NICOLA TAAFE FROM HAREHILLS LEEDS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG MILO

Nicola Taafe, a resident of Roberts Avenue in Harehills, Leeds LS9 6LL, has been convicted of serious animal neglect and cruelty. Born around 1986, Taafe was found to have abandoned her dog, Milo, a Staffy, in deplorable conditions while she was engaged in her drug addiction. Her neglectful actions led to the suffering of the dog, who was left with a severe, untreated eye infection for several days at a time.

Taafe pleaded guilty to a charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 during her court appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on May 13, 2024. The case was brought to light after multiple visits by RSPCA officers to her home following reports that Milo had been abandoned. The court heard that on at least three occasions, Taafe had left Milo unattended for up to three days while she went out to 'score drugs.'

The first sighting of Milo by RSPCA Inspector Joanne Taylor was on July 13, 2022. She found the dog in the front room of Taafe’s residence but was unable to get a response at the door. To check on the dog’s welfare, Inspector Taylor left some wet dog food through an open window. Two months later, Inspector John Gibson visited the property again, on October 10, 2022, and could hear a dog barking inside, yet no one answered the door.

On December 12, 2022, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ollie Wilkes sealed the property with tape on both the front and back doors, which remained intact during a subsequent visit the following day. During this time, police officers also attended the property as part of an investigation and discovered Milo living in squalid conditions. The floors were covered with faeces, and there was no food or water available for the dog.

Following these findings, RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby was contacted by the police and managed to speak with Taafe over the phone. In her statement to the court, Inspector Hodby revealed that Taafe admitted to being a drug addict and explained that she had left Milo alone to go and score drugs. Taafe claimed she was in a rehabilitation program in Glasgow and asked the RSPCA to hold onto Milo until she was able to reclaim him. However, the inspector clarified that the RSPCA does not offer boarding services, and due to the neglect, an investigation was initiated.

Veterinary experts examined Milo and diagnosed him with conjunctivitis and entropion, a condition where the eyelid turns inward and adheres to the eyeball, causing significant discomfort. Milo underwent corrective eyelid surgery to alleviate his pain, but the procedure left him with long-term scarring. Despite his suffering, Milo has since made a full recovery under the care of the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield and District Branch, which is now seeking a loving new home for him.

During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that Taafe’s personal circumstances were chaotic. She was suffering from poor mental health and was addicted to Class A drugs, which contributed to her neglectful behavior. Although she refused to sign Milo over to the RSPCA voluntarily, the court issued a deprivation order, removing her legal ownership of the dog.

After sentencing, Inspector Hodby commented on the case, stating, “We offered to rehome Milo as the defendant wasn’t at the address. She was given multiple opportunities to do this, but she wouldn’t let us and she left the dog for long periods of time when he was suffering from an eye condition.”

Milo’s story has a positive ending, with the dog now safe and cared for. Megan Rattray, the Animal Care Manager at the RSPCA Leeds, Wakefield and District Branch, praised Milo’s character, saying, “He is such a great boy. He is very lovable with some laughable quirks. Even with his nervousness around new people, he shows so much love, affection, and trust in those he knows. It is always nice to get a good morning kiss from him.”

As for Taafe, she was sentenced to a six-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation. She was also fined £85, with an additional victim surcharge of £154. Furthermore, she is banned from keeping animals for a period of 10 years, reflecting the seriousness of her neglect and cruelty towards Milo.