CONVICTED (2024) | Gillian Sharon Walton, born 27 June 1964, of Norbet Walk, Harpurhey, Manchester M9 5UF – neglected her two shih-tzus so badly one died and the other was seriously ill.
Walton pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs, Millie and Cindy, and failing to meet their welfare needs.
She had allowed them to suffer with chronic flea infestations resulting in severe anaemia. By the time the RSPCA intervened Millie had already died while Cindy, required intensive emergency veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
Both dogs were in poor bodily condition after Walton failed to feed them properly. Their coats were heavily matted coats and they had untreated skin and eye conditions.
In addition, Walton had failed to walk the dogs and kept them in very unsanitary conditions.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce first visited Walton’s address in July 2023 to investigate a report that a dog had died while a second dog was being severely neglected.
When ARO Pierce entered the property, she was met with a strong smell of ammonia.
There were old and new faeces on the floors, which were also littered with piles of rubbish.
Cindy was severely underweight with her ribs, spine and hip bones all prominent.
At this point Walton admitted that her second dog, Millie, was dead, and was wrapped in a blanket upstairs.
Cindy was signed over to the RSPCA and taken to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital to be examined and treated.
RSPCA senior veterinary clinician Dr Shannon McCall, who examined the two dogs, said: “It is likely that [Millie’s] death was caused by a severe flea infestation resulting in anaemia.
“This will have caused her to feel weakness and debilitation having a severe lack of energy. This will have been uncomfortable and severely impacted her everyday life, ability to ambulate, to obtain food or water and play.
“The fleas would have caused constant irritation, discomfort and ultimate suffering that resulted in death.”
The dogs’ living conditions were not conducive to their welfare needs with a lack of clean, dry and comfortable resting places.
Their grooming needs had not been met either.
Dr McCall added: “Both dogs were under conditioned. I would expect a responsible owner to seek veterinary attention should their pet become [severely] underweight ….. [Especially] if their animal became weak or lethargic.”
Cindy has since made a great recovery, achieved a healthy weight and her coat and skin have recovered. She has since been successfully and happily rehomed by the RSPCA.
Sentencing | 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; up to 15 days of rehabilitation activity; £200 costs and a victim surcharge of £154. Five-year ban applicable to all animals (expires September 2029).