DOMINIC HAWRYLUK'S CRUELTY IN BLACKBURN: DOG LEFT TO SUFFER IN HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

Dominic Vincent Hawryluk, born on December 15, 1984, and residing on Avon Close in Blackburn BB2 2ND, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty that shocked the local community. The case centered around his treatment of a helpless dog named Akita Mika, who was subjected to neglect and suffering within Hawryluk’s home in Blackburn.

According to court proceedings, Hawryluk deliberately confined Mika in a room devoid of any food or water, leaving her to endure a slow and painful decline. The dog was discovered in a deplorable state, covered in her own urine and faeces, with her health rapidly deteriorating. It was a compassionate member of the public who first noticed her plight and intervened, rescuing Mika from the squalid conditions and bringing her into the care of the RSPCA. Despite efforts to save her, Mika’s condition worsened to the point where a veterinarian made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her.

The court heard that Mika was initially rescued by Alison Ryden, a professional dog groomer operating Ebony Dog Grooming. Ryden, upon seeing the dire state of Mika through a window, was immediately concerned. She approached Hawryluk’s home and, after a reluctant response from him, threatened to call the police if he did not release the dog. Hawryluk eventually handed Mika over to her, and she took her to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. Mika was found to be suffering from severe health issues, including conjunctivitis in one eye, pressure sores, poor skin condition, and malnutrition. She was placed on intravenous fluids and was under constant veterinary care.

During police interviews, Hawryluk admitted that he had not seen Mika for two weeks and acknowledged that he had failed to make proper arrangements for her care. He expressed his disgust at how long he had left her alone in the kitchen, which was in a filthy state. The RSPCA inspector, Nina Small, described Mika’s condition at the vet, noting her extreme lethargy, weakness, and the visible signs of neglect, such as bald patches and a skeletal frame beneath her coat.

Legal proceedings revealed that Hawryluk had previously received financial assistance from the RSPCA, indicating prior awareness of his responsibilities towards Mika. Despite this, he continued to neglect her, leading to the court’s decision. The magistrates found him guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to ensure her welfare. The prosecution, led by Paul Ridehalgh, highlighted that Hawryluk had been advised to provide Mika with basic necessities like food, water, and a bed, and had been given a voucher for veterinary care, all of which he failed to follow through.

Hawryluk’s defense argued that his actions were not deliberate but stemmed from personal mental health issues and a lack of competence in caring for the dog. His lawyer, Gareth Price, emphasized that Hawryluk had genuine affection for Mika, which had been inherited from his late father, and that he was remorseful for his neglect. The court was also informed that Hawryluk did not currently own any animals and did not intend to do so in the near future.

In sentencing, Hawryluk received a 12-month community order, including 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, along with fines and costs totaling £215. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, a measure intended to prevent any future cruelty. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, with the RSPCA urging pet owners to seek help if they are struggling to care for their animals, emphasizing that support is available for those in need.