NATHAN GAZELEY FROM ASTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BIRMINGHAM AND BEYOND

Nathan Gazeley, born around 1990 and most recently residing on Deykin Avenue in Aston, Birmingham B6, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty offenses. Gazeley, who has connections to Bloxwich, Tamworth, Stoke-on-Trent, and Newcastle-under-Lyme, was found responsible for leaving his dog to die from starvation in deplorable conditions.

He is a father of four and leads a lifestyle described as chaotic, which seemingly contributed to the neglect of his pet. Following an investigation initiated by the RSPCA, officers responded to concerns raised about the welfare of Gazeley's American bulldog, named Lucas. When authorities arrived at his residence, they discovered a tragic scene: the dog was found dead behind the door of an abandoned, filthy property filled with rubbish and debris.

Lucas was in a state of extreme emaciation, with his head appearing sunken and ribs prominently visible through his skin. The flat was infested with flies, and the floor was smeared with dog feces. A blanket within the property was stained with blood and feces, highlighting the neglect and squalor in which the animal had been kept.

Post-mortem examinations revealed that Lucas had suffered from severe muscle wastage and significant fat atrophy. His stomach contents consisted solely of non-edible items such as plastic, plant material, and hair, indicating he had ingested harmful substances in his desperation for food. Multiple ulcerated areas with bleeding were also identified.

A veterinary expert analyzing the post-mortem report explained that animals subjected to prolonged starvation experience intense hunger and weakness, often accompanied by abdominal discomfort and nausea. The expert detailed that in humans, starvation symptoms include weakness, dizziness, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. As the body depletes its fat reserves, organ failure ensues, leading to loss of energy, cardiac arrest, and ultimately death.

The veterinarian concluded that Lucas had suffered unnecessarily due to starvation, experiencing pain and weakness that could have been prevented with proper care and diet.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones expressed his distress over the case, stating, “Lucas was simply left to starve alone in the empty property. It’s heartbreaking to think about what he experienced in the final weeks of his life. All animals deserve our kindness and respect, and it’s saddening to know this wasn’t shown to Lucas before his death.”

Gazeley pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences in connection with the case. He was sentenced to 24 weeks in custody, ordered to pay £800 in costs, and was banned from keeping any animals for a period of 20 years, a ban that will expire in December 2044. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty, especially in cases involving vulnerable animals like Lucas.