DAWN TOLLIVER FROM HARTCLIFFE JAILED OVER HORRIFIC DOG NEGLECT IN BRISTOL

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Dawn Tolliver, a resident of Hartgill Close in the Hartcliffe area of Bristol, has been convicted for her role in the severe mistreatment of two Cane Corso dogs, Angel and Evil. The incident, which drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare organizations, highlights the neglect that can occur within seemingly abandoned properties in the city.

Authorities first responded to reports of distress coming from a property located on Timberscombe Walk in Hartcliffe. RSPCA inspector Kim Walters was among the first to arrive at the scene. Upon approaching the residence, she found that the front door was unresponsive, but she could hear the barking of dogs emanating from inside. Using the letterbox as a vantage point, she observed two black Cane Corso dogs inside the house. The inspector immediately noted that both animals appeared to be in a dire state of health, with their spines, hip bones, and ribs prominently visible, indicating severe malnutrition.

Walters described the scene, saying, “There was no reply at the front door and dogs were heard barking from inside the house. I was able to observe through the letterbox that there were two black Cane Corso dogs inside that looked to be in very poor bodily condition with their spine, hip bones and ribs being very prominent. There was a strong smell coming from the letterbox and the house appeared very dirty.”

Further inquiries with neighbors revealed that no one had seen anyone living at the property for several months, although occasional visits were noted. Concerns were raised about the dogs’ health, as they had previously been noisy but had become unusually quiet, raising fears that their condition was worsening.

Following the inspection, the dogs were rescued and transported to a veterinary clinic for examination. The vet’s assessment confirmed the worst fears. Both Angel and Evil were found to be severely underweight, with Angel weighing just 17 kilograms and Evil only 23 kilograms—less than half the typical weight for an adult female Cane Corso, which averages around 45 kilograms. The animals were covered in dried feces, had long claws, poor coats with dandruff, and flea dirt, all signs of prolonged neglect and suffering due to malnutrition.

According to an RSPCA spokesperson, “The vet who examined Angel and Evil found them both to be in poor body condition. They were also covered in dried faeces and had long claws and poor coats with lots of dandruff and flea dirt. The vet described how they had been suffering due to malnutrition.”

In court, Tolliver faced multiple charges related to animal neglect, specifically for failing to care for her dogs over a period spanning from March 17 to April 17, 2024. She was also prosecuted for failing to surrender to bail in October and December of the same year. Tolliver initially failed to appear in court but was subsequently arrested under a warrant on New Year’s Eve. She was brought before Bristol Magistrates Court, where she pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced accordingly. She has since lodged an appeal against her sentence.

Thanks to the intervention of the RSPCA, Angel and Evil were placed in their care and have since made a full recovery. The dogs have been rehomed and are now in safe, loving environments. Inspector Kim Walters emphasized the importance of timely rescue efforts, stating, “These poor dogs were left unattended for such a time at this property without food that their health had been compromised. Thankfully they were rescued and have since gained weight and recovered.”

As part of her sentencing, Tolliver was sentenced to 24 weeks in jail, ordered to pay costs of £239, and banned from keeping animals for ten years. She has the right to appeal after eight years, with the ban set to expire in January 2035.