ALEX JORDAN FROM SALFORD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG ROCKO

A tragic case of animal cruelty has unfolded in Salford, where a young dog named Rocko was subjected to extreme neglect and ultimately died from starvation. The owners, Ellie O’Malley, aged 26, and Alex Jordan, aged 22, faced justice after investigations revealed the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the dog’s death.

Concerned members of the community and animal welfare organizations prompted an inquiry by the RSPCA into the welfare of Rocko, a brindle bull crossbreed. Initially, O’Malley claimed that Rocko had been injured in an incident involving a horse on local football fields. She explained that apart from a leg injury, the dog appeared to be in good health. However, her account changed as she admitted that Rocko’s condition deteriorated, leading to him ceasing to eat and use the toilet before he eventually died. O’Malley also disclosed that her boyfriend, Alex Jordan, who is also the father of at least one of her children, had buried Rocko’s remains in their garden.

Following these revelations, authorities intervened, and Rocko’s body was exhumed for detailed examination. RSPCA Inspector Deborah Beats, who led the investigation, described the remains as “emaciated, with visible ribs, hips, and skull bones,” indicating severe malnutrition and neglect. The post-mortem analysis conducted at the RSPCA’s Manchester and Salford Animal Hospital confirmed that Rocko had suffered from extreme starvation. The dog’s weight was recorded at just 11.6 kilograms, a stark contrast to what would be expected for a healthy dog of his breed and size. The examination revealed significant muscle wasting, with ribs, spine, and pelvis bones prominently visible. Additionally, foreign objects such as pieces of plastic, rubber, and chicken bones were found lodged in his mouth and stomach, suggesting he had been left to suffer in silence.

Veterinary experts concluded that Rocko’s death was likely caused by a combination of severe malnutrition and choking on foreign objects. Both O’Malley and Jordan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a charge that underscores the seriousness of their actions. Inspector Beats condemned their conduct, stating, “This was a tragic case where a young dog suffered and died unnecessarily. Rocko’s body was in an appalling state when recovered from the garden—his suffering could have been entirely prevented with proper care and nutrition.”

In terms of sentencing, Alex Jordan received a 12-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with 180 hours of unpaid work and a fine of £400 to cover costs. Ellie O’Malley was handed a 12-month community order, required to complete 12 days of rehabilitation activities, and fined £100, with an additional victim surcharge of £114. Both individuals were also banned from keeping animals for a period of five years, a measure intended to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Animal welfare advocates have expressed their disapproval of the leniency of the sentences, arguing that cases of severe neglect like this demand harsher penalties to serve as a deterrent and to better protect vulnerable animals from such suffering in the future.