ZOE ALLEN'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABANDONMENT IN OLDHAM LEADS TO COURT SENTENCE

Zoe Elizabeth Pearsall Allen, born on October 23, 1972, who was previously residing on Hawley Street in Colne, Lancashire, and more recently on Henshaw Street in Oldham, has been at the center of a disturbing animal welfare case. Allen left behind a total of thirteen animals—comprising two dogs, ten cats, and a ferret—when she vacated her residence in Oldham, neglecting their basic needs and leaving them to suffer and, in some cases, perish.

Authorities were alerted to the situation after concerns about the welfare of the animals were raised. An RSPCA inspector, Natalie Taylor, responded to the call and arrived at the property. Upon inspection, she observed a distressing scene: the house was cluttered with rubbish and filth, and the presence of numerous blue bottle flies in the windows indicated a severe neglect situation. As she knocked on the door, one of the dogs, named Cassey, responded by jumping up at the window, but her condition was visibly poor. The inspector could hear another dog, Trixy, barking frantically from upstairs, along with the sounds of cats within the premises.

When housing officers gained access to the property, they discovered the animals living amidst the debris, waste, and their own excrement. Initially, two cats were found alive, but six cats and a ferret were already dead. In the days that followed, two additional cats were caught in traps set by authorities. The scene was grim, with numerous empty food and water bowls, and fleas visibly crawling on both living and deceased animals. The police seized the animals, and veterinary advice led to their placement in RSPCA care for treatment and rehabilitation.

Medical examinations revealed that the four surviving cats were severely emaciated. Cassey, a female Jack Russell-type dog, was extremely thin, with her ribs, spine, and pelvis prominently visible. She also had a mass on her eye, along with ear and skin conditions. Trixy, another female Jack Russell-type dog, was in an even worse state, with her ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly exposed. She suffered from a skin condition and overgrown nails that had grown into her skin. Fortunately, all four animals have since recovered under the care of the RSPCA and have been successfully rehomed.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Allen’s circumstances had deteriorated due to a water burst at her previous residence, rent arrears, and conflicts with neighbors. Her benefits had been stopped, prompting her to relocate to Oldham. The court heard that Allen had essentially “buried her head in the sand” regarding her responsibilities towards her animals.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order with a curfew and 20 days of rehabilitation requirements. Allen was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £300 and a victim surcharge of £85. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning or keeping animals for five years, with this ban set to expire in May 2024.