BYRON ROWLAND FROM BURY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN WARMERSLEY ROAD FLAT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Bury, Greater Manchester, Byron Rowland, also known as Byron Daniels or Byron Allen, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty and neglect. Born on March 19, 1999, and residing at 50 Limefield Road, Radcliffe, Bury BL9 5ET, Rowland was responsible for the tragic death of two beloved pet dogs, Tank and Frankie, after leaving them in a deplorable state of neglect in his abandoned flat on Walmersley Road, Bury.

On January 19, 2022, during a routine inspection conducted by the landlord, the horrific conditions of the flat were uncovered. The RSPCA was called to investigate after reports of neglect, and what they discovered was nothing short of heartbreaking. The bodies of the two bulldog breed dogs, Tank and Frankie, were found in a state of emaciation, having been left without water or proper care for over three weeks. The evidence revealed dark, silhouette stains on the carpets where the dogs had lain, a grim testament to their suffering.

Tank and Frankie were discovered in two upstairs bedrooms, where the floors were heavily soiled with dog feces. The scene painted a picture of neglect and cruelty, with the dogs left to die in squalid conditions. Inspector Jessica Araujo of the RSPCA described the scene in her court testimony, stating that when she entered the flat on February 23, there was not a single source of water available for the dogs to drink. All bowls, pans, and plates were dry, and the taps, kitchen sink, bath, and toilet were all turned off and dry. The landlord also informed her that the central heating had been left on, adding to the neglect.

In the bedroom where Tank was found, there were approximately 40 piles of feces, an overturned empty dog bowl, two empty upright bowls, and an open bag of dry dog food. Similarly, Frankie’s room contained multiple piles of feces mixed with torn-up tissue, further illustrating the neglect and suffering inflicted upon these animals.

Inspector Araujo later contacted Tank’s original owner, who explained that she had asked Rowland to look after Tank after she was unable to take him to her new home. The investigation led to Rowland being tracked down through his mother, Jennifer Mae Smith, and he was subsequently interviewed on March 10. During the court proceedings, a veterinarian’s report revealed that Rowland claimed to have left two bowls of water and a bag of dog food for the dogs. However, the vet clarified that while the food was still accessible, the dogs had no access to water, which is critical for their survival. The report explained that a dog with access to food but no water can become dehydrated and die within eight to eleven days. It was also noted that the dry toilet in the flat was likely used by the dogs to drink water after their bowls were emptied.

Rowland admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Tank and Frankie by neglecting their basic needs between October 31, 2021, and January 19, 2022. The court heard that he failed to meet the essential needs of the dogs during this period, leading to their tragic deaths. In his defense, it was stated that Rowland had lost his job and was behind on rent payments when he abandoned the flat, which may have contributed to his neglect.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Araujo expressed her outrage at the cruelty inflicted upon the dogs, emphasizing that their deaths were entirely preventable. The court handed down a sentence of 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 30 days of rehabilitation activities, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a financial penalty including £1,972 in legal and veterinary costs, as well as a victim surcharge of £128. Additionally, Rowland was banned from keeping animals for five years, a restriction that will remain in effect until December 2027.