WAYNE GROGAN FROM ASHTON UNDER LYNE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG BUSTER

Wayne Grogan, a resident of 3 Anderton Grove in Ashton-under-Lyne, was convicted in 2024 for inflicting severe injuries on his elderly pet dog, Buster. The case drew significant attention after disturbing footage captured Grogan physically abusing the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, leading to a thorough investigation by the RSPCA.

On March 6 and 7, 2023, two individuals set up a camera after witnessing and hearing Grogan mistreating Buster. The recordings they captured revealed multiple instances of violence, prompting the footage to be handed over to the RSPCA for further examination. The organization launched an investigation that culminated in a visit to Grogan’s home on March 20, 2023, by RSPCA Inspector Ryan King, accompanied by two police officers.

During the inspection, Inspector King observed a dog matching the description and appearance of Buster, a black/dark brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The inspector noted that the dog appeared elderly, slightly underweight, and showed signs of neglect, including flaky skin and a small scabbed area on his back. The dog moved slowly and unsteadily, with difficulty lifting his paws, indicating possible pain or injury.

Grogan identified the dog as Buster, estimating his age to be between ten and twelve years old. The inspector informed him that the RSPCA had obtained video evidence suggesting mistreatment, and that charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 might be considered. Grogan was subsequently arrested and taken into custody, while Buster was transferred to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for examination.

X-ray scans revealed a disturbing history of physical trauma. Buster had fractured ribs on his left side, dislocated vertebrae in his tail, and evidence of callus formation on five other vertebrae, indicating previous blunt force injuries. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that Buster had suffered ongoing pain and distress, with untreated eye conditions causing swelling, inflammation, and mucus discharge. Fur loss was also observed on his tail and rump.

The veterinarian provided a detailed statement, explaining that the skeletal injuries indicated multiple episodes of physical abuse prior to the footage being recorded. The injuries had caused significant suffering, including fear, pain, and distress, over an extended period. The vet emphasized that the rib fractures, which could have caused chest pain, had gone untreated for at least ten days, further exacerbating Buster’s suffering. The failure to seek prompt veterinary care and the improper handling of the dog demonstrated a neglect of basic welfare standards.

During police interviews, Grogan denied intentionally harming Buster. He claimed that in the incident involving the door, his leg had accidentally caught the dog, and that it was a one-time occurrence. Regarding the second incident, he stated that his leg had swung out while trying to enter the house simultaneously with Buster, and that he had subsequently stroked the dog to reassure him, believing he was unharmed.

In mitigation, the court was informed that Grogan had suffered a stroke, which may have impacted his behavior. He entered an early guilty plea to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, acknowledging some responsibility for his actions.

Following the case, Buster was cared for by the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch. The elderly dog enjoyed several months of care and companionship, but as his health declined, a decision was made to humanely euthanize him. The court sentenced Grogan to a 12-week prison term, suspended for two years, along with five days of rehabilitation and a fine of £400. Additionally, Grogan was banned from owning or keeping animals for ten years, a restriction that will remain until October 2034.