CLARE HOBSON BUXWORTH DOG NEGLECT CASE SHOCKS HIGH PEAK COMMUNITY

Clare Hobson, a resident of Buxworth, has been found guilty of severe neglect and starvation of her dog, leading to a lifetime ban on keeping any animals. The case, which drew significant attention from local residents and animal welfare advocates, highlights the tragic circumstances surrounding the Labrador named Coco.

According to court proceedings, Hobson, born around 1977 and living on Dollywood Close in Buxton, High Peak SK23 7NX, failed to provide adequate care for her dog after her partner, Leo Gibson, moved out of their shared residence. Coco was left in Hobson’s care, and over time, her condition deteriorated drastically due to neglect. Despite the dog’s worsening health, Hobson did not take appropriate action to address her suffering.

The RSPCA, which intervened in the case, revealed that they had initially visited Hobson in 2016 after receiving concerns about Coco’s health. During that visit, Hobson was advised to seek veterinary treatment for Coco’s skin issues and weight loss. However, as time went on, Hobson ceased cooperating with the animal welfare organization, making it difficult for them to ensure the dog’s well-being.

It was only after the RSPCA obtained a warrant to access Hobson’s home that Coco was rescued. When she was taken into care, the dog was severely underweight, weighing only 14 kilograms—significantly below the healthy weight of approximately 20 kilograms for her breed. Veterinary assessments confirmed that Coco’s spine and ribs were clearly visible from a distance, and she suffered from lesions, hair loss, and a urinary tract infection. The condition of the dog was described as heartbreaking by those involved in her rescue.

Heather Morris, an RSPCA inspector, recounted her observations: “Coco was such a sorry sight and she was in a poor condition. When we took her away, she was so quiet. She was clearly a very poorly dog and she looked really down.” She added that the transformation in Coco’s health and demeanor after receiving proper care was remarkable. “Coco really is a totally different dog today. It is hard to believe she is the same dog I took into care earlier this year. Back then, she was so quiet and suffering, but now she is playful and happy. It shows what love and proper care can do for a dog.”

Inspector Morris emphasized that the neglect was primarily due to Hobson’s failure to feed Coco adequately. She explained that although Hobson initially followed advice from the RSPCA, she stopped doing so earlier this year, which led to the organization’s re-engagement. The inspector also noted that Coco’s skin issues appeared to be caused by allergies to various environmental factors such as grass, dust, mites, pollen, and fleas. Morris stressed that pet owners are legally responsible for preventing their animals from suffering if they are in discomfort, a duty Hobson neglected.

During court proceedings, Hobson admitted to neglecting her dog, citing financial difficulties as a reason for her failure to provide proper care. She pleaded guilty to charges of failing to protect Coco from pain and suffering, specifically for not investigating her skin and weight problems between March and June 2017. She also admitted to causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting her dog’s poor body condition and failing to address her skin issues.

Leo Gibson, who had initially owned Coco, was not charged in connection with her neglect. It was explained in court that Gibson had moved out, leaving Coco behind with Hobson. Gibson has since returned to the area.

Hobson’s defense solicitor, Lisa Tinsley, explained that her client suffers from depression and was facing child care and financial issues at the time. Despite these personal struggles, the court found her actions to be a serious breach of animal welfare laws.

The sentencing included a 12-month community order, during which Hobson must complete 120 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay a total of £765 in fines and costs. Most notably, she received a lifetime ban on keeping dogs, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or abuse.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect, especially in cases where vulnerable animals rely entirely on their owners for care and compassion.