NICOLA OWENS STARVES PET DOGS TO DEATH IN CHILDWALL, LIVERPOOL

Nicola Owens, a resident of 17 Colton Walk in the Childwall area of Liverpool, was found guilty in 2024 of causing the tragic death of her two pet dogs through neglect and starvation. Born on November 11, 1990, Owens faced serious legal consequences after the RSPCA uncovered the heartbreaking condition of her animals at her home.

Owens, who is a mother, was prosecuted following an investigation by the animal welfare charity RSPCA. The organization responded to concerns raised by members of the public about the welfare of her dogs, which led to a visit to her property. During the inspection, authorities discovered an elderly male Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Baxter and a young female French Bulldog called Sparkles both dead in her residence. The scene was distressing, with the bodies of the dogs found in the kitchen, covered with a towel, and placed on top of each other. The inspector noted that the house was in a state of neglect, with complete darkness and no visible signs of electricity, raising questions about whether anyone had been living there.

Inspector Joanne McDonald, who responded to the scene, provided a detailed account of her findings. She described the kitchen as smelling strongly of ammonia, with a wet floor and faeces trampled into the surface. The inspector observed that the dogs’ bodies were in a state of extreme emaciation, with their ribs, hips, and hindquarters clearly visible. Despite the presence of some bowls on the floor, there was no food in sight. Owens admitted to the inspector that she had no concerns about Sparkles but mentioned that Baxter had previously been 'walking funny.' She claimed that both dogs had been dead when she returned home from the school run that day.

Veterinary examinations confirmed the severity of the neglect. Baxter, weighing only 9.7 kilograms (approximately 21.4 pounds), scored just one out of nine on the body condition scale, where five indicates an ideal weight. The vet’s report revealed the presence of plastic in Baxter’s stomach, suggesting he had ingested it out of extreme hunger. Sparkles was similarly emaciated, weighing just 4.4 kilograms (around 9.7 pounds), and also scored only one out of nine. Post-mortem analysis showed Baxter had died from starvation and complications caused by ingesting foreign objects, which led to stomach ulcers. The report also indicated that Cushing’s disease, a hormonal disorder, might have contributed to his condition. Sparkles’ death was attributed solely to starvation, with evidence suggesting both dogs had been deprived of food for several days.

Following the court proceedings, Inspector McDonald expressed her sorrow over the case, emphasizing the neglect that led to the dogs’ deaths. She stated, “These poor dogs were left unattended for such a time at this property without food that they ultimately starved to death. The defendant made no provision for any food to be left for her dogs while she was away or for anyone to check up on them.”

In sentencing, Nicola Owens received a 12-month community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation. She was also fined £80 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that will last until November 2034. This case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in Liverpool and beyond.