Tag Archives: Merseyside

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside: Matty Murray

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CONVICTED (2024) | Matthew Murray, born 6 March 1999, of Bentinck Place, Birkenhead CH41 4DR – caught on CCTV kicking and screaming at a small dog as she yelps in pain.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Murray from the Wirral, Merseyside, who was filmed brutally kicking a small bulldog

The footage shows Murray running towards a fence and kicking out at bulldog Bella with his left leg, before kicking her again with his other leg, causing her to yelp out in pain. He is then heard aggressively shouting, “get back in,” before forcefully kicking and swearing at her again.

Bella is seen running back towards the house away from Murray, before yelping out again once she’s inside.

The incident took place at Ashfield Crescent, Bromborough, on Boxing Day 2023 and the RSPCA was alerted.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Murray from the Wirral, Merseyside, who was filmed brutally kicking a small bulldog

In a written statement to the court Inspector Anthony Joynes said: “I attended the location and made enquiries with residents which resulted in me seeing some CCTV footage where a young male with long dark hair, wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black trainers can be heard initially arguing angrily with another person before screaming and shouting angrily that a dog had escaped from the property.

“The dog appears scared and is seen running away from the male along a fence line. The man chases after the dog and then proceeds to violently kick the dog forcefully on at least two occasions. The dog can be heard yelping in response and further yelps can be heard shortly after the man re-enters the address after the dog.”

Violent dog abuser Matty Murray from Wirral, Merseyside
2018 Merseyside Police mugshot of Matty Murray, who has links to Tranmere, Prenton, Wallasey and Woodchurch.

Following veterinary examination Bella was given pain relief for ongoing hip and spinal conditions which were found on the radiographs. She was then taken to a private boarding establishment to be cared for on behalf of the RSPCA while the investigation was carried out.

Murray, who is no stranger to Merseyside Police, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, and said he had attacked Bella because he was “feeling stressed”.

Violent dog abuser Matty Murray from Wirral, Merseyside

Speaking after the conclusion of the case Inspector Joynes said: “Bella had run out of the house and into the street, which of course can be stressful and frustrating. But the violence, aggression and intimidating behaviour that followed was unacceptable, and this can be seen by Bella’s fearful response and her cries of pain.

“She is doing great in our care and will be looking for her new home very soon.”

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 240 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of “rehabilitation”; victim surcharge. Ten-year ban, but may appeal after five years.

Liverpool Echo
BBC News

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Walton, Liverpool: Rachel Foster and Stephen O’Donnell

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CONVICTED (2024) | Rachel Foster, born 17 March 1985, and Stephen O’Donnell, born 21 December 1985, of 107 East Lancashire Road, Walton, Liverpool L11 3DN – left a young Mastiff to starve to death alone in an outside kennel.

RSPCA prosecution of Liverpool couple Rachel Foster and Stephen O'Donnell, who left a dog in a kennel to starve to death.

Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Hannah Yen attended the home of Foster and O’Donnell in July 2023 following a report about an underweight, collapsed dog in the garden.

She said: “The garden was overgrown and only a small area by the door was accessible. Mr O’Donnell said the dog was called Zeus, he was 22 months old and was a mastiff breed.

RSPCA prosecution of Liverpool couple Rachel Foster and Stephen O'Donnell, who left a dog in a kennel to starve to death.
The overgrown garden where Zeus was found dead 

“I looked in the kennel, there were flies on the dog and the dog’s body condition was poor. I could see no chest movement, the dog was cold to touch and sadly the dog was dead.

“Mr O’Donnell said he planned to bury Zeus, but I explained that I would need to take the body to be examined by a vet.”

RSPCA prosecution of Liverpool couple Rachel Foster and Stephen O'Donnell, who left a dog in a kennel to starve to death.
Zeus, a 22 month old mastiff, was found dead by an animal rescue officer in the garden of a house on the East Lancashire Road in July 2023

ARO Yen said that O’Donnell had told her that “he had put the dog out in the evening and when he checked on him the next morning he found the dog was dead.”

The rescue officer passed the case over to RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James who investigated.

She found that Zeus had been left unattended without food or water – which had resulted in his death.

The court heard how the vet report stated Zeus most likely died due to emaciation caused by a lack of nutrition.

RSPCA prosecution of Liverpool couple Rachel Foster and Stephen O'Donnell, who left a dog in a kennel to starve to death.
The couple were spared jail despite leaving Zeus without food for at least two months

He weighed just 18.9kg (41.7lb) and was severely emaciated with his ribs, spine and pelvic bones all prominent. There was no palpable fat tissue on him suggesting he had been given insufficient nutrition for a period of at least two months.

The vet report said: “On examination, the body was extremely thin. There were no symptoms of any obvious disorder or injuries which would cause death.

“Regardless of the cause of severe weight loss, a reasonable owner should have sought veterinary attention for the dog in that state.

“In my opinion Zeus was suffering prior to death due to hunger, weakness and fear. The process of weight loss was chronic – muscle and fat tissue loss was present which happens when the body starts using these tissues as an emergency resource of energy in the case of prolonged hunger. I can estimate the duration for approximately two months, but likely longer.”

RSPCA prosecution of Liverpool couple Rachel Foster and Stephen O'Donnell, who left a dog in a kennel to starve to death.
A vet assessed that the severely emacuated dog had suffered “due to hunger, weakness and fear” before he succumbed to starvation

Foster and O’Donnell were given 28 days to rehome their bearded dragon, failing which ownership will transfer to the RSPCA to find him a new home.

Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Goodman-James said: “This was a sad case involving the unnecessary death of a poor emaciated dog. We know that times can be tough with the cost of living crisis which may mean owners struggle to afford their pets but to allow a poor dog to starve as a result is incredibly cruel.

“We’d urge anyone who is struggling to reach out for help from friends and family, find a pet foodbank near you, ask a charity for advice and support, and always contact a vet immediately if you have concerns for the health of your pet.”

Sentencing | 18-month custodial suspended for 12 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days each; £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping all animals for 20 years – which neither can appeal for 15 years.

Dogs Today
News from the North
Liverpool Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

St Helens, Merseyside: Phillip Boyer

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CONVICTED (2024) | Phillip Boyer, born 4 December 2004, of Waterdale Crescent, St Helens WA9 3PD – left an XL Bully to die in a rubbish and faeces-strewn flat.

RSPCA prosecution of Phillip Boyer from St Helens, Merseyside.
A 2019 image of alcoholic junkie Phil Boyer, who turned a blind eye to his dog’s suffering and left her to die in pain

Police found the female tan and white XL bully, named Cali, lying dead in the filthy living room of Boyer’s flat in Waterdale Crescent, St Helens, on June 15, 2023. She was very thin and suffering from canine parvovirus which had not been treated.

An RSPCA inspector attending the scene described being met with a pungent overpowering smell of urine, faeces and decomposition, and saw no sign of food or water for the dog.

Boyer, who admitted being reliant on alcohol and drugs, pleaded guilty to three offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He said in an interview that he hadn’t noticed Cali’s weight loss.

The court heard that RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cooper had gone to the property following the police’s request.

RSPCA prosecution of Phillip Boyer from St Helens, Merseyside.

In written evidence she said: “Each room I looked in was filthy and littered with rubbish. In the lounge there was a really pungent overpowering smell of urine, faeces and decomposition. I could see what appeared to be smears of faeces all over the floor and up the walls.

“Over towards the television stand in the corner of the room I could see a dead white bull breed dog that looked to be in very thin bodily condition, with her ribs, hips and backbone prominent.

“Cali’s fur looked to be stained brown on her legs and back end. There was also what looked like a brown dried patch of diarrhoea on the floor underneath her rear end. There was a mop bucket nearby that looked thick, brown and dirty with faeces. The floor was littered with rubbish and hazards such as broken glass. I didn’t see any sign of food or water provided for Cali.”

The inspector also took photographs of a shed in the communal garden where Cali was said to have been kept, sometimes for hours at a time. The wooden door and frame appeared to have been chewed and there were splinters all over the floor.

RSPCA prosecution of Phillip Boyer from St Helens, Merseyside.

A vet from the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital examined the dog later the same day. She gave Cali a body condition score of two out of nine and said her ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones were easily visible and she had no palpable fat.

The result of a faecal sample showed Cali had canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that can be fatal to dogs, with puppies and unvaccinated dogs most at risk.

In her evidence to the court, the vet said: “Parvovirus can cause rapid deterioration and suffering if no veterinary intervention is provided. The duration of these failings will be a minimum of several days, the duration of the environmental failings is likely to be for a period of weeks looking at the evidence presented. Regardless of the cause of poor body condition and diarrhoea, the owner should have sought veterinary advice to relieve her suffering.

“Cali will have undoubtedly felt weakness and debilitation having a severe lack of energy, worsened by the haemorrhagic diarrhoea. This will have been uncomfortable and severely impacted her everyday life, ability to move, to obtain food or water and even to play.

“I would expect a responsible owner to seek veterinary attention should their pet become underweight, to a point that they were below point 4 out of 9 on the body condition score, moreover, if their animal became weak or lethargic.”

The court was told that in the weeks that followed Inspector Cooper made repeated attempts to speak to Boyer about potential animal welfare offences, but most of the calls went straight to voicemail or the line would go dead when she said who she was.

With the assistance of police, he was located and finally interviewed in November about what had happened to Cali.

RSPCA prosecution of Phillip Boyer from St Helens, Merseyside.

In interview, Boyer said he was reliant on alcohol and drugs and struggled to buy food for himself and Cali. He said he didn’t notice her weight loss, suggesting that she had always been a lean dog, and he hadn’t taken her to the vet as had no money to do so and didn’t have a phone to call the RSPCA for help.

Speaking after the case Inspector Cooper said: “Going into the property and finding Cali’s body, lying all alone surrounded by piles of rubbish, was an extremely sad and upsetting sight. She was badly let down by the person who should have been caring for her and suffered over a prolonged period because no veterinary assistance or any other sort of help had been sought.”

Sentencing | 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; 20 days of rehabilitation; 160 hours of unpaid work; victim surcharge of £154. Five-year ban on keeping all animals (expires April 2029).

Liverpool Echo
Planet Radio

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Worst of the Worst

Prescot, Merseyside: Leah Best and Dean Nevin

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CONVICTED (2024) | Leah Best, born 5 August 1999, and Dean Daniel Christopher Nevin, born c. 1996, of Hughes Avenue, Prescot L5* – abandoned their dogs to die after an argument.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting, shared photos of the couple’s Prescot flat which had been abandoned for at least two months between July and September 2023.

The RSPCA called on Merseyside Police to help gain entry to the property after dogs could be heard locked inside on September 19.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Officers found a Staffy crossbreed named Lilly with her three puppies on top of a dirty mattress surrounded by urine and faeces. The court heard that the animals were “thin” and had “obvious skin conditions” due to months on neglect.

One of the puppies was sadly found dead underneath her mum,

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Mr Mitchell told the court that the six-month-old dog had been “visibly mauled” as the remaining dogs had “resorted to scavenging [her]” after she had died.

Elsewhere in the flat, RSPCA officers found that the dogs had chewed on empty tin cans as well as other bits of rubbish that was flung about the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

An RSPCA inspector spoke to Best via her social worker, the court heard.

She claimed she had walked out of the flat and gave Lilly to “someone on the stairs” but wasn’t able to tell the investigators who that was.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Nevin was tracked down and interviewed where he accepted that he’d owned Lilly for around two years and her litter of puppies were “unplanned”.

He said that there had been a “big argument” before the couple, who have seven children between them, walked away from the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

Defending both, Joe Bleasdale, said: “I accept this does not make for pleasant listening. It is an enormously tragic case.”

He went on to appeal to the district judge that the couple stood before him are remorseful and both “wished they had done something sooner”.

Mr Bleasdale added that the pair have been cooperating with the courts and were aware of “just how serious” the situation is.

RSPCA prosecution of Prescot couple Leah Best and Dean Nevin, who abandoned a dog and her three puppies in a filthy flat.

District Judge Timothy Boswell branded what Best and Nevin subjected the animals to as “prolonged neglect”.

He said: “It seems to me that these dogs were a part of your family. You bear the responsibility to make sure they’re cared for and the pictures I’ve seen show the tragic consequences of your actions.

“These animals were left alone and hungry. Because of that one died and it is only through the work of vets that the remaining animals survived.”

He said that, despite all the evidence, he would not be sending them to prison. He said: “There are realistic prospects of rehabilitation and there would be a significant impact on your family if you were sent to prison.”

Sentencing | 26-week custodial suspended for a year. A five-year ban on keeping animals.

Liverpool Echo
Mirror
North Wales Live

*Alternative addresses:
Leah Best: Johnson Avenue, Prescot L35 5HD
Dean Nevin: Coronation Drive, Prescot L35 5ES

Dogs

Walton, Liverpool: Peter Shelley

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CONVICTED (2024) | Peter Shelley, born c. 1977, of Warbreck Avenue, Walton, Liverpool L9 8DJ – failed to treat a pocket bully puppy with a skin condition, bilateral ear infection and vaginal prolapse.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: Facebook

Shelley, previously of Shrewsbury Road, Prenton, the Wirral, had denied causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the dog’s needs, but was found guilty at a trial.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: Facebook

The dog, a young pocket bully called Peggy who was only a puppy at the time, had multiple health conditions when she was found at the Prenton flat on April 23 2023.

The court heard how police officers had gone to the flat to carry out a welfare check on Peggy after Shelley was taken into custody.

Officers alerted the RSPCA with concerns about the dog’s condition after noticing bloodied bedding in her crate.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

In his evidence to the court, RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, who responded to the incident, said: “The dog had been seized by officers and I advised that she should be taken urgently to a vet for assessment.

“I attended the flat at Shrewsbury Road. There was no response and no access through the side gate so I left a calling card requesting that the owner/person responsible for the dog respond.

“I made arrangements for a colleague to collect the dog the following day and transport her to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

The first vet who examined Peggy on April 23 said she had a low body condition score, inflamed, crusting dermatitis affecting her ears, chin, eyelids and chest, a bilateral infection of both ear canals and a vaginal prolapse.

In written evidence to the court, she said: “In my professional opinion I believe that the conditions had been present for a duration of longer than three weeks.

“I do not believe any treatment was being administered to this patient and no professional help had been sought for the vaginal prolapse.”

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

A second vet who examined Peggy at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital on 24 April diagnosed an ulcerated vaginal prolapse, a bilateral ear infection and a skin allergy which had caused severe itching and alopecia.

She said: “Given the severity of Peggy’s condition on presentation, in my opinion she will have suffered for two weeks, as a minimum, likely longer”.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

During the course of the RSPCA’s investigation a local charity confirmed that Peggy had been in their care on April 10, 2023, after she was found straying.

Shelley reclaimed her three days later but ignored the advice of kennel stuff to get her urgent veterinary treatment.

Shelley was interviewed and said Peggy was being well looked after. He said he didn’t think her ears were that bad, and although he could see the prolapse she seemed okay.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

Peggy was initially looked after at a private boarding establishment on behalf of the RSPCA before being transferred to the charity’s Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton Branch, where she went into foster care.

She made a good recovery and in early March 2024 was adopted. She has settled well into her new home.

RSPCA prosecution of Peter Shelley from Liverpool, who failed to treat his dog's ailments. Image: RSPCA

Speaking after the trial, Inspector Joynes said: “Peggy is such a sweet little dog and has been a favourite with all the people who have assisted in her rescue, treatment and rehoming.

“She was let down severely by her owner who should have sought veterinary care much sooner for a number of issues.

“I’d like to thank the police officers who seized Peggy on the day for going above and beyond to make sure she was safe.

“Here’s hoping she now can have a long happy life with her new family.”

Sentencing | ten-week custodial, suspended for 12 months, with a further eight weeks suspended for non-related matters. Disqualified from keeping animals for just 18 months (expires September 2025).

Wirral Globe
Liverpool World

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Kirkby, Merseyside: Karl Draper

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CONVICTED (2024) | Karl Anthony Draper, born c. 2000, of Jade Close, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 6YH – attacked his girlfriend’s French bulldog puppy more than once during sustained campaign of domestic violence.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

MMA fighter Draper had been with Bekah Smith for around three years until their split in September 2023. Ms Smith then told the police that he had subjected her to verbal and physical abuse throughout their time together.

Cheryl Mottram, prosecuting, described how Ms Smith had previously “made excuses for his behaviour” and “stayed with him because she loved him”, but she “kept photographs and recordings” evidencing his numerous assaults.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.
French bulldog puppy Angel was also targeted by violent headcase Karl Draper

The first such incident came on April 15 2021, when Draper kicked the French bulldog puppy they had bought only a few days earlier in her side, causing the dog, named Angel, to “yelp in pain”. This would be one of many occasions when heavy cannabis user Draper took his frustrations out on the puppy.

Numerous other incidents followed which included Draper repeatedly making threats of self-harm, leaving Ms Smith feeling emotionally blackmailed into continuing with the relationship. She also suffered multiple physical assaults, including throttling, at the hands of Draper even during pregnancy and after the birth of their son.

On one voice recording, Draper is heard chillingly telling Ms Smith that she would “end up in the morgue”.

Draper also damaged property including a child’s games console during his many violent rages.

After his behaviour was reported to the police, he told officers Ms Smith “was a liar” and said the marks around her throat in photographs had been an “allergic reaction or make up”.

Ultimately, Draper admitted engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour and five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was not charged with animal cruelty.

Ken Heckle, defending, told the court that his client suffers from issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD and self harm.

Prosecution of Liverpool man Karl Draper for domestic abuse, who also targeted his girlfriend's dog for violence.

Sentencing, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary KC said: “People who use this type of abuse, of putting their hands around the throat, are committing serious offences, and that type of behaviour will always be regarded by the court as a real warning sign – a red flag that something more serious might happen in the future. Anyone who puts their hands around somebody else’s throat and squeezes is to be regarded as a high risk.

“All of this has had a significant and profound effect on Rebecca Smith. I am perfectly satisfied that the consequences of your behaviour towards her have caused her very significant psychological harm.

“Often, people such as you who engage in domestic abuse have two faces – the one presented to the public and the more sinister one which emerges in the context of an intimate relationship. You cannot claim to be someone of good character when your conduct has spanned a period of three years.

“However, I do take into account your immaturity and your struggles with your mental health. I am perfectly satisfied that, despite the mitigation available to you, immediate imprisonment is the only appropriate sentence to represent the serious nature of the abuse committed by you.”

Sentencing | two-year custodial. Five-year restraining order.

Liverpool Echo
Daily Mail

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers, Worst of the Worst

St Helens, Merseyside: Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson

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CONVICTED (2024) | serial animal abuser Raymond Warren, born c. 1969, and son Reece Williamson, born 26 March 1999, previously of Hildebrand Close, Walton, Liverpool, and now 9 Winter Grove, Parr, St Helens WA9 2JT – allowed a dog to starve to death.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

The emaciated body of Cassie was found at the Walton home of Raymond Warren and his son Reece Williamson in July 2023. Both men now live together in the Parr area of St Helens.

A post-mortem report said the dog had most likely died of starvation.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

RSPCA Inspector Lisa Lupson was asked to collect Cassie’s body from a vet on July 24, 2023, after the dog had been taken there by police officers who’d found her deceased in the kitchen of the property the day before.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death
RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

A post-mortem report carried out for the RSPCA as part of its investigation showed Cassie’s gastrointestinal tract was empty. It concluded that her poor body condition was most likely due to starvation through a lack of access to food, with no pathological cause of emaciation evident.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

The vet who provided written evidence in the case gave Cassie a body score condition of only one out of nine. They said: “I would expect a responsible owner to seek veterinary attention should their pet become underweight and to protect their animal from ingesting foreign material and seek veterinary advice if this had knowingly occurred.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

In written evidence to the court the inspector said: “I was shocked to see the condition of the dog inside the bag. Cassie was a brown-coloured, female, bull terrier type dog, she was in an emaciated condition with every bone visible through her fur.”

“Cassie ingested non-food material which shows she still had an appetite, hunger and willingness to eat. This corroborates the post-mortem report which concluded that lack of food was the likely cause of the emaciation and ultimate death.

“She will have felt 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 duration of these failings will be a minimum of several days but is more likely to be for a period of weeks looking at the evidence presented.”

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

In a police interview Williamson claimed Cassie didn’t eat properly and needed medication. He said he was too scared to take her to the vet and admitted he hadn’t done the right thing.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

Warren, who breached a five-year ban imposed in November 2020 for similar cruelty to a dog, told police that Cassie had only lived with them for a few months but he didn’t know where she had come from.

He said he hadn’t seen the dog for one to two weeks and wasn’t aware of her poor condition.

RSPCA prosecution: Father and son Raymond Warren and Reece Williamson, from St Helens, Merseyside, were handed suspended prison sentences for starving dog to death

Speaking after the case had concluded, Inspector Lupson said: “Cassie’s emaciated body was a sad and shocking sight. She had clearly been neglected for many weeks and veterinary assistance should clearly have been sought.

“Mr Warren also knew he was disqualified from keeping animals and there is a clear reason why breaches are imposed by the courts – they are there to protect animals from people who have been convicted under the Animal Welfare Act.

“We are grateful to the police for their assistance with this case, which was extremely upsetting for everyone involved.”

Another dog at the property, who was not part of the RSPCA investigation, was taken into the care of the police.

Sentencing |
Williamson: 23-week custodial, suspended for two years; 30-day rehabilitation requirement.
Warren: six-week custodial, suspended for 12 months; 25 days of rehabilitation.
£154 surcharge each.
Both defendants were banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

ITV News
Liverpool Echo
St Helens Star

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Morecambe, Lancashire: Michelle Joplin

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CONVICTED (2024) | Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines, born 1 August 1972, previously of Ganneys Meadow Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside, and now of Marine Road West, Morecambe LA3 1BU – neglected her dog so badly she collapsed and had to be put to sleep.

Animal abuser Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines previously of Birkenhead, Wirral, now Morecambe, Lancashire. Image: Facebook

Joplin caused unnecessary suffering to her three-year-old bully type dog, Daisy between May 24 and June 16, 2023.

Michelle Joplin's dog Daisy in healther times. Picture: Facebook
Victim Daisy was put to sleep after being found collapsed and in immense pain

A vet found the animal in a state of collapse, with her right side “sodden with urine, and skin inflamed and sore”.

Her nails were overgrown, she was suffering with hair loss.

Attempts to move her resulted in aggression, which the vet said was a sign of pain.

Michelle Joplin left her dog to suffer in foul conditions
Joplin left the dog to suffer in foul conditions

Joplin admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal by failing to address signs of ill health.

Joplin told the court she had been “in a really bad place”.

Animal abuser Michelle Joplin aka Michelle Hines previously of Birkenhead, Wirral, now Morecambe, Lancashire. Image: Facebook

Peter Mitchell, representing the RSPCA, said it was clear Daisy had been collapsed “for an extended period” when she was finally seen by a vet.
Two other dogs in Joplin’s care – Marge and Skye – were rehomed.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work, alcohol treatment requirement and rehabilitation. FIVE-year ban on keeping dogs (expires January 2029).

Liverpool Echo

Cats, Hoarders

Crosby, Liverpool: Mandy Swash

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CONVICTED (2024) | hoarder Mandy Swash, born 3 September 1970, of Rosedale Avenue, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0UQ – kept animals in shocking squalor.

Hoarder Mandy Swash from Crosby, Liverpool Picture: Facebook

Two dead cats were discovered by RSPCA inspector Louise Showering during a visit to Mandy Swash’s previous home on Barmouth Way, Vauxhall, Liverpool, in September 2022. The charity had been called to investigate reports of dead animals and animals living in poor conditions. Showering put on a mask to go inside what was described as a “house of horrors” and said she “immediately” noticed a smell and flies everywhere.

Squalid conditions in which the RSPCA discovered two dead cats belonging to Liverpool woman Mandy Swash

Describing the conditions at the property, inspector Showering said in a witness statement: “Inside there were boxes and bags piled high making it difficult to see the floor. I had to stand on rubbish and cat litter in order to go up the stairs.

“The bathroom was in a filthy state with items covering the floor and inside the bath. The door of the back bedroom was off the hinges and resting against bags and the bed behind it.

“The window was partially obscured by piles of bags and there were many flies and fleas in the room. The landing was blocked by more items so I had to climb over these to reach the other two bedrooms.

“Inside the front larger bedroom, the bed was heavily soiled by faeces. I had to stand on rubbish just to get into the room. Inside the kitchen, I was again unable to see the floor due to the amount of rubbish.

“There was faeces and empty food packets, plastic and empty soiled bowls and litter trays. The kitchen itself was also filthy, with piles of faeces stacked up next to the sink and on the work surfaces.”

Sadly, in the living room and rear bedrooms, the RSPCA officer found the bodies of the two dead cats.

Squalid conditions in which the RSPCA discovered two dead cats belonging to Liverpool woman Mandy Swash

Ms Showering said: “In the lounge area, I saw a black bin bag over the top of one of the boxes. The letting agent informed me that he had spoken with Swash who told him that one of the dead cats was in a box in the lounge so I removed the box outside and found the body of a black domestic shorthaired cat inside.

“The cat appeared to have had a head injury and trauma to the eye area. In the rear bedroom, I saw a large number of fleas jumping on a blanket to the left of the door. I removed the blanket and discovered the body of a black domestic short-haired cat which appeared underweight and also had a flea infestation.”

It is believed the cat in the living room had suffered head injuries following a road traffic accident.

After the inspector left the home, more than 185 bites appeared over her body, which she said was the “worst case” of flea bites she had suffered in her 13 year career.

She said: “This was an incredibly sad case which resulted in the neglect and suffering of multiple cats.

“These cats were not provided with a suitable environment in which to live due to the heavily soiled litter trays, a heavy build up of cat faeces on work surfaces, floors, beds and soft furnishings and unsafe living conditions due to the hoarding of items such as plastic bags, and stacked items, causing potential trapping or injury hazards.

“There were no safe, comfortable, clean places in which the cats could rest. The environment was such that it would be more difficult to spot an injured cat easily. They were heavily infested with fleas and there was a build-up of faeces and detritus which would create a breeding ground for disease.”

Swash also had two female black and white cats who had been moved out of the property previously. The cats – Maud, two, and Mabel, seven – appeared in normal bodily condition and no further issues were raised.

Maud and Mabel have remained in Swash’s care and are well looked after, receiving regular vet checks and flea treatment.

Swash was sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, January 4, 2024, where she was proven guilty in her absence.

In mitigation, the court heard how her personal circumstances are different now in terms of mental health and therefore no disqualification order was imposed.

Sentencing | 12 month community order with 20 days of rehab; eight-week curfew mental health treatment requirement; £1,250 in costs plus £114 victim surcharge. No ban.

Liverpool Echo
National World

Birds, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Toxteth, Liverpool: Abraham Andemariam

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CONVICTED (2023) | Abraham Andemariam, born c. 1992, of Asbridge Street, Toxteth, Liverpool L8 0UG – callously drove through a gaggle of geese and left the injured birds dying in the road.

Eritrean national Abraham Andemariam callously drove through a gaggle of geese and left the injured birds dying in the road.
Abraham Andemariam callously ran over a gaggle of geese.

Eritrean national Abraham Andemariam was captured on smart doorbell footage killing seven geese on Omega Boulevard in Great Sankey, Warrington, in July 2023.

Witnesses were distressed by the suffering of the birds, a court heard.

Tom Quirk, prosecuting, said the incident happened at about 07:00 BST on 15 July.

The Greylag Geese are a familiar sight in the Great Sankey area of Warrington
The Greylag Geese are a familiar sight in the Great Sankey area of Warrington

Andemariam “drove through a flock of geese killing seven of them” then carried on to work, he told the court.

Mr Quirk said “there was clear disregard for the animals in the road”.

A witness saw “the birds suffering on the floor causing her some distress”, he said.

“The birds were dying and also had dramatic injuries with skin torn away from their limbs.

“There were passengers inside the vehicle and residents were caused distress by what they witnessed and this was after aggressive driving.”

Eritrean national Abraham Andemariam callously drove through a gaggle of geese and left the injured birds dying in the road.
The horrifyingly cruel incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera

Mr Quirk said when police went to Andemariam’s work they saw feathers on the front of his bonnet and identified him as the driver.

He was subsequently sacked from his job with Amazon.

Andemariam was found guilty in his absence in September 2023 of seven charges of intentionally killing a wild bird, a Greylag Goose, and also driving without due care and without an MOT certificate.

Rebecca Templeman, defending, said Andemariam had admitted the offences in interview and was convicted in his absence after the death of his 16-year-old brother.

The defendant had travelled to the scene and emailed the court asking for an adjournment but he did not receive the postal reply and missed the hearing, she said.

On his return he saw in a newspaper he was wanted and surrendered himself to police.

Miss Templeman said Andemariam “was appalled when shown the CCTV footage and visibly upset at what he did that day”.

Andemariam pleaded guilty and was given a suspended 12-week jail term.

Sentencing | 12-week custodial, suspended for one year. 50 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation activities; £154 victim surcharge and court costs of £120. A collection order was made for deductions from benefits. Banned from driving for six months.

BBC News
Liverpool Echo