CONVICTED (2017) | Jemma Bloom (née Jemma Sero), born 25 May 1985, and husband Barney William Bloom (known as Billy Bloom), born 2 May 1980 of Mirfield Road, Witney OX28 5BA – left their pet dog to starve in a squalid outhouse

The pair, then of Hudson Street, Bicester, admitted starving and failing to look after their crossbreed dog Hooch, who was later put to sleep by a vet following his ordeal.

Hooch was found without food and water in a squalid outhouse at the couple’s home after the police contacted the animal welfare charity with concerns for the dog’s wellbeing.

RSPCA Inspector Lauren Bailey, who investigated the case, said: “When I first saw Hooch he was at the police station and I was moved by how loving he was.

“He was so skinny, dirty, and neglected but had so much time for everyone he met.

“It was heart-breaking to see a dog that had not been shown any love himself still offer love unconditionally to others.

“He had sadly been left without food and water in a dirty outhouse. He was very underweight with all his ribs showing.

“When I carried out the interviews they admitted he wasn’t cared for and said he was only occasionally fed leftover pasta.

“The neglect suffered by Hooch could have been easily avoided but he was simply left to suffer without the care he needed and deserved.

“We encourage people who can no longer cope with caring for their pets to contact us for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.”

Hooch initially recovered from his mistreatment while in the care of the RSPCA and managed to regain some weight but had to be put to sleep because of medical issues.

Sentencing:
Barney Bloom – 12 weeks in jail.
Jemma Bloom – eight weeks in jail suspended for 12 months; community order with one-month home curfew.
Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years (expires July 2027).

Oxford Mail