HARRY STEVENSON'S CRUEL NEGLECT OF WIGAN-BASED DOG KYRO REVEALED IN COURT

Harry Stevenson, a man with a prior conviction for assault, faced a court hearing in his absence where he was found guilty of neglecting the needs of his dog, Kyro. The case drew attention to the serious conditions in which the animal was kept and the neglect that nearly led to a tragic outcome.

According to reports, Stevenson had left Kyro alone inside a flat in Wigan for a period of at least three days without providing any food or water. The situation came to light after the RSPCA received a report about an abandoned dog, prompting their officers to investigate the premises. Upon entering the flat, the officers discovered Kyro in a state of severe neglect, visibly underweight and living amidst a filthy environment.

The property was in a deplorable condition, with faeces scattered across the floor and no food available for the dog. The only water in the dog's bowl was urine, indicating a lack of basic care and hygiene. Veterinary examinations confirmed the worst fears; Kyro was extremely underweight, with a body condition score of just two out of nine. His ribs and pelvic bones were prominently visible, and he exhibited signs of mild fur loss and long nails, all indicative of prolonged neglect. Despite these conditions, Kyro was described as ‘quiet, alert and responsive’ and maintained a ‘good temperament,’ which was seen as a testament to his resilience.

In court, Stevenson was sentenced to a 12-month community order. This included 100 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation, and a financial penalty of £1,100 in costs along with a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, he was handed a ten-year ban from owning animals, which will remain in effect until May 2035. The court's decision underscored the seriousness of the neglect inflicted upon Kyro and the importance of holding offenders accountable.

Since the intervention, Kyro has been in the care of the RSPCA, where he is now recovering from the ordeal. Officers involved in the case emphasized that without prompt action, Kyro’s situation could have been fatal. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, especially in cases where vulnerable animals are left to suffer in silence.