RAYMOND WARREN OF ANFIELD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFORDSHIRE BULL TERRIER HAZEY IN LIVERPOOL

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Raymond Warren, a resident of Hildebrand Close in Anfield, Liverpool, has been found guilty of causing severe suffering to his dog, Hazey, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The incident, which drew significant attention from local animal welfare authorities, highlights the neglect and cruelty that can occur within private homes in the Liverpool area.

On February 16, 2020, RSPCA officer Matt Brown responded to a distress call and visited Warren’s residence. There, he discovered Hazey in a deplorable state: the dog was completely hairless, covered in scabs, and suffering from overgrown nails that had penetrated her paw pads. The veterinary examination revealed that Hazey was suffering from untreated demodectic mange, which caused her skin to become itchy and inflamed, leading to obvious signs of trauma and discomfort. Additionally, she was suffering from conjunctivitis and was significantly underweight, indicating prolonged neglect.

The condition of Hazey’s claws was particularly alarming; they had grown so long that they had pierced her paws, causing bleeding and immense pain. This severe neglect had rendered her unable to walk properly, further emphasizing the extent of her suffering. Veterinary experts estimated that Hazey had endured this state of neglect for at least three weeks, during which she was subjected to ongoing pain and discomfort.

During a police interview on February 20, 2020, Warren admitted that he had initially owned Hazey alongside his son. However, after his son left, Warren became her sole owner. When questioned about her condition, Warren explained that he had not taken her to a veterinarian because he had been warned previously that if the dog’s health deteriorated again, the police would be involved. Despite a veterinary prescription issued on July 9, 2019, which recommended further treatment, Warren failed to seek the necessary medical care for Hazey.

Prosecutor Peter Mitchell highlighted that Warren’s neglect had caused the dog “various pain and suffering,” and emphasized that the veterinary surgeon believed Hazey had been suffering for a significant period. The court was informed that Warren had no previous convictions related to animal cruelty, with his last offence dating back to 2011.

Defense lawyer Martin Saxon acknowledged Warren’s shortcomings, stating, “His problem was always taking the dog in the first place.” Saxon explained that Hazey’s medical needs required more attention than Warren was able to provide, and that Warren had “clearly fallen short” in his responsibilities. He added that Warren had learned a lesson from this ordeal.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, including 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, and a two-month curfew. Warren was also ordered to pay £390 in costs and charges. Furthermore, he was banned from keeping any animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in November 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals in the Liverpool area.