PAUL FRANCIS FROM WEST GORTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG MAX IN MANCHESTER

Paul Michael Francis, born on May 29, 1984, and residing at Regent Court, Wenlock Way, West Gorton, Manchester M12 5BS, was found guilty of neglecting and mistreating a dog named Max. The case drew significant attention due to the conditions in which the animal was discovered and the circumstances surrounding Francis's ownership of the dog.

Despite having previously obtained a license for Max, a pitbull classified as a dangerous dog, Francis was under strict conditions that required him to inform the police of any change of address. These conditions were put in place to ensure the safety and proper care of the animal, given its classification and the potential risks involved. However, in July 2013, authorities suspected that Francis had moved from his registered address without notifying the police, prompting an investigation and a visit to his residence.

When police officers arrived at Francis's home, they were met with a distressing scene. Max was found living in deplorable conditions, covered in his own excrement and urine, with no food available to him. The dog's physical state was alarming; he weighed less than half of what would be expected for a dog of his age and size, indicating severe neglect and malnutrition. The officers documented the conditions thoroughly, recognizing the urgent need for intervention.

During subsequent inquiries, Francis was traced and questioned about his whereabouts. He claimed that he had been threatened by a group of men, which forced him to stay away from his flat. He stated that he only returned intermittently, suggesting he had been away for a period of two or three weeks. However, prosecutors argued that the period of his absence might have been longer, emphasizing the prolonged neglect Max endured.

Francis ultimately pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to prevent unnecessary suffering to an animal. In court, a judge imposed a five-year ban on him owning any dogs, citing the fact that Francis had the opportunity to see the dog's condition and could have taken action but failed to do so. The judge remarked that, “by your own admission, you had been back round to the house and could have seen what condition it was in.”

Defense lawyer Peter Casson highlighted Francis's cooperation with authorities, noting that he handed himself in when he returned and found that Max had been taken away. Casson also pointed out that Francis had owned Max for two years prior to the incident, that the dog was insured, and that it was in good health before the neglect. He explained that Francis had explained his reasons for moving and expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging that it was a foolish mistake that led to police and veterinary involvement.

District Judge Khalid Qureshi acknowledged that the neglect was not deliberate cruelty but emphasized that it was a serious case of prolonged neglect. The judge stated, “It has taken a lot of care and hard work from people more responsible than you for this dog to make a full recovery.”

Max was seized by authorities and transferred to veterinary care, where he received treatment and rehabilitation. After several months, the dog made a full recovery, thanks to the dedicated efforts of veterinary professionals.

In sentencing, Francis was ordered to pay a total fine of £145. His ban on owning dogs was set for five years, which expired in August 2019. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting animal welfare in Manchester’s West Gorton area.