ASHLIE WILKINSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN SKEGNESS REVEALED

Ashlie Wilkinson, born on January 22, 1991, and residing on Barnes Crescent in Skegness PE25 2PS, has been convicted in her absence of severe neglect and mistreatment of her American bulldog, Missy. The case highlights the tragic neglect that led to the dog's suffering and eventual euthanasia.

Wilkinson's failure to provide adequate care for Missy was uncovered after authorities responded to concerns raised by the RSPCA regarding the welfare of the dog at her address. The investigation revealed a disturbing scene within Wilkinson’s flat, which was found to be in a state of extreme disarray and filth. Inspector Laura Jones from the RSPCA attended the property and was met with an overwhelming stench of excrement that permeated the environment.

The living room was littered with broken and overturned furniture, and the floor was wet due to a recent flood that had affected the flat. The entire space was unkempt, with visible excrement in every room except the bedroom. Despite the dire conditions, no food or water was found for Missy, who was discovered in a severely neglected state. The dog, an overweight American bulldog, was lying helplessly on a flat-screen television, unable to stand or move properly.

Missy’s coat was infested with live fleas, and her fur, which was light-colored, was blackened with flea dirt. Her claws were excessively long, nearly touching her paw pads, indicating neglect. Red tear stains were visible at the corners of her eyes, suggesting ongoing eye issues. The dog had a high tide mark across her body, evidence of lying in floodwater contaminated with excrement and urine. Her condition was so dire that she was unable to get up or walk more than five to ten meters before collapsing.

Following her rescue, Missy was seized by police and transported to a private boarding facility under the care of the RSPCA. She was carefully stretchered out of the flat and placed into an RSPCA van, then taken for veterinary examination. The vet’s assessment confirmed that Missy was severely obese and heavily infested with fleas. She was diagnosed with conjunctivitis affecting both eyes, multiple skin tags, and arthritis that caused her significant stiffness. Her inability to walk properly was attributed to her poor health and neglect.

The veterinarian’s report was unequivocal in condemning Wilkinson’s care: “In my opinion, the needs of the dog were not being met, and there were significant failings in this dog’s care. This dog had not seen a veterinary surgeon to investigate her obvious obesity, arthritis, flea infestation, skin infection, or eye condition. I estimate that Missy had not been fed adequately or received flea or veterinary treatment for at least three months, probably much longer. The failing to meet her welfare needs has undoubtedly caused her unnecessary suffering.”

Tragically, due to her poor health and suffering, Missy was euthanized to end her pain and distress. The court heard that Wilkinson was battling addiction issues and struggling with poor mental health, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior.

Inspector Laura Jones expressed her distress over the case: “The environment Missy had been in was completely unacceptable. She was found lying on an upturned TV and was unable to stand. The flat was trashed, and it smelled of excrement, which covered the hallway floor and stairs. I had never seen such a severe flea infestation on a dog, and it was heartbreaking to see her in this condition. I am thankful that her remaining days were spent in comfort, surrounded by love and care, and no longer in pain. Pet owners have a responsibility for their animals, and it was clear to any responsible owner that Missy’s needs were not being met, and she required veterinary assistance.”

In sentencing, Wilkinson received a 12-month community order, including six months of alcohol treatment and 20 days of rehabilitation. She was also ordered to pay £600 in costs and was banned from keeping any animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in March 2030. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities pet owners bear in Skegness and beyond.