CARL AND MELANIE HOLLIS FROM BROUGHTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN CHESTER

Carl Stephen Hollis, born on 23 February 1962, and Melanie Hollis, born on 2 February 1967, residents of Warren Drive in Broughton, Chester, have been convicted of serious animal cruelty offenses involving neglect and mistreatment of multiple pets. The court's findings reveal a disturbing case of neglect that spanned over a period, leading to their ban from keeping animals for a decade.

According to court reports, Carl Hollis, who owns Hollis Construction, a plastering and joinery business, was responsible for two elderly Labrador dogs. Both of these dogs were suffering from significant skin conditions, indicative of neglect and poor care. Meanwhile, Melanie Hollis was identified as the caretaker of five cats, all of which were found to be flea-infested and underweight, with none having received any veterinary treatment. The neglect was so severe that the animals' health was critically compromised.

The prosecution, led by Chris Murphy, highlighted that the couple had previously received advice from the RSPCA, including vouchers for veterinary care, in September and December of 2017. Despite this, the situation did not improve. On June 30, 2018, an RSPCA inspector visited the property after concerns were raised. During the inspection, the inspector was told that the Hollises had gone on a two-week holiday, scheduled to return on July 10, and that their sons had been checking on the animals periodically in their absence.

At the property, the inspector observed a total of ten cats, including six kittens, along with the two elderly Labradors. The scene was distressing: dried food was left in bowls, there was a strong smell of ammonia permeating the front room, and puddles of urine and dirty water were evident on the floor. The dogs exhibited extensive hair loss, further evidence of neglect. The cats and dogs were taken to veterinary clinics for examination, and it was noted that none of the animals were microchipped, complicating identification.

One of the cats, approximately 20 years old, was so ill that it had to be euthanized. However, the remaining animals were reported to be doing relatively well, with some having already been rehomed. During interviews, Carl Hollis admitted ownership of the dogs, which were in their mid to late teens, and expressed that he had avoided taking them to the vet out of fear they might be euthanized. Melanie Hollis acknowledged that the cats had not received proper veterinary care and admitted to taking in stray cats beyond her capacity to care for them, describing her situation as having