WAYNE NEWTON FROM UPTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN WIRRAL

In a case that has shocked the local community of Upton, Wayne Newton, a resident of Arrowe Park Road, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty involving his pet dogs. The incident, which came to light after concerned members of the public raised alarms, revealed a disturbing level of neglect that led to the suffering and eventual euthanasia of one of his dogs.

Newton, born around 1968, was accused of failing to provide necessary veterinary care for his two dogs, Patch and Socks. The dogs were found living in conditions described by authorities as “absolute squalor,” with both suffering from significant health issues. The RSPCA officers responded to the call after reports of the dogs’ poor condition, which included overgrown claws, flea infestations, and other signs of neglect.

When officers arrived at Newton’s home, they were met with a strong, putrid smell emanating from the property. Newton, who appeared visibly distressed, admitted that one of the dogs had a problem and expressed a desire to have the animals taken away. He claimed that a neighbor had thrown urine into his property a few days prior, which he suggested might have contributed to the dogs’ poor health. The house itself was described as dirty and sparsely furnished, with a pronounced smell of infection.

Newton agreed to surrender the dogs to the RSPCA. Veterinary examinations revealed that Socks, an 18-month-old black and white crossbreed, was in a dire state. He was underweight, with a visibly thin spine and ribs, and suffered from a chronic ear infection that had nearly closed off his ear canal. His fur was extensively thinned, and he was suffering from an ear infection and other health issues. Patch, an elderly brindle crossbreed, was heavily infested with fleas, shaking, and nearly blind. His claws were overgrown and twisted, and he had two lumps on his side along with an infected ulcerated mass on his rear. Due to his suffering, Patch was euthanized.

Newton’s neglect extended to attempting to treat the fleas by clipping most of Patch’s fur, but this was insufficient to address the underlying health problems. The veterinary team confirmed that the dogs had been living in deplorable conditions, with Socks suffering from a chronic ear infection and Patch suffering from multiple health issues. Socks was successfully rehabilitated and rehomed after treatment, but Patch’s suffering was deemed too severe, leading to his humane euthanasia.

During the court proceedings, Newton, who lives just a street away from a veterinary surgery, appeared visibly upset, sobbing and bowing his head in the dock. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to the animals and neglecting their veterinary needs. The district judge, Michael Abelson, sentenced Newton to four months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered him to pay £500 in costs. Additionally, Newton was banned for life from owning or keeping any animals.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder to pet owners about their responsibilities towards their animals’ health and well-being.