ST HELENS DOG OWNER BILLIE-LOUISE LEWIS SENTENCED FOR STARVING HER PET TO DEATH IN BLACKBROOK

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of St Helens, Billie-Louise Elizabeth Lewis, a resident of 58 Frodsham Drive, Blackbrook, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, Hugo, a two-and-a-half-year-old bull-breed. Born on January 29, 2002, Lewis’s neglect led to the death of her dog, an incident that has raised serious concerns about animal welfare in the area.

Concerns about Hugo’s welfare surfaced when members of the public reported to authorities that a dog was being left unattended at Lewis’s property in Blackbrook on November 18, 2023. The RSPCA responded promptly, visiting the residence that same day and returning the following day to leave notices and conduct inquiries. During these visits, investigators reached out to Lewis’s relatives who lived nearby, hoping to gather more information about the dog’s condition.

It was only two days after the initial visits that RSPCA Inspector Joanne McDonald was granted access to the property. Upon entering the kitchen, she was met with a distressing sight. Inspector McDonald described her experience in her court statement, stating, “Upon entering the kitchen I was hit with a very strong smell and saw a black and tan male large bull breed laying dead on the floor. I also noticed there were numerous maggots on his body.”

She further detailed the scene, noting that Hugo appeared extremely thin, with her visible spine, ribs, and hindquarters clearly indicating severe malnutrition. The inspector observed two bowls in the kitchen—one containing a small amount of water and the other completely empty. A dog bed on the floor had been ripped apart, and chew marks were visible on the door frames. Faeces were also present near the back door, emphasizing the neglect Hugo had endured.

Inspector McDonald emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “There was an extremely strong smell and there were what appeared to be hundreds of maggots on his body. He was in a high state of decomposition. The dog was found to be extremely thin.”

During her interview, Lewis admitted that she had not taken Hugo to a veterinarian because the vet had advised that exploratory surgery would cost thousands of pounds. She claimed to have been feeding Hugo a mixture of pasta and various meats, which she acknowledged was not nutritionally balanced or suitable for his needs. Lewis also revealed that her interaction with Hugo had diminished after he reportedly “went for” her brother a few weeks prior, and she admitted to leaving him alone for extended periods, which she believed had contributed to his depression.

Hugo’s body was transported to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for a thorough examination. The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that Hugo was “severely emaciated,” suffering from hunger, weakness, and discomfort, both physically and mentally. The vet assigned Hugo a body condition score of 1 out of 9, with 1 indicating extreme emaciation. The dog weighed only 14.2kg, significantly below the expected weight range of 20-25kg for his breed and stature, suggesting he was at roughly 60% or less of his ideal weight. The vet’s report highlighted that Hugo’s bones were prominently visible, with no fat or muscle covering them, underscoring the extent of his neglect.

In court, Lewis pleaded guilty to the charge of causing unnecessary suffering. Her sentencing included a 12-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activities, a fine of £120, and a victim surcharge of £114. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping any animals for five years, a ban that will expire in October 2029. This case has sparked widespread concern about animal cruelty and the importance of responsible pet ownership within the St Helens community.