AMY YOULL FROM WYTHENSHAWE SHAMES ANIMAL WELFARE WITH HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN LANCASHIRE

In September 2023, a disturbing case of animal cruelty came to light involving Amy Youll, a 31-year-old woman from Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester. She was found to have subjected nine of her pets to severe neglect, allowing them to suffer from starvation while living amidst deplorable conditions. The situation at her residence was so appalling that it drew the attention of the RSPCA, leading to a series of investigations and rescue operations.

Officers from the RSPCA arrived at a property located on Todmorden Road in Bacup, Lancashire, where they encountered a scene of utter chaos and filth. The house was filled with an overwhelming stench of rubbish, faeces, and decay, forcing the officers to wear face masks to protect themselves from the foul environment. Inside, they discovered eight dogs and a cat, all of which were severely underweight, matted, and visibly frightened. Many of the animals had to be carried out of the house to awaiting vehicles, highlighting the extreme distress and fear they experienced.

The interior of the property was in a state of complete disarray. Rooms were inaccessible due to the amount of junk and debris piled high, and the floors were covered with waste and rotting matter. The conditions were so dire that maggots were crawling across surfaces in the kitchen, indicating a high level of neglect and decomposition. The situation was further compounded by the discovery of the bodies of multiple animals, which had been left to decompose in and around the property.

Private contractors, called in to clean up the premises, uncovered the remains of five small to medium-sized dogs in an outdoor area at the back of the house. These animals had been placed in carrier bags, boxes, and planters, and were heavily infested with maggots. The decomposing remains were so advanced that it was impossible to determine the exact cause of death, although their skulls, jaws, and teeth were visible through the rotting flesh. Additionally, the carcass of a pet rodent was found in a cage upstairs, also in a state of advanced decay.

Thanks to the efforts of the RSPCA’s Southport, Ormskirk and District branch, all nine surviving animals were rescued and subsequently rehomed from their animal centre in Southport. The animals received full veterinary care and rehabilitation, allowing them to recover from their traumatic experiences.

As for Amy Youll, she was no stranger to the legal system regarding animal welfare. She had previously been involved in similar cases and had denied three charges related to animal cruelty. However, she was found guilty in her absence during a trial held in October 2022. Her conviction followed a case where another defendant, whose name was not disclosed, pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences and received an eight-year ban from keeping any animals, along with a sentence of 12 weeks in custody, suspended for two years. The court also mandated 25 days of rehabilitation activities for Youll, and an indefinite ban was imposed on her from owning or caring for any animals in the future.