JASON CHARNLEY'S HORRIFIC NEGLECT OF ELDERLY CAT IN BOSTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Jason Charnley, a resident of Frampton Place in Boston, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his elderly pet cat. Born on October 11, 1972, Charnley's failure to seek veterinary care for his aging feline has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities.

On August 14, 2017, a three-legged cat named Dobby, who was 13 years old, was discovered collapsed and severely emaciated in a garden located on Revesby Avenue. The condition of the cat was dire; Dobby's stomach was swollen to an alarming extent, resembling a water balloon, and he was suffering from broken teeth, infected gums, and a heavy flea infestation. The distressing state of the animal prompted immediate concern among those who found him.

Following the discovery, a post-mortem examination was conducted, revealing that Dobby had been suffering from cancer. The autopsy also uncovered that his stomach contained approximately 600 milliliters of fluid, indicating severe internal health issues. The examination confirmed that Dobby's suffering was extensive and prolonged.

It was noted that Charnley, who resides with his partner Kerry Maddy—who was not implicated in the case—had not taken any steps to provide medical attention for Dobby. Despite living with Maddy, Charnley's neglect led to the tragic deterioration of his pet's health. The authorities charged Charnley with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

RSPCA inspector Becky Harper recounted the events, stating, “We went out to collect poor Dobby after he was found in someone’s garden and, as he wasn’t wearing a collar or microchip, we put up a lost and found poster asking anyone who might be missing him to call us. He was taken straight to a vet where, after examination, he was put to sleep, such was the extent of his suffering.”

Harper further explained that Dobby's condition suggested he was either unowned or a long-term missing pet, which made the case even more heartbreaking. “It was a surprise when his owner got in touch later that day and said they had last seen him that morning and he rarely left the garden. It would have been obvious to anyone that Dobby was suffering. He was skin and bones and his stomach was swollen like a water balloon.”

In court, Jason Charnley received a sentence of 12 weeks in custody, along with a 12-month supervision order. He was also ordered to pay a total of £615 in charges and costs. Additionally, Charnley was disqualified from keeping all animals for ten years and was deprived of any other animals in his care, reflecting the seriousness of his neglect and the need for strict penalties to prevent future incidents.