CALLS FOR TOUGHER SENTENCES AFTER DOG 'STARVED TO THE POINT OF COLLAPSE' BY CRUEL OWNER
Horrified animal lovers have called for tougher sentences for animal abusers after a Birkenhead woman neglected her XL Bully so badly it had to be put down.Beige-and-white Marlow was found in a terrible condition, severely emaciated and so weak he could barely stand, after being starved by her owner, Carys Scott.
The RSPCA was alerted to Marlow's case on March 23 this year, when the dog was taken to Birkenhead Kennels on Corporation Road by a woman who claimed she had found him in Port Sunlight River Park.
It was later discovered the woman was a friend of Scott's.
The dog had suffered pressure sores on his ankles and hips due to lying down for a long period of time, and he had healing puncture marks on his nose.
He also had reduced neurological reflexes in all four limbs and inflamed ears where they had been cropped, a procedure that is illegal in England and Wales.
Scott, of New Chester Road, Birkenhead, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
She was sentenced to a 12 months community order, fined £194, and banned from owning animals for 10 years.
Animal welfare officials expressed their horror at the case, with RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes stating: “This was an incredibly sad case and I’d like to thank the friends of Birkenhead Kennels for taking Marlow in as an emergency and trying to save his life.
This dog was failed by the person responsible for his basic welfare.
Being starved to the point of muscle atrophy and collapse is just unacceptable.
We may never know the full story of what actually happened and why Marlow was in the condition he was in but I'm hoping this investigation and conviction means that the suffering he endured hasn't gone completely unanswered.” The case elicited strong reactions on social media, with many calling for harsher penalties for animal cruelty.
Scott admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Marlow and expressed her remorse for her actions, which led to her being convicted and sentenced.
The pictures of Marlow's emaciated body stirred outrage among readers, and many voiced their disgust at the cruelty.
The case also saw increased reports of harm to XL Bullies, including a 164% rise in reports of intentional harm, abandonment, and neglect of the breed in the first eight months of 2024, according to the RSPCA.
