XAVIER TULLY AND DAVID BARLOW FROM MARSTON GREEN CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO PUPPIES IN BIRMINGHAM

In a significant case highlighting animal cruelty, Xavier Tulley and David Barlow, both residents of Marston Green, have been found guilty of serious animal welfare offences following an investigation conducted by the RSPCA. The case centered around their involvement in the neglect and mistreatment of two young American bulldog puppies, Star and Jet, which were bred and sold under questionable circumstances in the Birmingham area.

Both puppies were only 13 weeks old when they were brought to veterinary clinics in different locations, revealing the extent of their suffering and neglect. Star was first taken to a veterinary practice on February 8, 2022, by Barlow himself. The owner claimed that she had been attacked earlier that day by her mother, resulting in multiple bite wounds around her head, ears, and chest. Barlow stated that Star was part of a litter of eleven puppies, all bred from his own female dog and his son’s male dog. He further claimed that all the puppies, including Star, had already been sold for £200 each. However, the veterinarian’s examination painted a grim picture of her health.

The vet found Star in an extremely poor physical state, notably thin and suffering from significant abdominal distension. The assessment concluded that her physical needs had not been adequately met over the preceding weeks, indicating prolonged neglect. The veterinarian noted that while there was no evidence of injury inflicted by the owner, her overall condition and filthy appearance reflected a failure to provide proper care and meet her basic needs. The vet expressed concern that Barlow had not recognized her unwell condition beyond the superficial injuries he reported.

Just a few days later, on February 11, Barlow brought in another puppy, Jet, who was in a collapsed state and covered in multiple wounds. The veterinarian who examined her observed that the injuries appeared to have been inflicted approximately 18 hours prior, but the severity and smell of the wounds suggested they were older. Jet was suffering significant pain and discomfort, and due to the extent of her injuries, the vet and Barlow agreed that euthanasia was the most humane option to end her suffering.

Inspector Ben Jones of the RSPCA commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of responsible ownership. He stated, “These puppies had been bred and sold for financial gain but were failed when they didn’t receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they urgently needed it. Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy, and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of that responsibility.”

Following the court proceedings, Star was placed in the care of the RSPCA and was subsequently signed over to the charity by the court when Tulley was sentenced. She is now available for adoption, offering her a chance at a better life.

In terms of sentencing, Xavier Tulley received a jail term of 18 weeks for his role in the neglect. David Barlow was given a three-month curfew, along with orders to pay costs of £600 and a victim surcharge of £95. Both men were also subjected to a lifetime ban on keeping any animals, a measure intended to prevent future incidents of this nature in the Birmingham area, particularly in Marston Green where they reside.