YVONNE MCALLISTER OF OSWALDTWISTLE FACES JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO WESTIE BOBBY

Yvonne McAllister, born in 1963 and residing on Wordsworth Close in Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 4QP, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, a West Highland terrier named Bobby. The case came to light after a district nurse visiting McAllister’s home noticed the dire condition of the dog, which led to a series of investigations and ultimately, her conviction.

During the nurse’s visit, she observed Bobby in a deplorable state, kept in a filthy and flea-infested cage located beneath the stairs of McAllister’s residence. The nurse’s report detailed the neglectful environment and the suffering endured by the dog. McAllister admitted to the nurse that Bobby had a skin condition, for which she had purchased medicated shampoo, but she had not taken him to a veterinarian for proper treatment. She also mentioned buying clippers but claimed that Bobby would not allow anyone to cut his nails, indicating a lack of proper care and handling.

Following these revelations, an RSPCA officer attended the property to assess Bobby’s condition. The officer described the dog as unrecognizable as a West Highland terrier, with skin that was grey, leathery, thick, and dry—signs of long-term neglect. The officer noted that Bobby appeared subdued, lethargic, and reluctant to move, suggesting he was suffering from significant health issues. When asked to take the dog to a vet, McAllister refused, stating she wanted an independent assessment instead.

As a result of the neglect, Bobby’s condition deteriorated to the point where he had to be euthanized to end his suffering. The RSPCA prosecutor, Paul Ridehalgh, provided further details, describing Bobby’s skin as pink with ears twice the normal size and paws that were overgrown and beginning to twist. The dog was taken to the Myerscough Veterinary Group, where it was found that Bobby was unable to walk and was extremely weak, necessitating assistance to be carried into the veterinary consultation room.

The veterinarian examined Bobby and reported that his nose was dry and cracked, and his ear canals were too inflamed for proper examination. His eyes were covered with a thick green discharge, indicating severe infection. The vet stated that Bobby was in a very poor condition, remarking that she had never seen an animal in such a state before. It was believed that Bobby likely suffered from an underlying systemic disease, which had led to secondary bacterial infections. The veterinarian concluded that the dog had endured suffering for at least several months, possibly longer, due to long-term neglect.

McAllister claimed she could not afford veterinary care for Bobby and insisted that her neglect was not intentional. Despite her explanations, the court found her guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included 50 hours of unpaid work, a three-month curfew, and a requirement to pay £600 in costs. Additionally, she was banned from owning or keeping animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in January 2024.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, with Bobby’s tragic story serving as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur behind closed doors in Oswaldtwistle.