MATTHEW COX FROM OLDHAM PLEADS GUILTY AFTER VODKA POISONING LABRADOR PUPPY

Matthew Anthony Cox, born on October 12, 1985, who was previously residing in Chilwell, Nottinghamshire, and as of November 2020 had moved to Polden Close, Oldham OL8 3WN, found himself at the center of a serious animal welfare case involving neglect and endangerment.

According to court reports, Cox was at his home in Oldham drinking alcohol with his flatmate when an incident occurred that would lead to legal action. The Labrador puppy, named Max, was present during this time. It was alleged that Cox left the room or went outside, during which Max managed to drink vodka that was accessible to him. The court heard that Cox did not take any immediate action to help the dog because he was himself heavily intoxicated at the time.

As a result of ingesting alcohol, Max became severely ill. The puppy was quickly taken to an emergency veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. Veterinarians diagnosed alcohol poisoning, which required intensive care. After several hours of treatment, including being placed on an intravenous drip to flush the toxins from his system, Max showed signs of recovery. The following day, he remained on a drip for an additional 12 hours to fully restore his health. Once stabilized, Max was rehomed to a caring environment, ensuring he would no longer be at risk.

Despite the puppy’s condition, Cox left Max in the care of his flatmate, even though the dog was visibly unsteady, swaying and staggering near their residence at Rathvale Court in Chilwell, Nottingham. Witnesses, including two young women, observed Max falling over and struggling to walk near shops close to Cox’s home. Concerned for the dog’s welfare, they contacted the police. Officers responded promptly and, alarmed by the severity of Max’s condition, took him into custody for his own safety.

Prosecutor Maria Moore explained to the court that the police, who are animal lovers themselves, decided to take Max to the emergency vet due to the obvious signs of intoxication. She detailed that Cox had owned Max for approximately three and a half months. The veterinary team immediately administered treatment, including an eight to ten-hour intravenous drip to detoxify the puppy. The following day, Max required an additional 12 hours of care to fully recover.

In court, Cox pleaded guilty to charges of failing to ensure the welfare of an animal. As part of his sentence, he was disqualified from owning or keeping a dog for three years and received a two-year conditional discharge. Magistrate J A Smith commented on the case, stating, “It was not malicious — there were no weapons — it was just downright stupid, wasn’t it? This could have had desperate consequences for him — a motor accident or anything.”

Following the hearing, RSPCA inspector Chris Shaw remarked that Max’s case was the first he had encountered involving alcohol poisoning in a dog. He expressed regret over the incident but noted that Max had been placed in a good home and that Cox had been appropriately punished for his actions.