PAIGE POOLE IN FARNWORTH: HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE SHOCKS COMMUNITY

In a disturbing case that has shocked residents of Farnworth, court proceedings have revealed the tragic story of Bella, a beloved dog whose life was tragically cut short due to severe neglect and cruelty. Paige Poole, born in 2000, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, a charge that has brought to light the heartbreaking details surrounding Bella's death.

According to reports, Bella was described by Poole herself on social media as her “best friend,” highlighting the close bond she claimed to have shared with the dog. However, the reality of Bella’s condition was far from the affectionate image portrayed online. The dog was discovered deceased after a concerned member of the public intervened, removing her from Poole’s residence following reports that Bella was in a dire state of health. The discovery of Bella’s body was a grim moment for those involved, as she was found wrapped in black bin bags, indicating an attempt to conceal her remains.

Poole claimed that she last saw Bella several months prior to her discovery and insisted that the dog had been “dumped on her doorstep” on a Sunday night. This statement was part of her attempt to distance herself from direct responsibility for Bella’s suffering. Nonetheless, authorities and animal welfare inspectors from the RSPCA responded swiftly to the reports and visited Poole’s home in Farnworth. During their investigation, they uncovered Bella’s body, which had been dead since approximately 4 a.m. on the day of discovery.

Further examination revealed that Bella, a small bull terrier, had been in a critically poor condition. The dog had been taken to a veterinarian just a day before her death, after being found in a state of extreme emaciation. The vet’s assessment showed Bella weighed only 10.3 kilograms, with a body condition score of just 1.5 out of 9, a clear indicator of severe starvation. The veterinary report detailed the presence of little to no fat reserves and significant muscle atrophy, with ribs, shoulder blades, and pelvis bones prominently visible, painting a grim picture of neglect.

Post-mortem analysis uncovered a large linear foreign body lodged within Bella’s small intestine, causing a severe obstruction. This obstruction led to erosions and ulceration, which ultimately resulted in septic shock and her death. The examination also revealed that Bella had been suffering for at least three weeks prior to her passing, with her condition attributed to prolonged starvation likely caused by her owner’s neglect and failure to provide proper care.

During police interviews, Poole admitted to owning Bella but attempted to shift blame onto others, claiming that the dog had been “dumped on her doorstep.” Despite her attempts to deflect responsibility, she acknowledged her role in Bella’s suffering and expressed remorse for her actions. Poole pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to prevent suffering, charges that underscore the severity of her neglect.

The court sentenced Poole to an 18-month community order, which includes 24 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, she was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and was handed a three-year ban from owning animals, a restriction that will remain in effect until April 2028. This case has sparked outrage within the Farnworth community, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.