Tag Archives: Sefton

Southport, Merseyside: Matthew Daly

CONVICTED (2024) | Matthew Daly, born 24 May 1992, of Manchester Road, Southport PR9 9HG – left his pet cat in agony for two weeks, with nearly every bone in his paw broken – injury unexplained.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Daly of Southport, Merseyside, who left his cat in agony with unexplained multiple fractures in his paw.

The cat, Buddy, had broken four out of the five metacarpal bones on his front left paw and was battling a severe untreated flea allergy when he was found on the top floor of a flat on Manchester Road, Southport, in January 2023.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Daly of Southport, Merseyside, who left his cat in agony with unexplained multiple fractures in his paw.

His owner, Matthew Daly, who’s originally from Feltham, West London, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet Buddy’s needs following an RSPCA investigation.

South Sefton Magistrates Court heard how RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes had gone to the property after concerns were raised about Buddy’s welfare.

He said: “I noted Buddy was underweight with his spine, ribs and pelvic bones easily palpable through the skin. He was also suffering with a skin condition and I saw that his fur was thinning down his back and rear legs. Scabs could be felt under the fur and live fleas were noted.

“Daly picked Buddy up and brought him over to me and I could see his front left paw was swollen. He said that he had been suffering with an ingrown nail.”

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Daly of Southport, Merseyside, who left his cat in agony with unexplained multiple fractures in his paw.

Daly agreed to sign over his pet, and Buddy was taken for immediate veterinary treatment, where x-rays revealed multiple fractures in his paw.

The vet said the deformed paw on the cat’s left front leg was consistent with having fractured metacarpal bones, and x-rays confirmed that four out of the five bones were broken. The fracture margins and the formation of new bone suggested the breaks were between 10 and 14 days old.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Daly of Southport, Merseyside, who left his cat in agony with unexplained multiple fractures in his paw.

During interview, Daly said Buddy was an indoor cat who belonged to someone else, but admitted he was also responsible and helped to look after him on a daily basis. He said he didn’t think Buddy was in any pain and he would have sought treatment for him if he thought he was suffering.

RSPCA prosecution of Matthew Daly of Southport, Merseyside, who left his cat in agony with unexplained multiple fractures in his paw.

Happily, Buddy went on to make a full recovery at the RSPCA’s Wirral and Chester Branch. Another cat owned by Daly was also signed over into RSPCA care, and the two were adopted together.

Speaking after the case, Inspector Joynes said: “Buddy was clearly in a suffering state and needed urgent veterinary attention. It is the legal responsibility of the owner or person responsible for their animals to look for symptoms of ill health or injury and seek prompt and appropriate veterinary care. I’m relieved that Buddy is now safe and living in a loving home.”

Sentencing | fined £162. Banned from keeping any animals for just two years (expires May 2026).

Liverpool Echo
Companion Life

Bootle, Merseyside: Paul Wynne

CONVICTED (2023) | Paul Wynne, born 27 October 1981, previously of Rockford Avenue, Kirkby, Liverpool and now Harris Drive, Bootle – for the abandonment of three dogs found starved to death and four neglected ferrets.

Dog killer Paul Wynne now of Bootle, Merseyside
Paul Wynne told the court he “couldn’t cope with what happened” after his three dogs died “extremely painful” deaths

Wynne, who is also a wildlife persecutor, pleaded guilty to three charges regarding the treatment of animals in his care. On October 29, 2022, two Merseyside Police officers, named as Lomax and Cohen, attended an address on Rockford Avenue, Kirkby, after concerns had been raised about the occupant, Wynne.

Horrific images released by the RSPCA show the conditions in which Paul Wynne left his helpless dogs to die
Horrific images released by the RSPCA show the conditions in which Paul Wynne left his helpless dogs to die

Neighbours had complained about a bad smell of decay coming from the flat and “maggots coming through the ceiling of the flat below”. The police officers forced entry to the flat due to concerns for human life, but upon examination of the property found the skeletal remains of three dogs in an advanced state of decomposition.

Horrific images released by the RSPCA show the conditions in which Paul Wynne left his helpless dogs to die

Peter Mitchell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told the court the property was registered in the name of Laura Martin – the partner of Wynne.

RSPCA inspector Louise Showering attended the address along with Merseyside Police on November 1 and re-entered the property with the permission of Ms Martin.

Horrific images released by the RSPCA show the conditions in which Paul Wynne left his helpless dogs to die

The court heard a black lurcher called Blue was found in a crate in the middle of the living room. Upon further inspection it was revealed there was also a second dog, also identified as a lurcher type and called George, in the cage. Mr Mitchell said the dogs were lying on filthy bedding and the floor was caked in white and black faeces.

There were no food or water bowls and the room was covered in a large amount of flies and other insects. The inspector noted the kitchen door was open and a dead puppy, a saluki cross type dog named Polly, was on the floor surrounded by a pool of dried blood. There were also four ferrets in two hutches found in the back of the garden.

The court heard Ms Martin, described as vulnerable with severe health difficulties, had moved out the flat and was tending to her sick mum. Wynne was the sole occupier of the flat during the time of the neglect. Wynne had told her Blue had died of a seizure and there were no other dogs inside the property.

Dog killer Paul Wynne now of Bootle, Merseyside
One of Wynne’s dogs cannibalised another in a desperate bid for food, but ultimately all three perished

However, Ms Martin told inspectors she returned to the property with her sister on October 6 to find the locks had been changed on the door. She said she could hear dogs barking inside the flat. Wynne said the locks were changed because they were faulty. Ms Martin said the first she knew about the horrors inside the flat was when she was contacted by the RSPCA to gain entry.

Between November 2022 and February 2023 Wynne was repeatedly contacted by Inspector Showering but he would only communicate by text message, refused to take calls and cancelled scheduled appointments.

Source: Paul Wynne, Facebook. It’s not known if either of these dogs were among the victims

He eventually attended Kirkby police station on February 7 where he denied starving the animals and claimed he had previously fed them well. He also said the ferrets weren’t his but he had been looking after them for a friend. He added he left the animals because he “couldn’t cope with what happened”.

Dog killer Paul Wynne now of Bootle, Merseyside

Mr Mitchell told the court only one of the dogs could have a post-mortem due to the severe emaciation. The lurcher Blue should have weighed between 27-32kg but only weighed 12kg. He added dog claw nails and hair were found in his stomach and small intestine suggesting the desperate animal had resorted to cannibalising the other dog, George.

In mitigation, Chelsey Kearns, defending, told the court Wynne accepted sole responsibility for the “prolonged cruelty and neglect”. She said he had long suffered from depression which he had managed successfully until now. She added the suffering of the animals “came from neglect instead of sadism”.

Ms Kearns also detailed the “immense burden” Wynne had to deal with – both in terms of his own health and the care of his partner and her mum, Marie. She said Wynne was fully responsible for the care of the two women – and also had a 13-year-old daughter called Lois who he spoke with every day.

Dog killer Paul Wynne now of Bootle, Merseyside

Wynne pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act: one of causing unnecessary suffering to Blue; one of failing to ensure the needs of Blue, George and Polly were met; and one of failing to ensure the needs of the four ferrets.

Sentencing Wynn, Recorder Michael Blakey noted the animals had “suffered considerably” and had “extremely painful” deaths. However, he took into account the fact that Wynne had “weighty caring responsibilities” and had realistic prospects of rehabilitation outside prison.

Sentencing | 30 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months; 20 rehabilitation days. 30 hours of unpaid work. Disqualified from owning any animal for 10 years (expires June 2033).

Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo

Southport, Merseyside: Abby Mulhearn

CONVICTED (2023) | Abby Mulhearn, age unknown, of Bank Square, Southport PR9 0DG – left her dog in agony with untreated skin and ear infections.

Animal abuser: Abby Mulhearn from Southport, Merseyside, UK. Pic: Facebook

Mother-of-two Abby Mulhearn was prosecuted by the RSPCA in relation to Staffordshire bull terrier Luna after she failed to follow their advice to seek veterinary treatment for the dog’s painful ear and skin infection. The charity even gave Mulhearn a voucher to cover part of the cost. But on a return visit inspector Leanne Cooper found Luna “yelping and screaming” in agony after scratching herself sore.

Luna was put to sleep after being neglected by Abby Mulhearn from Southport, Merseyside, UK. Pic: RSPCA

In a statement to the court, inspector Cooper said she attended Mulhearn’s flat on March 30, 2022 to investigate a report of a dog with sore ears. She found that Luna’s ears were thickened and dirty and in need of urgent veterinary treatment. Mulhearn told the inspector she would take her to the vets herself.

Inspector Cooper said: “She told me that she didn’t get her money for another nine days, so I agreed to give her a welfare voucher covering £50 of veterinary costs to help get Luna seen as soon as possible and I issued her with a warning notice advising that was done by April 4.”

On a return visit, Mulhearn told inspector Cooper she had booked Luna in to see the vet the following week. But after assessing the dog’s condition, the inspector took her to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment.

The inspector said she thought the dog had lost weight and added: “I could hear Luna yelping and screaming before I had even entered the flat. She had scratched herself sore around her ears and the ears looked inflamed inside, while she also had sore pink-coloured front paws.”

Luna was put to sleep after being neglected by Abby Mulhearn from Southport, Merseyside, UK. Pic: RSPCA

A vet’s expert report stated that both Luna’s left and right ears were ulcerated and there was lichenification, a thickening which is the sign of a chronic disease. The ear canals were narrowed and there was a dark discharge in both ears and the vet said the dog was in pain.

The vet concluded that Luna had been suffering for at least two weeks and added that she “had developed irreversible changes in her skin and ears, which leads to chronic skin and ear disease for the rest of her life. This may or may not be possible to manage medically, but she may require major ear surgery.”

Luna received ectoparasite and corticosteroids treatments, but her condition did not improve and her overall health deteriorated. Sadly a vet made the difficult decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Animal abuser: Abby Mulhearn from Southport, Merseyside, UK. Pic: Facebook

In mitigation, the court was told that Mulhearn was unemployed and had just separated from her partner.

Mulhearn pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Luna by failing to seek veterinary advice under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and received a suspended prison sentence.

Speaking after the sentencing, inspector Cooper said: “Luna’s owner should have got vet treatment for her at the first signs of illness. The dog had ongoing issues with her skin and we tried to work with the defendant by giving her time to get Luna to a vet.”

Sentencing | 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years; a total of £654 in costs and victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires February 2028).

In Your Area

Thornton, Merseyside: Alan Packenham

CONVICTED (2022) | animal hoarder Alan Packenham, born c. 1982, of 42 Lower Hey, Thornton, Liverpool L23 9UR

RSPCA inspectors found 20 cats and three kittens along with four dogs and three ferrets living in filthy, unhygienic conditions at Alan Packenham’s home.

Former special constable Alan Packenham was banned from owning animals for life after three sick kittens and four dead snakes were among 37 animals being kept in squalor at his home.

The RSPCA investigated after being alerted by a member of the public when Packenham was taken to hospital.

Inspectors found 20 cats and three kittens along with four dogs and three ferrets living in filthy, unhygienic conditions. There were also two fish in an aquarium and four of five snakes had perished and were in a decomposed state.

A vet who examined the animals, said it would have taken two full-time animal workers with help from volunteers to look after such a large number of animals.

When RSPCA inspectors entered the property in August 2021 they were hit by an “overpowering stench of faeces and urine”.

They discovered two female cats, one severely underweight, in the bathroom, along with three kittens inside an open drawer who were infested with fleas and in need of immediate medical attention.

All five cats were taken to a local veterinary practice by Inspector Joynes, but two of the kittens were in such poor health that sadly one died within minutes of arriving at the vets and another passed away later.

Two of three German Shepherd dogs, being kept with a crossbreed dog, had been left muzzled.

In her witness statement, Inspector Lisa Lupson said: “There seemed to be faeces and rubbish on every available surface.”

Inspector Nadine Pengilly said: “The kittens were crawling with fleas and appeared weak and lethargic. I had to check that they were not dead.”

Inspector Lupson returned to the property on two occasions to catch 14 of the cats and collect the four dogs. Sadly another cat was found to have died.

The cats and dogs were placed in the care of an RSPCA animal centre and approved kennels, while the ferrets and a corn snake were taken to specialist rescue centres.

Veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whitfield, based at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, concluded the three kittens, five of the cats and two of the German Shepherd dogs had all been allowed to suffer by their owner.

She said he had also failed to provide for the needs of all the animals by not providing a hygienic environment, a suitable amount of space, food and water, places for the animals to rest and play and to urinate and defecate, as well as failing to provide suitable veterinary care.

In her report, the vet said: “Animal welfare organisations would have a minimum of two full-time members of staff, assisted by volunteers, to care for such a number of animals.

She added: “It is likely they [the failings] had been present for a minimum of three months, but more likely this poor level of care will have persisted for many months or even years.”

Sentencing | 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months; 150 hours of unpaid work; £595 in costs and charges. Banned from owning animals for life.

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Birkenhead News

Bootle, Merseyside: Calum Turner

CONVICTED (2021) | Calum Turner, born c. 1996, of 60 Antonio Street, Bootle L20 2EU – caught on CCTV battering a terrified Staffy as the dog lay helpless on the ground.

Calum Turner
Calum Turner was not banned from keeping animals despite launching a vicious attack on a defenceless dog.

The shocking two-minute footage showed Turner wrestling and kicking out at something that is moving around on the ground, but is obscured by the angle of the camera.

Turner then removes a handle from a push toy and uses this to strike down multiple times before stamping down and kicking in the same direction.

He then stands up and as he does a Staffordshire bull terrier emerges from the area and runs across the garden.

Inspector Joanne McDonald assisted with the RSPCA investigation and attended the property where the incident took place in Lewisham Road, Norris Green, with the police on July 2, 2021.

She said: “Before attending the location I saw the CCTV footage of the beating. I saw a male, who I now know to be a Mr Calum Turner, who appeared to be hitting, kicking and smacking a dog for a prolonged period.

“The fence seemed to be obstructing the view but near the end the dog clearly ran away from the area Mr Turner was seen in. It was very upsetting to watch and I was very concerned for the dogs at that property.”

At the property, Inspector McDonald explained why they were visiting and asked that the dogs be seen by a vet to be checked over.

She said: “After the dogs were loaded into my van Mr Turner approached me and said that he had repeatedly whacked Mochi with a soft toy as he thought he had mauled their other dog Mitzee.

“He then said he had his arms around Mochi and was shouting at him and he admitted that he went too far.”

The two dogs, five-year-old Mochi and 12-week-old Mitzee were then taken to a vet to be assessed where they were found to be bright and alert and without injuries. However, the court heard how the vet report stated that Mochi had been caused to suffer.

The vet report concluded: “Although the CCTV footage and lack of supporting medical evidence of injury do not provide any definitive evidence Turner made physical contact with Mochi by striking the dog with the metal and plastic push toy handle and by kicking and stamping down on the dog, the statements made by Turner confirm such physical contact did occur which caused the dog to yelp and cry out.

“These actions would have caused the dog to suffer.

“Suffering will have been experienced by this animal via mechanisms of pain, fear and distress for a period of two minutes, probably longer.”

Magistrates decided not to impose a disqualification order on Turner. While they accepted that the abuse was “prolonged and nasty” they felt that Turner had acted out of duress and took into account his “previous good character”.

Turner is not the owner of either Mochi or Mitzee.

RSPCA Inspector Leanne Cragg, who investigated said: “This was a callous act involving the deliberate beating of poor Mochi who would have experienced pain and fear as a direct result of this horrible attack.”

Sentencing: 12-month community order with 160 hours of unpaid work. Ordered to pay a total of £595. No ban.

Liverpool Echo

Southport, Merseyside: Orrin Lloyd

CONVICTED (2021) | serial animal abuser Orrin M Lloyd, born 24 November 1989, of 35 Scarisbrick Avenue, Southport PR8 1AX – left his cat crying in pain and in clear distress after she suffered a broken pelvis.

Orrin Lloyd

Orrinc ‘Oz’ Lloyd was charged with inflicting blunt force trauma on the tabby cat, named Puss, but was cleared following a trial.

Lloyd was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering when he didn’t seek help while the cat was clearly in distress.

The court heard vets considered putting Puss down due to the severity of the injuries, but after spending 15 days in an animal hospital she is now “doing well”.

Kyra Badman, prosecuting, said medical evidence stated the injury had been sustained by “blunt force trauma” but clarified Lloyd was found not guilty for inflicting the injury after a trial.

Ms Badman said Lloyd’s mum, Tracy Lloyd, went to his home with a cat basket after she “received a call from her son who said the cat was injured”.

Ms Lloyd said when she arrived the cat was “crying, in pain and barely moving”.

She took her to the vets the next morning where they discovered “multiple pelvic fractures” and her “heart and respiratory rates were elevated”.

The cat was also unable to stand on her hind legs and needed pain relief.

Ms Badman said there was a fracture where the pelvis attached to the cat’s spine and in the cat’s pubic bone adding “the animal was clearly suffering” which was “extended by the defendant’s failure to provide proper care”.

An expert said it was likely the injury was caused between 48 and 72 hours before being brought to the vet.

A vet said the cat was “clearly in distress” and in a “painful condition”.

Ms Badman said: “The veterinary team were discussing euthanasia at one point, such was the severity of the injuries.”

Lloyd had claimed he thought the cat was “in heat” rather than in severe pain.

Making an application to have Lloyd banned from keeping any kind of animal, Ms Badman said: “There was some concern in a statement of the defendant’s mother, in relation to other animals.

“In her statement his mother talks about concerns, on one occasion he had thrown a mouse down the stairs.”

She said he had also kept a rat in a cupboard and his mum had found it without food.

Ms Lloyd said he also kept a pet rabbit in a flat in Southport “without food or water” and “she was concerned in relation to a pet budgie which she described as being extremely thin”.

She said there had also been another cat which was “extremely nervy” and was found with “no food or water”.

Lloyd’s previous convictions included criminal damage and battery.

Nick Archer, defending, said in general the cat had been “well-looked after”.

He said: “It hadn’t been eating because of the injuries but prior to that if anything it was slightly over fed.

“In terms of general looking after there had been no neglect.”

Mr Archer said Lloyd eventually called his mum as he had “realised there’s a problem and taken steps”.

He said Lloyd works part time as a maintenance worker in Liverpool.

Mr Archer added that for some of the period the cat was suffering it was with Lloyd’s mum.

He said during his cross examination of an expert at the trial they said it “wasn’t uncommon for inexperienced owners to think an animal was in heat” and couldn’t “clearly differentiate”.

Mr Archer said the expert had also told a court it wouldn’t be possible to determine if the cat was in heat.

Lloyd was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

District Judge Duncan Birrell, sentencing, said: “It’s unclear precisely how those injuries came about but this is your cat and was in your possession at the relevant time.”

Sentencing: 12-month community order with 30 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and 80 hours of unpaid work. Costs and charges of £595. Banned from keeping any animal for 10 years (expires July 2031).

Liverpool Echo

Bootle, Merseyside: Marius Neagoe

CONVICTED (2021) | illegal puppy importer and dealer Marius Neagoe, born 10 December 1975, of 10 Hardy Close, Bootle L20 6GN

Marius Neagoe puppy importer and dealer


Neagoe, from Romania, was prosecuted following investigations into the unlicensed sale of puppies across Merseyside.

The proceedings against him were brought by Animal Protection Services, a charity which investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty.

Neagoe admitted carrying out an activity without a licence and also engaging in unfair commercial practice .

He was fined £600 and ordered to pay £600 contribution to prosecution costs. He received a disqualification order from dealing in dogs for two years (expires April 2023).

Liverpool Echo

Litherland, Liverpool: Daniel O’Sullivan

CONVICTED (2019) | Daniel O’Sullivan, born c. 1990, of Bowland Drive, Liverpool L21: stabbed a police dog twice in head and attacked officers while high on cocaine and monkey dust.

Daniel O'Sullivan from Liverpool was prosecuted under Finn's Law for his attack on PD Audi
Daniel O’Sullivan was prosecuted under Finn’s Law for his attack on PD Audi

Daniel O’Sullivan was jailed for 21 months after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, five counts of assault and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police were called to deal with the thug following reports of a man wielding a knife and broken bottle in a street in Hanley, near Stoke, on July 1, 2019.

When O’Sullivan refused to drop the weapons a police dog named Audi was sent into the incident.

O’Sullivan stabbed PD Audi twice in the head before throwing a bottle at an officer and kicking him in the face. He spat at four other officers.

Following his arrest O’Sullivan was taken to hospital for assessment and was aggressive towards medical staff.

PD Audi survived the knife attack and has since returned to duty.
PD Audi survived the knife attack and has since returned to duty.

Audi needed emergency treatment but survived the attack and has since returned to duty.

The prosecution for the attack against Audi is the first under the new Animal Welfare (Emergency Services) Act.

Known as Finn’s Law, it now recognises police dogs as public servants and not simply police property. The maximum sentence is currently six months.

Detective Inspector Stephen Ward, from Staffordshire Police, said: “O’Sullivan presented a significant danger to anyone who was nearby and we cannot allow the public to be put at risk.

“He assaulted five officers, spitting at four of them, which is a degrading experience for the officers concerned and can present a health risk.

“O’Sullivan was out to seriously hurt PD Audi and it was lucky that he wasn’t blinded or killed as a result of his injuries.

“Aside from the sheer cruelty of his actions, it takes a great deal of time, energy and expense to train a police dog and an experience like that could have ended his career. Fortunately, Audi has recovered well and is back at work.”

Sentencing | jailed for 21 months of which three months was for injuring PD Audi.

Liverpool Echo

Southport, Merseyside: Anna Balintova and Ladislav Balint

CONVICTED (2017) | Anna Balintova, born c. 1958, and husband Ladislav Balint, born 11/02/1958 of Skipton Avenue, Southport PR9 8JP – illegally imported dogs into the UK from their native Hungary

Illegal puppy importers Anna Balintova, and Ladislav Balint from Hungary risked bringing rabies into Britain
Illegal puppy importers Anna Balintova, and Ladislav Balint risked bringing rabies into Britain

The pair pleaded guilty to bringing potentially rabid puppies into the UK to sell on Gumtree and Preloved websites.

Prosecutor Fiona Townsend told of how trading standards got involved after being contacted by a concerned member of the public.

There are strict regulations on bringing pets into the UK for commercial purposes but Mrs Townsend explained to the court that provision is made for European citizens to carry up to five of their own pets provided they are issued with a Pet Passport which confirms the ownership and identity of a pet and whether it has been inoculated against rabies.

She said that Balint and his wife had returned to Hungary where one Chihuahua and four pug puppies were given passports on March 18, 2016. The couple then made the crossing with the puppies to Kent four days later.

“Advertisements in relation to the puppies imported by the defendants were placed on the local Gumtree and Preloved websites on March 21,” she said.

“A warrant was executed and the puppies were seized at the defendants’ address.”

The puppies are understood to have cost £400 each and were advertised for £880 each in the UK. They did not go to quarantine and went straight to the Skipton Avenue address, the court heard.

The puppies were 10-12 weeks old when they were seized meaning that they were approximately 7-9 weeks old when they were registered and too young for a rabies vaccine to be effective. None of the puppies had rabies.

Sentencing:
Three year conditional discharge; council costs of £1,126.26 plus victim surcharge.

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