ALISON CHESTERMAN'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN MILLUM REVEALED

Alison Maria Chesterman, born on 16 March 1965 and residing on Victoria Street in Millom, was convicted in 2019 of severe neglect and cruelty towards her pet dog, Doodles. The case brought to light the deplorable conditions in which the animal was kept and the failure of Chesterman to provide basic veterinary care.

Chesterman’s home was described as filthy and unhygienic, with a pervasive smell of animal feces and ammonia. Inside, authorities discovered that she was housing multiple animals, including nine cats and her dog, Doodles. The environment was so neglected that it was deemed unfit for any living creature, with the animals suffering from various health issues due to the poor conditions.

RSPCA inspectors, responding to an anonymous tip-off, conducted multiple visits to Chesterman’s residence. During these inspections, they found Doodles in a dire state. The dog exhibited extensive fur loss, inflamed skin, and darkened patches indicative of severe neglect. Veterinary examinations confirmed that Doodles was suffering from a range of health problems, including a heart murmur, arthritis, conjunctivitis, and a chronic skin condition. The untreated skin ailment was particularly painful, and the dog was in obvious distress.

Despite repeated warnings from the inspectors urging her to seek veterinary treatment for Doodles, Chesterman failed to act promptly. It was only after further inspections that the RSPCA intervened and took Doodles to a veterinarian for urgent care. Fortunately, Doodles has since recovered under the care of the RSPCA, but the suffering he endured was significant.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Chesterman, who chose to represent herself in court, claimed she had attempted to rehome Doodles to ensure he would live away from the flea-infested environment she had created. However, she admitted she was unable to find anyone willing to take him, which contributed to his continued suffering.

The court sentenced Chesterman to a four-week curfew and imposed a ban on her keeping any animals for a period of two years, a restriction that has now expired. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of pets in the Millom area.