JORDAN MALPAS FROM STOCKTON-ON-TEES FACES JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO ELDERLY CHIHUAHUA IN SQUALID FLAT

In a case that has shocked the local community of Stockton-on-Tees, Jordan Malpas, a known criminal and heroin addict, has been brought to justice for his neglect and mistreatment of his elderly chihuahua, Frodo. Malpas, born around 1990, was most recently residing at St Pauls Street, Stockton-on-Tees, with his address recorded as TS19 0AQ in March 2018. His failure to care for Frodo, a ten-year-old dog, led to a series of investigations and court proceedings that highlighted the deplorable conditions in which the animal was kept.

According to reports, Malpas left Frodo in a filthy, unkempt flat that was strewn with syringes, cigarette butts, and discarded tablets. The environment was described as squalid, with the floor covered in needles and other debris, indicating a neglectful and hazardous living space. The RSPCA, upon responding to the case, found the dog suffering from multiple health issues, including discharge from his eye and severely deteriorated teeth. Despite the dog's suffering, Malpas had failed to provide basic necessities such as clean water or proper medical care.

Photographs supplied by the RSPCA vividly depict the grim scene inside Malpas's flat, showing the dirty carpet with discarded tablets, cigarette butts, and needles scattered across the floor. The condition of Frodo was dire, but thanks to the intervention of animal welfare officers, the dog was rescued and given the necessary medical attention. Fortunately, Frodo's health improved significantly after being removed from his neglectful owner, and he was eventually rehomed with another Chihuahua. RSPCA officer Clare Wilson, who attended the case at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, described Frodo’s condition upon rescue, noting that he had an eye infection and was in a shocking state of dental health.

Wilson expressed relief and happiness at Frodo’s recovery, stating, “He’s doing great now and has been rehomed with another Chihuahua. He really is a different dog now he’s being looked after properly.” The case drew significant attention as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect.

However, the legal proceedings took a serious turn when Malpas failed to attend the court hearing. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for him, as he did not appear to face the charges. The court, presided over by District Judge Kristina Harrison, convicted Malpas in his absence of three offences related to animal cruelty and neglect. The judge warned that Malpas could face a ban from owning animals in the future, emphasizing the severity of his actions.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Malpas had made “full admissions” during police interviews, admitting to neglecting Frodo and failing to ensure his welfare. The court convicted him of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog and neglecting his basic needs. This latest conviction adds to Malpas’s already lengthy criminal record, which includes 18 previous convictions, underscoring a pattern of criminal behavior.

While the court did not specify the exact sentence handed down, the conviction and the warning about a potential ban serve as a stark reminder of the legal consequences faced by those who neglect and abuse animals in Stockton-on-Tees and beyond.