MARK SMITH AND RACHEL JOHNSON FROM NEW FERRY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG

In a disturbing case of neglect and animal cruelty, Mark Smith and Rachael Johnson, residents of Thorburn Road in New Ferry, have been convicted for their failure to seek vital veterinary care for their elderly dog, Skylar. The 14-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier was found in a severely neglected state, suffering from a large, ulcerated mammary tumour that had grown to the size of a melon, hanging between her hind legs.

On February 8, 2024, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Katie Glenn responded to distressing reports concerning the condition of Skylar. Upon arriving at the couple’s residence, she was greeted by Mark Smith, who led her into the living room. There, the officer observed Skylar lying on an old mattress, visibly suffering. The dog’s abdomen was swollen and ulcerated, with bloodstains evident from her attempts to lick and eat at the mass, which had been enlarging over a period of months or possibly years.

In her statement to the court, Officer Glenn detailed her findings, noting that Smith admitted the abscess had only burst on the day of her visit. He also confessed that Skylar had not been taken to a veterinarian in the past four years, citing financial constraints as the reason for neglecting her health. Despite her condition, Smith consented to the RSPCA taking Skylar into their care for urgent veterinary treatment, acknowledging that a vet might recommend euthanasia and that further discussions about her prognosis would be necessary.

Skylar was immediately examined by a veterinarian, who concluded that her condition was critical and that she needed to be euthanized without delay. The vet’s report, submitted as evidence, described the extent of her suffering. The large mammary mass was causing significant discomfort, impairing her mobility, and affecting her ability to rest, eat, and drink normally. The size and ulceration of the tumour indicated it had been growing for several months or even years. The veterinarian explained that as the tumour enlarged, it would have developed an increased blood supply, eventually leading to ulceration and necrosis. The recent ulceration, likely occurring within the last week, was a result of the mass self-traumatizing due to pain and discomfort, with the most severe suffering occurring in the final days.

The veterinarian emphasized that any responsible pet owner should have recognized the abnormal growth and sought immediate veterinary attention, especially once the tumour became ulcerated or started bleeding. Skylar’s owner’s failure to do so, coupled with her self-inflicted trauma, suggested that her pain was unbearable. During the investigation, RSPCA officers also interviewed Rachael Johnson, who was responsible for Skylar’s care. Johnson claimed that the dog did not yelp or show signs of pain and appeared to be happy, which was contradicted by her condition.

In interviews with RSPCA Inspector Naomi Norris, Smith maintained that Skylar had never exhibited signs of pain and that he had tried to care for her as best as he could, but financial limitations prevented him from seeking veterinary help. Inspector Norris commented after the court hearing, stating, “Skylar was in a very bad way, and her condition was an end-of-life situation that could have been avoided had her owners acted sooner. Her health had deteriorated to the point where she was in considerable pain and distress in her final days.”

Both Smith and Johnson faced legal consequences. Mark Smith was sentenced to 34 weeks in prison—16 weeks for violating the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and an additional 18 weeks for breaching a suspended sentence imposed earlier in January 2024. Rachael Johnson received a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with orders to complete 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity and a nine-month alcohol treatment program. Furthermore, both individuals are banned from owning or caring for animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in October 2034.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of timely veterinary intervention and responsible pet ownership. Animal welfare charities continue to urge pet owners to seek prompt medical advice if their animals show signs of illness, emphasizing that neglect can lead to unnecessary suffering and tragic outcomes.