BRANDA PILLING AND DARREN HORSFORD FROM HUYTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT AND DEATHS

On June 14, 2022, authorities responded to a distress call at a residence on Mardale Road in Huyton, where reports indicated a dog was left exposed to extreme heat with no access to food or water. Upon arrival, police officers discovered Missy, an Ibizan hound, in a severely weakened state. She was found collapsed, malnourished, and lifeless, highlighting the severity of her condition on what was described as an extremely hot day.

As efforts were underway to remove Missy from the property, her owners, Brenda Pilling and Darren Horsford, arrived at the scene. They were accompanied by two other dogs kept at the same address. Witnesses reported that both Pilling and Horsford behaved in a hostile and aggressive manner during the incident. The couple claimed that Missy was being treated by the PDSA, a veterinary charity, although no records of such a visit could be verified by the organization.

Subsequently, the RSPCA conducted an inspection on June 17, 2022, which revealed further evidence of neglect. They found Nala, a German shepherd, underweight and struggling to walk properly due to hip dysplasia. Additionally, Smokey, a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog, was also found to be underweight. During interviews, Pilling stated she had been feeding Missy a diet consisting of pasta, chicken, rice, salmon, and eggs since mid-May, attempting to improve her condition, but without success. She claimed that the PDSA had assured her there was nothing wrong with Missy, a statement contradicted by the charity’s records, which showed no such visit had taken place.

Horsford expressed suspicion that the diagnosis was incorrect and believed the veterinary charity was attempting to conceal the true health issues. The examination of Missy revealed she weighed only 10.75kg, which was at least 50% below her healthy weight, and she was unable to stand. Tragically, Missy developed pyometra, an infection of the womb that is typically treatable. Due to her emaciated state, she was deemed unfit for anesthesia and was euthanized on humane grounds.

Nala, weighing 24.2kg, exhibited an abnormal gait and was described as being in clear pain, with physical signs such as being cow-hocked. She was also euthanized. Meanwhile, Smokey, who weighed 13.4kg, showed no other health issues aside from being underweight and remains in the care of the RSPCA. The investigation concluded that the dogs’ poor conditions were most likely caused by an inadequate diet and neglect.

Kevin Liston, representing Pilling, emphasized her circumstances, stating, “She is somebody who is not malicious towards animals but is someone who is deficient, both in terms of her personal capacity and finances, to address those conditions. She is someone who has sponsored animal charities over the years, she took these animals in from rescue centres. These dogs were looked after and in a good state for a period of time. She has accepted responsibility in part and displayed a level of remorse. She is someone who was moved and upset when informed of the fact they had been euthanized. She has had dogs for a number of years.”

In defense of Horsford, Oliver Saddington stated, “The suffering was unnecessary, and he is prepared to take his punishment for it. He wants to apologise. It is clear he is someone with affection in his life. He is a father and a carer.”

Both Pilling and Horsford were found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to fulfill their responsibilities to ensure the animals’ welfare. The trial was held in their absence at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. The judge condemned their actions, describing the neglect as prolonged and repeated, with a clear disregard for the animals’ suffering. The judge acknowledged potential personal and financial difficulties faced by the couple but emphasized that they were unfit to own or care for dogs.

Sentencing included a 34-week custodial sentence suspended for one year, along with 25 days of rehabilitation activities. Horsford was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, they were required to pay £3,392 in costs, which would be deducted from their benefits. Both individuals received a 10-year ban on owning any animals, and a deprivation order was issued for a fourth dog named Bud. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Huyton.