HAYDEN OWENS STARVES BIRKENHEAD DOG TO DEATH IN HORRIFIC CASE OF ANIMAL CRUELTY

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Hayden Owens, also known as Hayden French, born on July 22, 2005, and residing on Market Street in Birkenhead, has been convicted of the tragic death of a dog due to starvation. The incident came to light in March 2024 when a concerned member of the public brought the lifeless body of an adult female bull-breed type dog to a local veterinary clinic in Birkenhead.

Veterinary examination revealed that the dog was severely emaciated, prompting the vet to suspect that starvation was the cause of death. The RSPCA was promptly contacted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog's demise. Inspector Naomi Norris from the RSPCA took charge of the case and stated, “We suspected this poor dog had been starved to death, and the vet confirmed that she was half the weight she should be.”

After a thorough investigation, Inspector Norris was able to locate Hayden Owens, the dog’s owner, who eventually admitted that the animal had died while in his care. This admission confirmed suspicions of neglect and abuse. A post-mortem examination was conducted to determine the cause of death and the extent of the dog's suffering.

The post-mortem report painted a grim picture: the dog weighed only 13 kilograms at the time of her death, which was nearly half her previous weight of 25.6 kilograms recorded during a vet visit in August 2023. The examination revealed no underlying disease or pathological condition that could explain her emaciation, indicating that her condition was solely due to prolonged starvation. The report concluded that the dog had been subjected to at least seven weeks of starvation, leading to organ failure, collapse, and ultimately, death.

The veterinarian responsible for the post-mortem stated that the dog endured significant suffering, experiencing weakness, fatigue, malaise, and exercise intolerance for a minimum of four weeks, with the possibility of the suffering extending even longer. The findings underscored the neglectful role of Owens, who failed to seek veterinary assistance despite the dog's deteriorating health.

Inspector Norris emphasized the legal responsibilities of pet owners, saying, “It is a pet owner’s legal responsibility to properly look after any animal in their care. This poor dog died because of her owner Owens’ neglect. For those who find themselves struggling, there are many reputable animal welfare charities who can offer help and advice, and we encourage anybody in a difficult situation to seek support.”

In court, Hayden Owens was sentenced to 12 weeks of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 35 days of rehabilitation, pay a victim surcharge of £154, and was banned from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in February 2030.