PAULA MCNEIL FROM MORETON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN WIRRAL

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Paula McNeil, a resident of Moreton, Wirral, has been held accountable for neglecting her severely ill dog, Sahara, leading to her suffering for months before her tragic death. Born on June 1, 1981, McNeil’s address at the time was 30 Yew Tree Road, Moreton, CH46 8UB. Her failure to seek veterinary care for Sahara, a bull terrier cross, resulted in one of the most severe cases of neglect encountered by the RSPCA inspectorate, prompting a six-year ban on her keeping animals.

Inspector Anthony Joynes, who investigated the case, described Sahara’s condition as heartbreaking. The dog was found to be emaciated, with her bones—ribs, pelvis, and spine—clearly visible through her dull, sticky, and stained coat. Sahara’s neck and chin were afflicted with a large, necrotic, open mass, roughly the size of a melon, which was oozing pus and emitting a foul odor. The inspector recounted that upon entering the veterinary surgery, he was met with an overwhelming smell of necrosis and infection, a testament to the dog's prolonged suffering.

Further examination revealed two deep, pressure sore-like wounds on Sahara’s front right leg, both extending down to the bone and filled with pus. The wounds appeared to be the result of neglect, with the dog left in a collapsed state on her side for at least a week, with faeces and urine contributing to the infection. Sahara’s weight was recorded at just 18.2 kilograms, significantly below the expected 39 kilograms for her breed, indicating severe malnutrition. The wounds and her emaciated state made eating impossible in her final days.

Veterinary reports from Upton Veterinary Centre, where Sahara was examined, confirmed the extent of her suffering. Vet Hollie Jones described a large ulcerated mass on her jaw and neck, exposing underlying tissues and filled with pus. The wound had been present for months, and the pressure sores on her right side had penetrated through the skin to the bones, exposing tendons and joints. The infection and neglect had left Sahara in a state of complete despair, with her inability to eat compounded by the pain and severity of her wounds.

During her interview, McNeil claimed that the abscess was caused by a bee sting just weeks prior, a statement that was strongly contradicted by veterinary findings. Inspector Joynes emphasized that the veterinary report clearly indicated Sahara had been suffering from this untreated abscess for months, which had become necrotic and led to her collapse. The evidence showed Sahara had been left in this deplorable condition for weeks, with no intervention or veterinary assistance sought despite her suffering.

Inspector Joynes expressed his profound disappointment, stating, “There is never an excuse to deprive any pet of veterinary attention, and in this case, Sahara was neglected for such a long period. Photographs show how she was a healthy dog before her condition deteriorated. In my 11 years as an inspector, this was one of the worst cases I have encountered. Sahara was completely let down by her owner and left to suffer. Even when she collapsed, help was not sought immediately.”

In court, McNeil was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and was ordered to complete 160 hours of unpaid work. She was also required to pay a total of £1,395.86 in costs and charges. Additionally, she received a six-year ban on keeping animals, which will remain in effect until March 2026. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the severe consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable pets.