JACK AND DANIELLE KAVANAGH OF ELLESMERE PORT SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING STARVATION OF BORDER COLLIES

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ellesmere Port, Jack and Danielle Kavanagh, both residents of Sutton Way, Great Sutton, faced serious legal consequences after their involvement in the severe neglect and starvation of two beloved border collies, Freddie and Harvey. The incident, which came to light through the vigilance of a concerned member of the public, revealed the tragic extent of animal cruelty inflicted upon these innocent animals.

Animal welfare authorities, alerted by the public, responded swiftly to the distressing reports. RSPCA Inspector Anthony Joynes, who was involved in the investigation, described the case as one of the most distressing he has encountered. He expressed his horror at the conditions of the dogs, emphasizing that starving animals to such an extent is utterly appalling and difficult to comprehend. The investigation uncovered that Harvey, a two-year-old border collie, had collapsed and was found to be severely emaciated when taken to the veterinary clinic. Sadly, Harvey was so weak that he had to be euthanized to end his suffering, weighing only seven kilos at the time—a stark contrast to the healthy weight range of 19 to 24 kilos for a dog of his age.

Harvey’s death was confirmed to have been caused by starvation, with no underlying health issues contributing to his emaciation, as revealed by a post-mortem examination. Inspector Joynes recounted the heartbreaking sight of Harvey’s body being removed from the vets, noting that he weighed almost nothing. Meanwhile, Freddie, the other dog involved, was found still alive in the backyard of the Kavanagh residence. He weighed only 11 kilos, significantly under the normal weight for his age, and was in a dire state. Inspector Joynes described Freddie as the skinniest dog he had ever seen, with no muscle mass and nothing but skin and bones.

Further investigation revealed that the Kavanaghs had failed to provide adequate nutrition for their dogs. Despite Mrs. Kavanagh’s attempt to suggest that the dogs were being fed properly, evidence showed otherwise. During the inquiry, she presented an unopened bag of dog food, which Inspector Joynes confirmed was not being used to feed the animals adequately. The neglect was so severe that Freddie required slow feeding over several weeks to recover from his ordeal. Fortunately, Freddie responded well to care and was eventually placed with a loving family, where he is now thriving. His recovery has been described as miraculous, and he is even scheduled to go on holiday to France with his new owners, complete with his own passport.

Judge Sanders, presiding over the case, condemned the Kavanaghs for their actions, stating that they had caused both dogs to suffer immensely and had failed in their responsibilities as pet owners. The judge emphasized the importance of accountability and learning from this tragic incident. During the proceedings, Mrs. Kavanagh attempted to defend her actions by showing a large, unopened bag of dog food, but the evidence clearly demonstrated that the dogs had not been properly fed. Inspector Joynes expressed his sadness over Harvey’s death and his relief that Freddie had been saved in time.

Both Jack and Danielle Kavanagh received sentences of 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, along with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement. They were also ordered to pay costs of £250 each and a victim surcharge of £115. Additionally, they are banned from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in April 2028. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty.