JENNIFER PLATER AND MICHAEL KNIGHT FROM TYLDESLEY CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO WEIMARANER DOG

Jennifer Jayne Plater, born on October 14, 1974, and Michael Edward Knight, born on March 26, 1973, both residents of 30 Rutland Road in Tyldesley, Manchester M29 8EY, faced serious allegations of animal cruelty that culminated in their conviction in 2014. The case centered around their treatment of a young Weimaraner dog named Lola, who was subjected to extreme neglect and starvation while in their care.

According to court reports, Lola was rescued by the RSPCA from the couple’s home in Tyldesley after concerns about her health and condition were raised. The dog was found in a state of severe emaciation, having been starved for approximately six weeks. The RSPCA’s inspection revealed that Lola had become a “walking skeleton,” with her body so underweight that every bone was visible. The vet’s assessment confirmed her dire condition, noting that she weighed only 14.5 kilograms, significantly less than the typical weight of around 30 kilograms for a dog of her breed and size.

The couple had purchased Lola from a stranger on the street for £100, but after acquiring her, they failed to provide her with adequate nutrition or fresh water. The court heard that when Lola was given food, she ate ravenously, indicating her desperate need for sustenance. The RSPCA inspector, Vicki McDonald, described Lola’s condition as heartbreaking, stating, “Lola was so emaciated you could see every bone in her body. Anyone could see that she was extremely underweight, in fact, we were alerted to her plight after a shocked member of the public saw Mr Knight out with her, though he does deny this. She was like a walking skeleton.”

In December 2013, the RSPCA attended the couple’s residence and seized Lola, who was then taken into the care of the police. Fortunately, Lola was later rehabilitated and rehomed in a loving environment, where she is now happy and healthy. The vet’s report and the evidence presented in court confirmed that her suffering was caused by neglect during her time with Plater and Knight.

During the court proceedings, it was emphasized that pet owners have a fundamental responsibility to meet their animals’ basic needs, including proper diet and access to clean water. Inspector McDonald highlighted the gravity of the couple’s failure, stating, “All owners are responsible for meeting the needs of their pets – the most basic of which is the provision of an adequate diet. This couple failed this dog terribly, she was literally starving to death.”

Sentencing for Plater and Knight included a 26-week curfew order, with Plater ordered to pay £200 in costs and Knight £300. Additionally, both individuals received a ban from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, which was set to expire in April 2024. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable pets.