CONVICTED (2017) | Hayley Ann Wolsencroft, born 18 January 1988, and Gavin Lee Lewis, born 20 October 1984 both of 4 Bowen Court, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6DQ – starved their Staffordshire bull terriers so badly one of them died.
Hayley Wolsoncroft and partner Gavin Lewis were convicted of animal cruelty offences in relation to Staffies Molly and Fudge.
Prosecutor Glen Murphy said an RSPCA inspector went to Bowen Court on April 10, 2017, to investigate a complaint about a neglected dog.
On entering the property, the inspector was met with a ‘strong smell’ and dog faeces and urine on the living room floor.
Molly was discovered in a lethargic state lying in an open crate. She was bloated but very thin and her spine was prominent through her skin.
Wolsoncroft told the inspector that Molly was her boyfriend’s pet. She said she had tried to feed her but was ‘unable to provide any dog food’ and had given her tuna and pasta to eat.
Wolsencroft told the inspector another Staffordshire Bull Terrier, called Fudge, had died weeks previously and was buried in some nearby woods.
A neighbour showed inspectors where Fudge had been buried and the body of the dog was exhumed for tests to be carried out.
Mr Murphy said: “This dog was wrapped in bin bags and looked to have been very thin.
“Miss Wolsoncroft was interviewed and she said Molly, who had been purchased from Facebook, was a fussy eater, but said she was regularly fed by Mr Lewis.”
She told police that before Fudge died, she had been shivery and sick, but they could not get through to a vet in order for her to be assessed.
A pathology report stated Fudge was emaciated at the time of death with an extended stomach, and starvation due to an inadequate diet was the most likely cause of death.
When Lewis was interviewed, he agreed that he should have sought out a vet for Molly, and agreed to sign the pet over to the RSPCA.
Vet David Martin found that Molly, who is now with new owners, was in a very poor condition.
Both dogs had suffered ‘acute pain for two weeks’ and ‘severe’ pain for at least 24 hours.
Probation reports were read out about the couple, who represented themselves, which stated they both had their own issues.
The court heard both had been under a great deal of stress due to death threats which had been sent to them in the aftermath of the case against them.
The report added that Lewis appeared to have learning difficulties, while Wolsoncroft had “severe mental health issues”
Sentencing: 10-week custodial sentence, suspended for one year. Both were ordered to pay £250 each to the RSPCA with a £115 surcharge. 10-year ban on keeping animals (expires November 2027).
Absolutely Heart Breaking.
People such as this shouldn’t have Dogs, if they haven’t got a clue how to Feed and care for them.