BETH BUTTERWORTH ABANDONS STARVING ELDERLY DOG IN BOLTON AND BLACKPOOL

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bolton, Beth Butterworth, born on October 23, 1996, and residing on Glaister Lane, Breightmet, was found responsible for the neglect and abandonment of her elderly dog, Reuben, a bull breed with a tragic history of suffering. The incident came to light in March 2023 when RSPCA officers conducted a welfare check at Butterworth’s former residence, which also has links to Blackpool.

Officers Beth Fazackerley and Ross Allan arrived at the property after receiving reports expressing concern about the well-being of a dog believed to be in distress. Upon approaching the house, they found no one at the front door but proceeded to investigate the surrounding areas. Their efforts led them to the backyard, where they observed a seemingly unused dog crate, an empty fish tank, and a dog bowl, all indicating a lack of proper care.

In a storage box located in the garden, the officers discovered the lifeless body of Reuben, wrapped in a duvet cover. The dog was identified as a white and brown bull breed, and further inquiries revealed that Butterworth had previously owned three dogs, one of which matched Reuben’s description. The officers obtained a mobile number for Butterworth, who initially denied any knowledge of the deceased dog, claiming that if a dead dog was in her garden, she was unaware of it and suggested that someone else might have placed it there.

Photographs taken during the investigation depicted Reuben’s emaciated condition, with his backbone, pelvis, and ribs prominently visible. The dog’s abdomen was sunken, and severe muscle wastage was evident along his spine and shoulder blades. Dark brown soiling was visible around his mouth, chin, feet, and hind legs, indicating neglect and poor hygiene. Additional images showed Reuben lying on the floor inside the house, surrounded by piles of feces, further illustrating the neglect he endured.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the severity of Reuben’s suffering. The report revealed untreated skin lesions, five fractured ribs—three of which were in the process of healing—and multiple missing teeth, with remaining teeth showing signs of severe wear and root exposure. Notably, a plastic bag and a piece of acrylic nail were found within his stomach, suggesting he had ingested non-food items shortly before his death. The report concluded that there were no underlying medical conditions to explain his emaciation, which would have taken weeks or months to develop.

A veterinary expert who reviewed the post-mortem findings explained that the presence of foreign material in Reuben’s stomach indicated recent eating, yet the severe state of starvation pointed to prolonged neglect. The fractured ribs, likely caused by significant blunt force trauma such as a road traffic accident or physical assault, had probably healed by the time of death, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of injury. The veterinarian emphasized that the dog’s emaciation was consistent with long-term malnutrition, likely developing over several weeks or months, with pain from rib fractures persisting for at least two weeks and dental issues for around a year.

During police interviews, Butterworth admitted responsibility for Reuben but claimed she had been returning daily to feed him. She explained that the dog had experienced periods of not eating and that his weight fluctuated accordingly. She also stated that she had returned to her house in February to find Reuben dead and subsequently placed his body in the storage box in the garden. The court heard that Butterworth was suffering from mental health issues, which she cited as part of her defense.

Butterworth had previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting Reuben’s needs during an earlier hearing on December 14, after her arrest on a warrant. Inspector Fazackerley reflected on the case, describing it as one of the most upsetting investigations she had been involved in. She expressed her sorrow that Reuben, an elderly dog in declining health, was left to suffer in silence, deprived of proper veterinary care, and ultimately abandoned and disposed of in the garden.

In sentencing, Butterworth received a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with 25 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, she was banned from owning any animals for five years, a restriction that will remain in effect until February 2029. This case has left a lasting impact on those involved and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Bolton and beyond.