BLACKBURN ANIMAL CRUELTY COUPLE CALLUM RICHARDSON AND ELLEN SYMON AVOID PRISON
In May 2022, a disturbing case of animal cruelty unfolded in Blackburn involving a couple who inflicted severe harm on their pets, leading to tragic consequences for several cats.The incident garnered significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community, highlighting the brutal treatment of defenseless animals and the legal repercussions faced by the offenders.
Callum Richardson and Ellen Jayne Symon, both aged 22, resided together at Heatley Close in Blackburn at the time of the incidents.
Their actions resulted in the death of their eight-week-old kitten, Coco, and serious injuries to two other cats under their care.
Despite the gravity of their offenses, the couple narrowly avoided imprisonment but faced a series of legal sanctions, including a lifetime ban on keeping animals.
The RSPCA was alerted to the situation following reports of animal abuse at the couple’s residence.
The initial concern arose when a local cat charity informed authorities that they had taken in five cats from the couple’s home at their request.
Some of these cats exhibited injuries that strongly suggested deliberate harm.
Inspector Danni Jennings responded to the call on November 4, 2020, and collected the animals for veterinary assessment at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
During the examination, it was discovered that two of the cats were struggling to walk, and one, named Ellie, had a fractured right forelimb.
The investigation revealed that Ellie’s injury was caused by being struck with a sweeping brush during a domestic argument, leading to a leg amputation.
Although Ellie recovered from her injuries, tests failed to determine the cause of balance issues in the other two cats, raising concerns about possible neurological conditions.
The veterinary team decided to euthanize the affected animals to prevent further suffering, while the remaining cats were treated for fleas and worms and later returned to full health.
Tragedy struck again on January 26, 2021, when the RSPCA was called to the couple’s property after reports that Coco had been killed.
The kitten’s body was found inside a shoe box at the residence.
An autopsy indicated that her death was likely caused by blunt force trauma, consistent with being thrown against a wall multiple times.
Both Richardson and Symon accused each other of the act, but the evidence pointed to deliberate abuse, with injuries suggesting more than one incident of violence.
Further investigations in August 2021 uncovered additional evidence of cruelty.
The RSPCA responded to reports that the couple’s other cat, Lucifer, was severely injured and in pain.
Lucifer, a one-year-old cat, was found with a fractured right hind limb, multiple old fractures of the cheekbone, and thirteen fractured ribs.
He was rushed to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where he underwent surgery to pin his leg and was placed on two months of cage rest.
An independent veterinary expert testified that Lucifer’s injuries were consistent with repeated physical abuse, causing him significant suffering through fear, distress, and pain over a period of weeks.
In court, the veterinarian explained that Ellie’s injury was consistent with being hit with a sweeping brush, while Coco’s injuries indicated multiple instances of blunt force trauma, not just a single incident.
Inspector Jennings described the case as a horrific example of cruelty to vulnerable animals, emphasizing that such treatment is entirely unacceptable and warrants strict legal action.
Despite the severity of their actions, the couple received a relatively lenient sentence.
They were handed 18-week prison sentences, suspended for two years, and were ordered to complete 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.
Additionally, they were banned from owning or caring for any animals for life and ordered to pay £350 in costs each.
The RSPCA successfully rehomed Ellie and Lucifer, who are now thriving in their new homes, away from the cruelty they endured at the hands of their former owners.
