MAUREEN AND ROBERT PAYNE FROM L7 FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES OVER ABANDONED AND NEGLECTED SHIH-TZU IN LIVERPOOL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community in Liverpool, Maureen and Robert Payne, both residents of Birchfield Close, Fairfield, L7, have been found guilty of neglecting their elderly pet dog, a Shih-Tzu named Poppy. The case highlights the severe conditions in which the dog was kept and the neglect that led to her suffering and eventual euthanasia.

RSPCA Inspector Fischer was called to investigate after reports of animal cruelty at the Paynes' residence. Upon entering the property, the inspector was met with an overwhelming stench of urine and feces, which permeated the entire house. The interior was described as cluttered and filthy, with evidence of prolonged neglect. Photographs taken during the inspection revealed a floor covered in animal waste, with paw prints indicating that Poppy had wandered through her own filth throughout the house.

Inside the home, the inspector discovered Poppy hiding beneath an upstairs bed, visibly distressed and reluctant to come out. The dog’s condition was appalling: her fur was severely matted and caked with feces, and she was found to be blind, overweight, and infested with maggots. The elderly dog was clearly suffering from multiple health issues, including skin sores and dry eye, which required urgent veterinary attention. Despite her condition, Maureen Payne claimed she had scheduled a veterinary appointment for Poppy, a statement later proven to be false.

Vets at the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital had to shave off Poppy’s matted fur to treat her numerous ailments. The treatment revealed the extent of her suffering, and it was determined that she was in pain and distress. The neglect had also led to her becoming obese due to a lack of exercise. Sadly, after assessing her condition, veterinary staff made the difficult decision to put Poppy to sleep to end her suffering.

During the court proceedings, Paul Potter, representing the Paynes, explained that Maureen Payne, aged 60, has limited mobility and is 'bad on her feet,' which contributed to her inability to care for Poppy properly. He added that she inherited the dog from her mother, who passed away in 2016, and that she had previously kept pets successfully but found this particular breed demanding.

The court sentenced the Paynes to a four-week curfew and ordered them to pay joint costs of £586. Additionally, they were disqualified from owning any animals for an indefinite period, with a minimum of five years before they could apply to have the ban lifted. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals in the Liverpool area.