Topic: Justice for Wilbur

A man who denied veterinary care to his dog, that was found starving and emaciated last year, has been sentenced to five months in prison for what has been described by a magistrate as one of the worst cases of animal neglect she has encountered.

A man who refused to attend his own trial for animal cruelty was found guilty in his absence for starving his dog and refusing to provide veterinary care, and could now face jail time.

Images on social media pages of Cayman's animal charities this year have featured depressing images of dogs that have been starved and abused, but one local charity says there has been an uptick in such cases in recent weeks.

'Justice for Wilbur' campaigners have started a petition calling for stronger legal protection of animals in the Cayman Islands.

A group of local residents has begun a campaign to seek stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws to help protect dogs like Wilbur, who died earlier this month after being found starving and severely emaciated in Prospect.