KIRKBY MAN STEVEN JOHNSON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC DOG NEGLECT IN HIS FLAT

Steven Johnson, a resident of Westhead Avenue in Kirkby, was found guilty in his absence of severe animal neglect involving his 18-month-old bulldog, Diego. The case drew attention after inspectors from the RSPCA uncovered the appalling living conditions in Johnson’s flat, which was located in the Kirkby area of Liverpool.

In June 2022, RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson visited Johnson’s property after receiving disturbing photographs depicting the state of the flat. The images revealed a scene of utter filth, with floors covered in dirt, piles of rubbish, used food cans, and a pervasive presence of flies. The entire flat was in a deplorable state, with every room showing signs of neglect and squalor. The inspector described the floors as being heavily caked in dirt, with household items and rubbish strewn across the floors, making it impossible to find a clean spot to stand.

During her inspection, Inspector Lupson noted the bathroom was in particularly shocking condition. The sink was blocked with dirty water up to the brim, and the toilet was caked with what appeared to be faeces. The kitchen was equally filthy, cluttered with rubbish bags and dirt covering the floor. The bedroom was no better, with the floor covered in dirt and rubbish scattered on the bed and floor. The overall environment was deemed hazardous and unsuitable for both humans and animals.

Johnson initially denied neglecting Diego, claiming he had not been living at the flat and that he had begun cleaning it. He was advised that his dog could not be kept in such unhygienic conditions, which constituted a breach of animal welfare laws. Despite being given the opportunity to improve the living environment, subsequent visits by Inspector Lupson revealed that conditions had worsened. On her return visit, she observed an increase in flies, more rubbish at the bottom and up the stairs, and a general deterioration of the property’s state.

In an interview, Johnson acknowledged that the living conditions for Diego were unsuitable and expressed remorse for failing to meet his dog’s needs. However, he repeatedly refused to sign over ownership of Diego to the RSPCA. As a result, the court granted a deprivation order, allowing the charity to rehome the dog to ensure his welfare.

Following the court proceedings, Johnson was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, to be served concurrently with an unrelated custodial sentence. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that will expire in May 2033. Inspector Lupson commented on the case, describing the environment in which Diego was kept as “unsanitary and hazardous,” emphasizing that it was “totally unsuitable for humans and animals to be living in.”

She further added that Diego is now enjoying a much better life, and her team is actively working to find him a permanent, loving home. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and cruelty in Kirkby and beyond.