RACHEL FOSTER AND STEPHEN O’DONNELL FROM LIVERPOOL SENTENCED AFTER LEAVING DOG ZEUS TO STARVE TO DEATH IN EAST LANCASHIRE ROAD GARDEN
In a tragic case that has shocked the local community in Liverpool, Rachel Foster, born 17 March 1985, and Stephen O’Donnell, born 21 December 1985, both residents of 107 East Lancashire Road, Walton, Liverpool L11 3DN, have been found guilty of neglecting their pet dog, Zeus, leading to his death from starvation.In July 2023, Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Hannah Yen responded to a distress call regarding an underweight and collapsed dog found in the garden of the couple’s home.
Upon arrival, she observed that the garden was overgrown, with only a small accessible area near the front door.
O’Donnell explained that the dog, named Zeus, was a 22-month-old Mastiff breed.
ARO Yen recounted her findings: “The kennel where Zeus was kept was infested with flies, and the dog’s physical condition was visibly poor.
I saw no chest movement, the dog was cold to the touch, and sadly, it was already dead.” She further explained that O’Donnell had told her he intended to bury Zeus himself, but she informed him that the body would need to be examined by a veterinarian.
Zeus was discovered lifeless in the kennel, which was situated in the neglected garden of the property on East Lancashire Road.
O’Donnell stated that he had placed the dog outside in the evening and found him dead the following morning.
The case was subsequently handed over to RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James for further investigation.
Inspector Goodman-James’s inquiry revealed that Zeus had been left unattended for an extended period without access to food or water, which directly contributed to his death.
The veterinary report confirmed that Zeus most likely died due to emaciation caused by prolonged starvation.
The report detailed that the dog weighed only 18.9kg (41.7 pounds) at the time of examination, with ribs, spine, and pelvic bones prominently visible, indicating severe malnutrition.
There was no detectable fat tissue, suggesting he had been deprived of adequate nutrition for at least two months.
The veterinarian’s assessment stated: “On examination, the body was extremely thin.
There were no symptoms of any obvious disorder or injuries which would cause death.
Regardless of the cause of severe weight loss, a reasonable owner should have sought veterinary attention for the dog in that state.
Zeus was suffering prior to death due to hunger, weakness, and fear.
The weight loss was chronic, with muscle and fat tissue loss evident, which occurs when the body begins to use these tissues as an emergency energy source during prolonged hunger.
I estimate this process had been ongoing for approximately two months, but it could have been longer.” Despite the severity of the neglect, both Foster and O’Donnell received a sentence that included an 18-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 200 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and a £154 victim surcharge.
Additionally, they are banned from owning any animals for 20 years, a restriction neither of them can appeal for the first 15 years.
In a statement following the hearing, RSPCA Inspector Goodman-James expressed her disappointment and concern: “This was a heartbreaking case involving the unnecessary death of a poor, emaciated dog.
We understand that the current cost of living crisis can make pet ownership challenging, but allowing a dog to suffer and die from starvation is utterly cruel.
We urge anyone struggling to seek help—whether from friends, family, pet food banks, charities, or veterinary services—before neglecting their animals.” Furthermore, the court ordered the couple to rehome their pet bearded dragon within 28 days.
Failure to do so would result in ownership transfer to the RSPCA, which would find a suitable new home for the reptile.
