EILISCIA DOWNIE-NTEMO FROM WALLASEY CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO PUPPY WITH SEVERE INJURIES

Eiliscia Downie-Ntemo, also known as Elle Downie, a resident of Victoria Road in Wallasey, Wirral, was found guilty of causing significant harm to her pet puppy, leading to a series of criminal charges. The incident, which drew considerable attention from animal welfare authorities, involved the severe injury of a small dog named Darcey, a Shih Tzu-type breed, which she owned at the time.

According to court records, Downie-Ntemo was responsible for inflicting injuries that resulted in Darcey suffering from three broken ribs on one side of her body and three dislocated ribs on the opposite side. Additionally, the puppy's jaw was fractured in two places, injuries that prompted her to seek urgent veterinary care. On October 24, 2018, Downie-Ntemo took Darcey to a local veterinary clinic, where the extent of her injuries was documented.

The court heard that Downie-Ntemo had previously been prohibited from owning animals, a ban that was imposed following her conviction. Despite this, she was found to have caused her puppy unnecessary suffering, which led to her being charged with two counts related to animal cruelty. During her court appearance, she admitted to the injuries, claiming that she had 'thrown' Darcey into the air and failed to catch her, causing her to land on laminate flooring. She argued that this incident was responsible for the rib fractures.

Furthermore, Downie-Ntemo explained that the jaw injuries occurred several hours later after she noticed Darcey 'frothing' at the mouth. She attempted to treat her by placing her in a bath, during which she claimed the dog was struggling and 'fell,' resulting in the jaw breaking in two places. However, an expert witness disputed her account, suggesting that the injuries could not have been caused in this manner. The RSPCA was alerted to the case, and Inspector Naomi Morris was dispatched to investigate the circumstances surrounding Darcey's injuries.

Inspector Morris reported that Darcey was injured on October 23 but was left untreated until the following day, meaning she endured her suffering overnight. The inspector described the puppy's condition as severe, noting that she was in considerable pain and struggling to breathe due to her rib injuries. Despite her traumatic experience, Darcey has shown remarkable resilience and is now in a foster home, making significant progress in her recovery.

During the court proceedings, it was highlighted that Downie-Ntemo was undergoing treatment for depression, which was considered in her mitigation. Nevertheless, the judge sentenced her to a community order requiring 60 hours of unpaid work, along with costs and charges totaling £685. She was also banned from keeping animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in May 2024.

Following her conviction, additional allegations surfaced from a former friend of Downie-Ntemo, an animal lover who expressed concerns on Facebook. The friend claimed that another dog had been harmed while in Downie-Ntemo's care, specifically alleging that a third person had deliberately drowned the dog in a bath. The friend also recounted that Downie-Ntemo had acquired another dog, which she sold immediately after becoming frustrated that the animal toileted indoors. This conversation took place shortly before Downie-Ntemo purchased Darcey from a breeder, raising further questions about her treatment of animals and her history of care.

Overall, the case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing efforts of authorities like the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect. Darcey's story, marked by her resilience and recovery, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of animal cruelty and the need for vigilance in safeguarding pets in the community.