RAYMOND WARREN AND REECE WILLIAMSON CRUELTY IN ST HELENS: DOG STARVES TO DEATH IN PARR

In a deeply disturbing case of animal neglect, Raymond Warren, born around 1969, and his son Reece Williamson, born on March 26, 1999, have been found guilty of allowing a dog to suffer a slow and painful death due to starvation. The incident took place at their residence in the Parr area of St Helens, where the tragic demise of the dog, named Cassie, was discovered in July 2023.

Authorities uncovered Cassie’s emaciated body at the property on Winter Grove, after police officers responded to reports and found her deceased in the kitchen. The dog’s body was subsequently handed over to the RSPCA, with Inspector Lisa Lupson overseeing the investigation. A post-mortem examination revealed that Cassie had most likely died from starvation, as her gastrointestinal tract was found to be completely empty. The report indicated that her poor physical condition was solely due to a lack of food, with no evidence of any underlying disease or pathological cause that could explain her emaciation.

The veterinarian who examined Cassie provided a body condition score of only one out of nine, describing her as severely underweight. The vet emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought veterinary care if their pet was losing weight or showing signs of neglect, and would have taken steps to prevent her from ingesting foreign objects. The evidence presented in court highlighted the severity of her condition, with Inspector Lupson describing Cassie as a brown female bull terrier-type dog, whose bones were clearly visible through her fur, indicating extreme malnutrition.

Inspector Lupson further explained that Cassie had still shown signs of hunger, as she had ingested non-food material, which suggested she still had an appetite. This behavior, combined with the post-mortem findings, confirmed that her death was caused by a prolonged period of starvation. The inspector noted that Cassie would have experienced significant weakness, fatigue, and discomfort, affecting her ability to move, seek water or food, and engage in normal activities. The evidence suggested she had been suffering for at least several days, but more likely for weeks.

During police interviews, Williamson admitted that Cassie did not eat properly and needed medication. He expressed fear of taking her to the vet and acknowledged that he had not acted appropriately. Warren, who had previously been banned from keeping animals for five years in November 2020 due to similar cruelty, claimed that Cassie had only been with them for a few months and that he did not know her origins. He also stated that he had not seen her for one to two weeks and was unaware of her deteriorating condition.

Following the case, Inspector Lupson commented on the heartbreaking sight of Cassie’s body, emphasizing that she had been neglected for many weeks and that veterinary intervention was urgently needed. She also pointed out that Warren was aware of his disqualification from owning animals, which is why such bans are enforced—to protect vulnerable animals from individuals with a history of cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act. The inspector expressed gratitude to the police for their assistance, acknowledging the emotional toll of the case on everyone involved.

As part of the legal proceedings, a second dog found at the property, not involved in the investigation, was taken into police custody for care and assessment. Both Warren and Williamson faced sentencing: Williamson received a 23-week custodial sentence suspended for two years, along with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement. Warren was sentenced to six weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, both men were fined with a surcharge of £154 each and banned from keeping animals for ten years, reflecting the seriousness of their offenses and the need to prevent future cruelty.