MAN LEFT DOG SUFFERING IN PAIN FOR SIX YEARS
In March 2021, a tragic case of prolonged animal neglect came to light involving a dog owner from St Helens, Daryn Devine, who was responsible for the suffering of his pet, Angel, an American Bulldog.The dog endured a severe and painful ear infection for an astonishing six years, a condition that went untreated despite clear signs of distress.
Angel’s condition was so dire that when veterinary professionals finally examined her, they described her ears as among the worst cases of chronic ear disease they had encountered in their careers.
A senior clinician at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, who assessed Angel, remarked that her ears exhibited “the most severe examples of chronic pinnal thickening and narrowing of the ear canals I have seen in my 10 years as a veterinary surgeon.” The veterinarian further explained that Angel had likely been suffering from intermittent ear pain over the years, with flare-ups that were either ignored or not reported to a veterinarian in a timely manner, allowing her condition to worsen over time.
Devine, aged 28, appeared before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence.
As part of his sentence, he was handed a 10-year ban on owning or keeping dogs, a measure intended to prevent further neglect or abuse.
On October 30, RSPCA inspector Caren Goodman-James visited Devine’s residence on Drybeck Grove, St Helens.
She was invited inside by a woman who claimed to be caring for Angel while Devine was incarcerated.
Upon arrival, the inspector was met with a scene of neglect: the garden was cluttered with rubbish and faces, and the interior of the home was strewn with litter.
During her inspection, Caren observed Angel and noted her distress signs she was frequently shaking her head and rubbing her head against the sofa.
Her right ear was inflamed, hard, and swollen, while her other ear was also inflamed and red.
The dog’s muzzle showed redness, and her claws were overgrown, folded back under her paws, with all four feet inflamed and red.
Recognising the urgent need for veterinary intervention, Caren Goodman-James informed the woman that Angel required immediate medical attention.
The woman consented, and Angel was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment.
The veterinary staff expressed deep concern over her health but reported that she responded well to the care provided.
Further investigation into Angel’s medical history revealed that she had been suffering from ear and skin infections for over six years, with records dating back to 2014.
Notably, she had a stent inserted into her infected ears on December 1, to help open the ear canals for medication.
However, she was not brought back for follow-up visits until March 9, nearly three months later.
During this period, her ear canals had become more thickened, and the delay in treatment likely caused her significant discomfort.
The veterinary notes indicated that subsequent appointments were also ignored, allowing her condition to deteriorate further.
Caren Goodman-James emphasized that Devine was aware of Angel’s severe health issues but chose to neglect her, allowing her suffering to persist for years.
She stated, “There is never an excuse not to seek veterinary help for a pet.
Sadly, she was left in this suffering state for six years, and it must have been an unbearable ordeal for her to endure this constant pain and discomfort.” Since being rescued, Angel has been placed in the care of the Wirral and Chester branch of the RSPCA.
She is expected to be available for adoption soon, although her ongoing veterinary needs mean she will require a home near the branch to facilitate regular treatment.
Kay Hawthorne, the centre manager, described Angel as a “lovable and friendly dog” who will need lifelong medical care.
She added, “We would need her new home to be in the vicinity so she can be brought back for her ongoing veterinary treatment.
