SOUTHPORT WOMAN ABBY MULHEARN SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG LUNA IN SOUTHPORT

Abby Mulhearn, a woman from Southport, was found guilty of neglecting her Staffordshire bull terrier, Luna, by the court after failing to provide necessary veterinary care for her suffering pet. The case highlights serious concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the Southport area.

Mulhearn, whose address is listed as Bank Square, Southport PR9 0DG, was prosecuted by the RSPCA following a series of neglectful incidents that left Luna in excruciating pain due to untreated skin and ear infections. Despite the charity’s efforts to assist her, including providing a voucher to help cover veterinary expenses, Mulhearn did not act promptly to address her dog’s worsening condition.

The investigation was initiated after inspector Leanne Cooper responded to a report on March 30, 2022, concerning a dog with sore ears. Upon arriving at Mulhearn’s flat, she observed Luna’s ears to be thickened, dirty, and inflamed, with signs of pain and distress. Mulhearn initially claimed she would take Luna to the vet herself, explaining that she was waiting for her welfare money to arrive in nine days. To assist her, the inspector issued a welfare voucher worth £50 to cover urgent veterinary costs, along with a warning notice stipulating that Luna should be taken to the vet by April 4.

However, during a subsequent visit, Mulhearn informed inspector Cooper that she had scheduled an appointment for Luna with a veterinarian the following week. Despite this, the inspector decided to take Luna to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for immediate treatment after assessing her condition. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that Luna was suffering from ulcerated ears, thickened skin indicative of chronic disease, and narrowed ear canals filled with dark discharge. The dog was clearly in pain, and her condition had deteriorated significantly.

The vet’s examination revealed that Luna had been suffering for at least two weeks, with irreversible changes in her skin and ears. The report indicated that she was likely to develop lifelong chronic skin and ear issues, possibly requiring major ear surgery. Despite receiving treatments such as ectoparasites and corticosteroids, Luna’s health continued to decline, and tragically, the veterinarian made the decision to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.

During court proceedings, it was explained that Mulhearn was unemployed and had recently separated from her partner, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior. She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Luna under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court sentenced her to a 12-week prison term, suspended for two years, and ordered her to pay £654 in costs and victim surcharge. Additionally, Mulhearn was banned from owning or caring for animals for five years, a restriction that will last until February 2028.

Inspector Cooper expressed her disappointment with Mulhearn’s failure to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest signs of illness. She emphasized that the RSPCA and other authorities had tried to work with the owner to ensure Luna received proper care, but ultimately, neglect led to the dog’s suffering and death. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely intervention in cases of animal health issues.