DUKINFIELD WOMAN GUILTY OF STARVING AND NEGLECTING TWO DOGS
Ingham admitted to a single offence related to animal welfare involving her neglected and starved Staffies, Luna and Cleo.The RSPCA pursued prosecution after conducting an investigation.
On June 10, 2025, RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo visited Ingham’s residence following concerns raised about her two dogs' well-being.
She discovered Luna and Cleo confined in a crate without any bedding or food/water bowls, with their ribs, hips, and spines plainly visible.
Ingham permitted the inspector to take the dogs to a veterinarian, where examinations confirmed they were severely emaciated.
Luna’s weight was only 10.6kg with a body condition score of 1/9, and Cleo weighed 11.2kg with the same score.
The veterinarian’s expert opinion determined both dogs were suffering due to inadequate nutrition, leading to hunger and significant weight loss.
In court documents, the vet stated: “The dogs were suffering for a minimum of two weeks, but likely longer.
Constant hunger, besides poor body condition, causes frustration, nervousness, and fear.
It can also result in dehydration, anemia, and in extreme cases, organ failure.” Both Luna and Cleo remained in the care of the RSPCA until November 2025, when they were transferred to Animal Rescue Cumbria.
By the time they were adopted, Luna’s weight had increased to 19.25kg, and Cleo’s to 16.4kg.
Inspector Araujo commented: “The team at Animal Rescue Cumbria did a fantastic job, and it’s wonderful to see how Luna and Cleo have thrived and are now enjoying their lives in new homes.
They are happy and healthy now.
If pet owners are struggling to care for their animals, we strongly advise seeking help early and consulting a veterinarian if they notice health or behavioral changes.” During sentencing, it was explained that Ingham had pleaded guilty and voluntarily handed over the dogs, emphasizing that her actions stemmed from neglect rather than intentional cruelty.
The court imposed a six-week community order with electronic monitoring, ordered costs of £200, and issued a three-year ban on keeping dogs, which will last until May 2029.
