ESHA PROUDLOVE AND CRAIG SHINGLER FROM ELLESMERE PORT SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY

Esha Rebekah Proudlove, born on December 5, 2000, and residing at 46 Conway Court in Ellesmere Port, was found guilty of severely abusing a 16-week-old puppy, resulting in the animal suffering multiple injuries, including broken ribs. Her partner, Craig Shingler, born on November 5, 1996, and sharing the same address, was also implicated in the case for failing to provide truthful information to veterinary professionals about the circumstances surrounding the puppy's injuries.

According to court reports, Proudlove initially claimed that she had accidentally tripped over Maya, the brindle cross breed puppy, which she insisted caused the animal to break three ribs. However, evidence presented during the trial revealed that her account was false. Shingler, who was present at the time, also failed to disclose the true nature of the injuries to the vets. On another occasion, Maya was brought to the veterinary clinic with symptoms indicative of head trauma. Proudlove attributed this injury to the puppy falling off a sofa, but subsequent examinations painted a different picture.

Prosecutor Peter Mitchell highlighted that neighbors had overheard Proudlove verbally abusing the puppy. Witnesses recounted hearing loud arguments involving Proudlove before she acquired Maya in October 2020. An upstairs neighbor of her Neston flat observed a urine-soaked carpet being removed and left in the communal hallway, which was linked to the ongoing neglect and abuse. Several days later, neighbors reported hearing the puppy yelping and screaming, raising concerns about its welfare.

Further testimonies indicated that Proudlove had obtained Maya in October 2020. On one occasion, neighbors heard a loud bang followed by Proudlove shouting, “Quick before she dies, quick she’s dying.” Witnesses also reported hearing what they believed to be the sound of the dog being hit multiple times. Between October 31 and November 1, neighbors distinctly heard a dog being kicked, and on another occasion, Proudlove was seen holding the puppy while exclaiming to Craig, “Look what you’ve done.”

Medical records confirmed that Maya was taken to a vet on October 16 with head trauma. The veterinarian was told that the injury resulted from a fall from the sofa, but the subsequent examination revealed a bleed in the puppy’s right eye, a clear sign of head injury. The dog was kept overnight, and the following morning, a further examination showed no signs of CPR having been performed, despite Proudlove’s claims to the contrary. Maya was later returned to the vet for a second visit, where swelling on her thorax was observed, indicating significant force or possible strangulation. Despite treatment, the injuries worsened, and on November 12, Maya was brought back with swelling and three fractured ribs. Proudlove claimed these injuries occurred when she squeezed the puppy out of her crate.

Throughout the investigation, Proudlove provided inconsistent and false explanations for the injuries. An expert witness testified that the injuries indicated “significant violence,” including two episodes of severe head trauma. The evidence pointed to ongoing abuse, with injuries consistent with repeated episodes of cruelty.

In her defense, Lesley Herman, representing Shingler, argued that he was not the owner of the dogs and did not reside at the address during the time of the first dog’s presence. She emphasized that Shingler was currently suspended from work pending the court’s decision and has physical difficulties related to his hip, requiring assistance to walk. Shingler admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between October 15, 2020, and November 13, 2020, and also acknowledged neglecting the needs of Milo, another dog, between April 9 and April 13, 2020.

Meanwhile, Suzanne Payne, defending Proudlove, highlighted her client’s traumatic background, including a difficult upbringing and mental health issues such as PTSD and borderline personality disorder. Payne explained that Proudlove was experiencing a very low point in her life, suffering from harassment and threats from neighbors, which had a detrimental impact on her mental health. She noted that Proudlove now has a two-year-old child living with his paternal grandmother, whom she sees regularly, and that she has been referred to community mental health services.

Both defendants faced sentencing from Chair Magistrate Carmel Stewart and magistrates David O’Malley and Colin Vallance-Owen. Proudlove received a 12-week suspended sentence for one year, along with requirements to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and an eight-week curfew from 7 pm to 7 am. She was also ordered to pay costs of £250 and a victim surcharge of £128. The court acknowledged her mental health issues and the potential for rehabilitation, considering her previous good character and the impact of the pandemic.

Shingler was sentenced to 10 weeks suspended for one year, with similar conditions including 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge equivalent to Proudlove’s. Both individuals were banned from keeping animals for a period of ten years, reflecting the court’s stance on animal cruelty and neglect in this case.