ALAN PACKENHAM'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN SEFTON HOME REVEALED

In May 2022, a disturbing case of animal neglect came to light involving Alan Packenham, a man residing in Sefton, who was found to be keeping an alarming number of animals in deplorable conditions within his home in Thornton. The RSPCA inspectors responded to a call that led them to uncover a scene of utter neglect and suffering, with a total of 37 animals suffering in what can only be described as filthy and unhygienic surroundings.

Packenham, aged 39 and living in Lower Hey, faced serious charges after the inspection revealed a heartbreaking situation. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and neglecting their basic needs. The investigation uncovered a variety of animals, including 20 cats, three of which were kittens, four dogs, three ferrets, two fish, and five snakes. The conditions in the house were appalling, with inspectors describing the environment as covered in faeces and rubbish on virtually every surface. The stench of urine and faeces was overwhelming, making it clear that the animals had been living in these conditions for an extended period.

Among the most distressing findings were the three critically-ill kittens and the four dead snakes, which were left to rot in a bedroom. The snakes’ carcasses were found abandoned, adding to the grim scene. The kittens were discovered in an open drawer, infested with fleas, and two cats were found confined in the bathroom. All five animals were taken to veterinary clinics for urgent care; tragically, two of the cats died within minutes of arriving, and another succumbed later, highlighting the severity of their suffering.

Further disturbing details emerged about the care—or lack thereof—of the animals. Two of the three German Shepherds, kept with a crossbreed dog, had been muzzled, and the ferrets were found living in a filthy rabbit hutch located in the conservatory. The neglect extended to the snakes, with four carcasses left to decompose in a bedroom, indicating a prolonged period of mistreatment.

Following the rescue, the animals were distributed to appropriate facilities. The cats and dogs were taken to an RSPCA animal centre and approved kennels, while the ferrets and a corn snake were transferred to specialist rescue centres. Packenham was handed a five-year ban from keeping animals, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty.

At Liverpool Magistrates Court, Packenham admitted to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering and one count of failing to meet the animals’ basic needs. A veterinarian who examined the animals concluded that caring for such a large number of animals would have required the efforts of two full-time workers, assisted by volunteers. The vet’s report also indicated that the maltreatment likely persisted for many months or even years, underscoring the prolonged nature of the neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the animals in his care.