WILLIAM UNDERWOOD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN HEYWOOD REVEALED

William Underwood, a prolific backyard breeder from Heywood, has been convicted of severe animal neglect following a disturbing case brought forward by the RSPCA. Born on December 5, 1994, Underwood faced serious charges after authorities uncovered the deplorable conditions in which he kept a dog named Cookie and her seven puppies.

In October 2022, police officers and RSPCA inspectors responded to reports of animal welfare concerns at Underwood’s residence on High Street, Heywood OL10. Upon entering the property, they were met with a scene of unimaginable squalor and neglect. Inside, they found Cookie, an adult bulldog breed, along with her seven puppies, all confined within a small, metal pen. The environment was appalling, with the pen covered in feces and urine, and the animals suffering from a lack of basic necessities such as food and water.

RSPCA inspector King provided a detailed account of the conditions during his inspection. He described entering the kitchen area, where he found no food or water, only two empty bowls. The inspector noted a thin sheet on the floor, but no proper bedding or resting area for the animals. Moving through the house, he entered the bedrooms and was immediately overwhelmed by a foul smell of feces, urine, and ammonia. In one bedroom, a black metal pen contained the seven puppies, all visibly filthy and soaked in waste. The floor inside the pen was heavily soiled, and two bowls within the enclosure also contained feces. A grey plastic dog bed, with a dark sheet inside, was saturated with urine and feces, and the sides of the bed were similarly stained.

Inspector King described the puppies as being in a state of extreme filth, with some appearing underweight and one holding its leg up, indicating distress. The puppies’ conditions were so dire that they were taken into police custody and transferred to the care of the RSPCA. The vet’s examination revealed that Cookie was severely underweight and suffering from advanced eye conditions that would likely necessitate the removal of both eyes. She was also diagnosed with a skin condition causing discomfort, dental disease, painful hip dysplasia, and breathing difficulties due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a breed-specific issue common in bulldogs. The vet concluded that euthanasia was the most humane option to end her suffering.

Further assessments of the puppies showed that all seven were suffering from faecal scalding on their abdomens and paws, causing pain and discomfort. They were also underweight, dehydrated, and suffering from parasitic infections and diarrhea. One puppy’s condition was so critical that euthanasia was deemed necessary, as medical intervention could not sufficiently improve its welfare. The remaining puppies were subsequently adopted into caring, loving homes, ensuring they would have a chance at a better life.

William Underwood was sentenced to 250 hours of unpaid work over the course of 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £114. He was also disqualified from keeping any animals for three years, a ban that will expire in August 2026. This case highlights the serious consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in the Heywood area.