WORCESTER ANIMAL CRUELTY: JACK PULLEN AND ALLANA SILK STARVE RABBITS TO DEATH
In a disturbing case of animal neglect that has shocked the Worcester community, Jack Simon Pullen, born on July 27, 2000, of Popert Drive, Worcester WR5 1SY, and Allana Julie Silk, born in May 1998, of 3 Field Road, Worcester WR4 9SZ, have been convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to three rabbits.The heinous neglect led to the tragic death of the pets, whose bodies were found in a state of severe decay in their filthy enclosures.
According to court reports, the rabbits, named Rosie, Ted, and Teddy, were subjected to a prolonged period of starvation and neglect over approximately three weeks, from August 28, 2023, to September 13, 2023.
Their skeletal remains were discovered by an RSPCA inspector during an inspection in September 2023, revealing the extent of their suffering.
During the court proceedings, RSPCA prosecutor Sara Pratt detailed the harrowing circumstances surrounding the case.
When Silk was informed that all three rabbits had died, she reportedly cried out and insisted that they had been alive that very morning.
Pullen supported her claim, asserting that he had fed the rabbits before taking his children to school that day.
However, these statements were contradicted by the evidence, which indicated neglect and failure to provide basic care.
The inspector found Ted’s body infested with maggots, and Teddy was discovered in a sleeping area that was heavily soiled with faeces.
Ms Pratt emphasized that the rabbit enclosures had not been cleaned for an extended period, contributing to the animals’ suffering.
A post-mortem examination conducted on September 22, 2023, confirmed that the rabbits had endured significant pain and deprivation for over three weeks due to inadequate diet and lack of veterinary attention.
Rosie’s body condition score was a mere one out of nine, indicating she had little muscle, no fat, and prominent bones.
Ted was described as being effectively a skeleton with skin remaining, with maggot-eaten skin further evidencing the neglect.
The post-mortem on Ted was inconclusive due to advanced decomposition.
Teddy’s condition was slightly better, with a score of two, but still indicative of severe malnutrition and suffering.
In addition to the rabbits, the inspector also found cats and a hamster at the residence.
However, these animals were deemed to be in good condition and were returned to the family home that same evening.
Despite her conviction for animal cruelty, Silk, a mother of two, will be permitted to retain her cats and hamster.
She is also allowed to keep a dog that was purchased for her daughter after the charges were filed.
Both Silk and Pullen are prohibited from acquiring any new animals for the next five years, a restriction set to expire in June 2029.
The RSPCA sought a financial contribution of £2,978.92 to cover their costs related to the case, including prosecution expenses.
The court sentenced Silk to a 12-month community order, requiring her to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities and to undergo a mental health assessment.
She was also fined £120, ordered to pay £400 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £114.
Pullen received similar requirements, including 25 days of rehabilitation activities and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Both offenders are subject to the animal ownership ban for five years, preventing them from keeping any animals during this period.
