SHIRLEY MILLER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN HELSBY: HORSE LEFT TO SUFFER FOR 18 MONTHS

Shirley Miller, a resident of Swireford Road in Helsby, has been found guilty of causing prolonged and unnecessary suffering to her horse, Bradley, a 23-year-old animal suffering from a severe and untreated tumour. The case, which unfolded over a three-day trial, revealed the extent of neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the horse, leading to a conviction that highlights serious animal welfare concerns in the area.

According to reports from the RSPCA, Bradley was suffering from a large, cancerous tumour located on his penis. The veterinary assessments indicated that the tumour had been present and untreated for at least 12 months, with some estimates suggesting the neglect could have spanned up to 18 months. The condition was so severe that maggots had infested the tumour, and the size of the tumour was documented as being approximately 10 centimeters long and 8 centimeters wide. Despite the obvious signs of distress, Shirley Miller failed to seek any veterinary intervention for her horse during this period.

The situation came to light in August 2018, when Miller loaned Bradley to a woman who was to become his new owner. The new owner immediately noticed that something was gravely wrong with the horse. Concerned, she called in a veterinarian to examine Bradley. The vet's findings were shocking: the tumour was inoperable, and the extent of the neglect was evident. The vet recommended that the RSPCA be contacted, prompting Inspector Leanne Cragg to investigate the case.

During her investigation, Inspector Cragg confirmed the severity of Bradley’s condition. The veterinarian described the tumour as being in a state of advanced decay, with maggots visibly present, indicating prolonged suffering. The vet also stated that Bradley had likely been left untreated for between 12 to 18 months, a period during which the horse endured significant pain and discomfort. Despite Miller’s claims that she checked the horse daily and was unaware of any health issues, the court was convinced otherwise.

Inspector Cragg expressed her profound concern over the suffering endured by Bradley. She stated, “Poor Bradley must have lived in agony for at least 12 months — even urinating would have caused him horrendous pain.” She further explained that any responsible and attentive owner would have noticed the signs of suffering. The court was shown evidence of the horrendous smell emanating from the tumour, which was infested with maggots, making the situation almost unbearable for the horse. Veterinary experts testified that Miller, as the owner, would have been aware of the health issues given the visible and odorous condition of the tumour.

Following the investigation, Bradley was seized by the RSPCA and placed in the care of his new owner. Unfortunately, the suffering was so severe that veterinary professionals concluded the kindest course of action was to humanely euthanize the horse. The court subsequently sentenced Shirley Miller to pay costs amounting to £9,850 and a fine of £1,500. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any equines for a period of three years, a ban that expired in 2022.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities of owners to seek timely veterinary care. It also serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur when neglect is allowed to persist unchecked, especially in rural areas like Helsby, where such cases can often go unnoticed until it is too late.