HAYLEY WOLSONCROFT AND GAVIN LEWIS OF WREXHAM SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIERS

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that unfolded in Wrexham, Hayley Wolsoncroft and her partner Gavin Lewis faced justice after being found guilty of neglecting their Staffordshire bull terriers, Molly and Fudge, to the point of severe starvation. The incident, which drew significant attention from local animal welfare authorities, culminated in a court hearing where both individuals received sentences that reflect the gravity of their actions.

On April 10, 2017, an RSPCA inspector was dispatched to the address at 4 Bowen Court, Ruabon, Wrexham LL14 6DQ, following a complaint about a neglected dog. Upon entering the premises, the inspector was met with a strong, unpleasant odor, and the living room was littered with dog feces and urine, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. The inspector discovered Molly, a Staffordshire bull terrier, in a state of extreme distress. She was found lying in an open crate, exhibiting signs of lethargy, bloating, and emaciation. Her spine was prominently visible through her skin, and her condition was dire.

During questioning, Wolsoncroft claimed that Molly was her boyfriend’s pet and that she had attempted to feed her, although she admitted to being unable to provide proper dog food. Instead, she had given Molly tuna and pasta, which was insufficient for her nutritional needs. Wolsoncroft also revealed that another Staffordshire bull terrier named Fudge had died weeks earlier and was buried in nearby woods. The authorities exhumed Fudge’s body, which was wrapped in bin bags and appeared extremely thin, confirming suspicions of neglect. A necropsy indicated that Fudge was emaciated at the time of death, with an extended stomach, and the cause was attributed to starvation resulting from an inadequate diet.

Gavin Lewis, when interviewed, acknowledged that he should have sought veterinary assistance for Molly and agreed to surrender the dog to the RSPCA. Veterinary assessments confirmed that Molly was in a severely compromised state, suffering from acute pain for approximately two weeks and severe pain for at least 24 hours prior to rescue. The vet, David Martin, noted that Molly was now in the care of new owners but had endured significant suffering.

Both Wolsoncroft and Lewis represented themselves during the court proceedings. Probation reports revealed that both individuals were under considerable stress, citing death threats received following the case. The reports also highlighted that Lewis appeared to have learning difficulties, while Wolsoncroft was suffering from severe mental health issues. Despite the circumstances, the court handed down a sentence of ten weeks in prison, suspended for one year, and ordered each to pay £250 to the RSPCA along with a £115 surcharge. Additionally, both were banned from owning animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in November 2027.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the vigilance required to prevent such tragedies in the future.