CHELSEA JADE ELLIS LEAVES DOGS TO STARVE IN SOUTH EAST LONDON

Chelsea Jade Ellis, born on March 15, 1996, and residing on Burrfield Drive in Orpington, was found guilty of neglecting her pet dogs by repeatedly leaving them alone for extended periods, sometimes up to four days at a time. Her actions have drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community in South East London, highlighting the severity of her neglect.

Ellis was responsible for two dogs: a Chihuahua named Rolo and a crossbreed called Sleigh. Over the course of her neglect, both animals suffered from severe malnutrition and dehydration. When authorities finally intervened, the dogs were found in a deplorable state, with their food and water bowls empty and their bodies emaciated. Rolo was rated at a score of just one out of nine for body condition, indicating extreme thinness, while Sleigh was slightly better but still critically underweight, with a score of two out of nine.

The RSPCA, upon receiving reports of the dogs being left alone without proper care, responded to the property on October 15. An inspection revealed that the dogs were inside the house, but no one was present at the time. During the visit, Ellis was contacted by phone, where she claimed that she did leave the dogs alone for long periods but assured authorities she would return that evening. Despite her assurances, the dogs' condition suggested otherwise.

Further investigations involved placing a seal on the door to monitor entry and exit. When RSPCA officers returned the following day, the seal remained unbroken, confirming that Ellis had not been home. Through a window, officers observed the two dogs inside the property, with no food or water visible. Four empty dog bowls were on the floor, and in a compassionate act, the officers pushed dog biscuits through an open window, which the dogs eagerly devoured.

On October 30, the officers returned again, finding no one at the residence and still no food visible through the window. They contacted Ellis by phone to discuss arrangements for the dogs’ care. Despite multiple visits, the seals remained unbroken on November 1 and 2, and the dogs continued to be without nourishment. On November 2, police attended the property and seized the dogs, transferring them into the care of the RSPCA.

Veterinary assessments confirmed that both Rolo and Sleigh were in a state of severe malnutrition, with weight loss and poor overall health indicating they had been suffering for approximately two to three months. During interviews, Ellis’s account of her responsibility and the neglect was inconsistent. Initially, she admitted to being responsible for the dogs and acknowledged that they had been left alone for up to four days. However, she later claimed that Sleigh belonged to a friend named Danielle and that her mother had been feeding the dogs while she was away. In subsequent interviews, Ellis admitted to lying, explaining that she was under significant stress because her children had been taken into care.

Her solicitor explained to the court that Ellis was experiencing enormous stress at the time of the offences. Since the dogs have been in RSPCA care, both have shown marked improvement; Rolo’s weight has increased by 60%, and Sleigh’s by 28%.

In sentencing, Ellis received 120 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £1,000 to cover RSPCA costs, and a deprivation order preventing her from keeping pets. She is also banned from owning animals for five years, with the possibility of applying to have this restriction lifted after three years, which would be in June 2028. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of animal neglect cases and the importance of animal welfare in South East London.