BRIGHOUSE DOG OWNER JADE TAYLOR AND MATTHEW ‘BOOP’ DRAKE CONVICTED OVER NEGLIGENT TREATMENT THAT LED TO PET'S DEATH

Jade Taylor, born around 1996, and Matthew ‘Boop’ Drake, born on January 23, 1992, both residents of Brooklyn Terrace in Brighouse, faced serious legal consequences after neglecting their beloved dog, which ultimately resulted in her death. The couple was found guilty of failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their ten-year-old Staffordshire bulldog, Misha, leading to her suffering and eventual euthanasia.

According to court reports, the neglect stemmed from their failure to address a severe flea infestation that afflicted Misha. The infestation caused her to develop a significant allergic skin reaction, which was left untreated for an extended period. Despite the evident discomfort and distress, Jade Taylor and Matthew ‘Boop’ Drake did not seek veterinary assistance, allowing her condition to worsen over time.

The situation came to light when RSPCA inspector Adam Dickinson visited the couple’s home on September 17, 2023, following a tip-off from a concerned member of the public. Upon inspection, the inspector observed Misha suffering from extensive skin issues, including redness, open wounds, and areas where fur was missing. The dog was seen running around the yard, incessantly scratching and biting at her skin, indicating severe discomfort.

Inspector Dickinson described the scene in a statement presented to the court, noting that Misha’s skin appeared tough, wrinkled, and pink with multiple fresh blood spots. The inspector’s assessment confirmed that the dog was in a state of significant suffering, which could have been alleviated with prompt veterinary intervention.

Following the inspection, Misha was transported to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for urgent treatment. Veterinarians diagnosed her with a serious skin condition characterized by intense itching, which had led her to self-harm through excessive scratching and biting. The damage to her skin was so severe that it resembled ‘elephant skin,’ a term used to describe thickened, leathery skin often associated with chronic inflammation.

Initially, Misha responded to treatment with antibiotics and steroids, showing signs of improvement. However, complications arose when she developed a gastrointestinal bleed, a known side effect of steroid therapy. Despite efforts to manage her condition with gastroprotectants and withdrawal of steroids, her health continued to decline. Ultimately, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her to prevent further suffering.

The court heard that the couple had not taken Misha to a veterinarian since 2019, despite her ongoing health issues. A veterinary expert testified that it should have been obvious to the owners that Misha required professional care, especially given her persistent scratching and biting. The vet highlighted that skin problems had been flagged in 2015 and 2019, but no further veterinary visits were made after those dates. The expert emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought veterinary help upon noticing such symptoms.

During proceedings, it was revealed that Matthew ‘Boop’ Drake was undergoing therapy for mental health issues, while Jade Taylor was reportedly supporting her sister, who was a full-time carer for their mother. The court acknowledged these circumstances but emphasized that neglecting a pet’s health was a serious offense.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, including 10 days of rehabilitation for each defendant. They were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £400. Additionally, both Jade Taylor and Matthew ‘Boop’ Drake were banned from owning animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in February 2029. The case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary care to prevent unnecessary suffering and tragic outcomes.