JONNY OLDMAN CONVICTED FOR SERIAL DOG ABUSE IN NORTHWICH

Jonathan Stephen Raymond Oldham, born on December 13, 2001, and originally from Wrexham, was convicted in 2025 of multiple acts of violent animal abuse. His most recent address was listed as Wallerscote Close, Weaverham, Northwich CW8 3LU. Oldham, who is currently of no fixed domicile but has connections to Bangor in Wales and Blacon, Cheshire, was caught on a doorbell camera abusing a puppy.

Oldham was filmed by a neighbor at his flat acting violently towards a 12-week-old Presa Canario puppy on June 26, 2024. The resident contacted the RSPCA, prompting Animal Rescue Officer Scarlet Sanderson to attend. In her statement, she described how a neighbor showed her footage where a man entered a flat, carried the dog by its scruff, then hurled it hard into the corridor out of view. The footage then showed the man returning to the puppy, which was loudly yelping and crying in pain, before tossing it back inside the flat.

The neighbor reported hearing the puppy crying and yelping daily, alongside loud shouting and thuds. She visited the flat and found no one home, but observed Zena, the puppy, through a window appearing somber and lifeless, unlike typical happy young puppies. After speaking to her through the glass, the puppy briefly wagged its tail and moved slightly but showed no signs of injury, though it was reluctant to move.

Inspector Nadine Pengilly visited the property the following days and confirmed the occupant had not returned. She noted Zena appeared alert yet thin but was eating the food provided through the letterbox. Based on physical descriptions, including tattoos, and after meeting Oldham, Pengilly strongly believed he was the man in the video.

Oldham, who is believed to have mistreated at least two other dogs in a similar manner, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act at Chester Magistrates Court on April 23, 2025. Zena was removed from the flat before she could be taken into RSPCA care.

After the case, ARO Sanderson stated, “The cries from this poor puppy, which were caught on the video, were absolutely heartbreaking. The vet who examined the footage said they reflected real fear and distress of the kind no animal should have to endure. It is totally inexcusable to treat a dog in this way. But what the case also shows is that when kind members of the public report abuse and neglect of pets, especially backed up with camera footage, the RSPCA will investigate thoroughly and succeed in bringing the guilty to justice.”

Oldham was sentenced to a £160 fine, ordered to pay costs of £1,064, and received a 10-year ban on keeping dogs, which expires in April 2035.