JEMMA AND BARNEY BLOOM FROM WITNEY OXFORDSHIRE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG HOOK IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Jemma Bloom, née Jemma Sero, born on May 25, 1985, and her husband Barney William Bloom, known as Billy Bloom, born on May 2, 1980, both residents of Witney in Oxfordshire, faced serious legal consequences after their involvement in a distressing case of animal neglect. The couple, who at the time resided on Hudson Street in Bicester, were found guilty of leaving their pet dog, Hooch, in deplorable conditions, leading to the dog’s suffering and eventual euthanasia.

The incident came to light when police contacted the RSPCA after concerns were raised about Hooch’s welfare. Investigators discovered the crossbreed dog in a severely neglected state, confined in a filthy outhouse at the couple’s residence. Hooch was found without access to food or water, emaciated, and covered in dirt, with all his ribs prominently visible, a clear sign of prolonged starvation and neglect.

RSPCA Inspector Lauren Bailey, who led the investigation, described her initial encounter with Hooch. She recounted, “When I first saw Hooch he was at the police station and I was moved by how loving he was. He was so skinny, dirty, and neglected but had so much time for everyone he met. It was heart-breaking to see a dog that had not been shown any love himself still offer love unconditionally to others.”

Inspector Bailey further explained that during interviews, the couple admitted to neglecting Hooch, revealing that he was only occasionally fed leftover pasta. The neglect was deemed entirely avoidable, yet the dog was left to suffer without proper care and nourishment. The inspector emphasized the importance of pet owners seeking help if they are unable to care for their animals, stating, “We encourage people who can no longer cope with caring for their pets to contact us for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.”

Following rescue, Hooch initially responded well to care provided by the RSPCA, managing to regain some weight. However, due to ongoing medical issues, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him to prevent further suffering.

In the courtroom, the sentencing reflected the severity of the case. Barney Bloom received a sentence of 12 weeks in jail. Jemma Bloom was sentenced to eight weeks in jail, but her sentence was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, she was given a community order that included a one-month home curfew. Both individuals were disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for a period of ten years, a ban that will last until July 2027.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences faced by those who neglect their pets. The community and animal welfare organizations continue to advocate for responsible pet ownership and the protection of vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.