MICHAEL WARREN FROM GRANGETOWN SENTENCED AFTER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN MIDDLESBROUGH

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Michael Warren, a resident of Grangetown in Middlesbrough, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two German Shepherd dogs, Bolt and Panther. The incident came to light after RSPCA inspectors conducted a welfare check at Warren’s residence on June 27, 2020, revealing a scene of squalor and neglect that shocked even seasoned animal rescue workers.

Upon entering Warren’s home, which was described as filthy and littered with feces, inspectors discovered the two dogs in a dire state. Bolt, a white German Shepherd, had already succumbed to starvation by the time authorities arrived. His body was found in a state of advanced emaciation, a tragic testament to the neglect he endured. Meanwhile, Panther, the surviving dog, was found severely underweight, weighing only 17.5 kilograms—roughly half the weight of a healthy German Shepherd. The dog was also suffering from hair loss and was infested with fleas, further highlighting the extent of his suffering.

During questioning, Warren displayed a lack of remorse for the suffering inflicted upon the animals. Witnesses reported that he showed very little emotion and, at one point, even got up from his seat to make a cup of tea while the inspectors examined the dogs. This callous attitude was noted as part of the evidence against him.

Warren was charged with two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. Despite the seriousness of the charges, he did not attend his trial at the Magistrates’ Court. Instead, he was convicted in his absence. Later, on July 10, 2020, Warren appeared in court to be sentenced for breaching a suspended sentence order related to a previous offence from 2019.

In court, Nicci Horton, representing Warren, explained that her client suffers from dyslexia and had attended special needs schools during his youth. She also revealed that Warren was taken into foster care at the age of six. The court heard that the dogs, Bolt and Panther, were bred by Warren’s mother, Lucy Koca of Redcar, who is known for her prolific backyard breeding. In June 2018, Koca had given Warren two puppies as a birthday gift. When Warren attempted to return the animals, Koca refused to take them back, leading to the neglect that ultimately resulted in Bolt’s death.

Ms. Horton acknowledged Warren’s negligence but emphasized that he had been living at another address at the time of the incident. It was also noted that Warren has a criminal record, with six previous convictions for eight offences, including a threatening incident in January 2019 where he threatened to slit his ex-girlfriend’s throat.

Judge Jonathan Carroll addressed Warren directly, stating, “You neglected these two dogs to the extent that one nearly starved to death and the other one actually did.” He further added, “You must have known that dog was suffering and you did nothing about it.” As part of the court’s ruling, Panther was placed into the care of the RSPCA for rehoming.

Warren was sentenced to 30 weeks in jail and was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for a period of ten years, a measure intended to prevent future incidents of cruelty. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting animals from neglect and abuse.