ongoing work in Lewisham and across London to address animal welfare offences. The charity encourages anyone struggling to care for an animal to seek support before a situation becomes critical.
