RYAN MCNULTY AND SARAH ANN JORDAN FROM WOODCHURCH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO FRENCH BULLDOGS

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Ryan McNulty and Sarah Ann Jordan, both residents of Woodchurch, Birkenhead, Wirral, faced serious charges after their involvement in the mistreatment of four helpless French bulldogs. The incident came to light when RSPCA Inspector Lisa Lupson, leading the investigation, attempted to access the dogs at their home on Selbourne Close but was repeatedly denied entry by the owners.

Eventually, with police assistance, the inspector was granted access to the property, where she discovered the four puppies confined in deplorable conditions. The puppies, named Millie, Marcello, Maisie, and an unnamed white-colored pup, were found in training crates that were in a state of extreme filth. The crates were covered in faeces, and the environment was both gloomy and unsanitary. The animals had no bedding, no food, and most critically, no water, with only empty or overturned bowls indicating a complete neglect of their basic needs.

Inspector Lupson described the scene vividly, stating, “As soon as the dogs were let out of the crates they immediately ran straight outside and directly to a plastic container which contained rain water and began drinking in desperation. It was like they had never seen water in their lives before. They were obviously incredibly thirsty and I was shocked by how eagerly they drank over what seemed to be a long amount of time.”

Further examination revealed that the puppies were in a poor state of health. The veterinary assessment showed that all three dogs were in a very lean condition, with ribs clearly visible through their greasy, foul-smelling fur. The conditions suggested they had either been kept in their crates for extended periods or that their environment was cleaned very infrequently, contributing to the unsanitary state.

The veterinary report concluded that the owners’ failure to meet the needs of their dogs likely caused them significant suffering and a poor quality of life. The dogs were taken into custody by police and transported to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment. Since their rescue, the puppies have reportedly made good progress in recovery, but the impact of their ordeal remains evident.

During the court proceedings, both McNulty and Jordan pleaded guilty to a single charge each of neglecting their dogs’ basic needs. The judge sentenced McNulty to an 18-month community order, which includes 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements and 200 hours of unpaid work. Jordan received a 12-month community order, along with a £100 fine and 10 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirements. Additionally, both were ordered to pay £250 each in court costs. A two-year ban on keeping animals was imposed on both individuals, which will expire in May 2023. Furthermore, a deprivation order was issued, allowing the RSPCA to find new homes for the dogs once the 21-day appeal period has passed, ensuring their continued care and protection.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to combat cruelty and neglect. The community and animal rights advocates hope that such measures serve as a warning to others about the serious consequences of neglecting vulnerable animals.