PHILLIP BOYER'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN ST HELENS: DOG LEFT TO DIE IN FILTHY FLAT

In a deeply distressing case that has shocked the community of St Helens, Phillip Boyer, born on December 4, 2004, was found guilty of neglecting and causing the death of his pet dog, Cali, an XL Bully. The tragic events unfolded at Boyer’s residence on Waterdale Crescent, where authorities discovered the dog’s lifeless body amidst squalid conditions on June 15, 2023.

Police officers, responding to reports of animal cruelty, entered Boyer’s flat and were met with an overwhelming stench of urine, faeces, and decomposition. The scene was described as appalling, with no visible food or water available for Cali. The living room was littered with rubbish, broken glass, and hazards, creating an environment unfit for any living creature. The RSPCA inspector, Leanne Cooper, who attended the scene, recounted her findings, noting the extreme filth and the presence of a dead dog in a very thin state, with ribs, hips, and backbone prominently visible.

Inspector Cooper observed that Cali’s fur was stained with brown, and there was a dried patch of diarrhoea beneath her. Nearby, a mop bucket appeared dirty and contaminated with faeces. The inspector also examined a shed in the communal garden, where Cali was reportedly kept for hours at a time. The shed’s wooden door was chewed, with splinters scattered across the floor, indicating neglect and poor living conditions.

Later that day, a veterinarian from the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital examined Cali and assigned her a body condition score of just two out of nine. The veterinarian noted that her ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones were easily palpable, with no detectable fat reserves. A faecal sample confirmed the presence of canine parvovirus, a highly contagious and often fatal virus, especially for puppies and unvaccinated dogs.

The veterinarian explained that parvovirus causes rapid deterioration and suffering if untreated. She emphasized that the environmental neglect likely persisted for weeks, and that Boyer, as the owner, should have sought veterinary help once Cali’s condition worsened. The virus would have caused severe weakness, diarrhoea, and debilitation, severely impacting Cali’s quality of life and ability to move, eat, or play.

Despite repeated attempts by Inspector Cooper to contact Boyer regarding potential animal welfare violations, most calls went unanswered or were disconnected. It was only after police assistance that Boyer was located and interviewed in November. During the interview, Boyer admitted to being dependent on alcohol and drugs, which hindered his ability to care for himself and Cali. He claimed he did not notice her weight loss, asserting that she had always been a lean dog, and that he lacked the funds and a phone to seek veterinary assistance.

Following the case, Inspector Cooper expressed her sadness over the situation, stating that discovering Cali’s body alone in such filth was heartbreaking. She highlighted that Cali had been let down by her owner, suffering prolonged neglect without any intervention or help.

In sentencing, Phillip Boyer received a 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation, perform 160 hours of unpaid work, and pay a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, he was banned from owning any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in April 2029, reflecting the severity of his neglect and the court’s stance on animal welfare.