CARRIE-ANNE RENWICK'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN RUNCORN LEADS TO SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE

Carrie-Anne Renwick, born around 1970 and residing at Meadow Row, Castlefields, Runcorn WA7 2LN, was found guilty of neglecting her pets in a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the local community. The court heard how Renwick abandoned her flat in Primrose Close, Runcorn, leaving behind seven cats to suffer and eventually die in deplorable conditions. The cats' bodies were discovered by RSPCA inspectors after she had moved out months earlier, leaving her animals to starve and succumb to neglect.

On July 5, 2023, RSPCA inspector Nadine Pengilly entered the property and was immediately met with a distressing scene. As she approached the front door, she was attacked by hundreds of fleas escaping through the letterbox, a clear indication of the severe infestation within. The inspector described the flat as being in a filthy state, with overflowing litter trays, scattered rubbish, and clutter that made some rooms inaccessible. The environment was so neglected that it was impossible to navigate certain areas without climbing over bags of rubbish and shopping.

Inside, the inspector found the first dead cats in the bathroom, which was also filthy and cluttered. Moving into the main bedroom, she discovered a horrifying sight: a dead black cat in the wardrobe, which appeared to have been dead for at least 36 hours, still with flesh on its body and being eaten by maggots. The bedroom contained multiple other carcasses—two cats on the bed, one near the door, and another behind the curtains—each in a state of advanced decomposition. The conditions suggested these animals had been left to die over an extended period, with the bodies dried out and rigid, indicating they had been dead for some time.

RSPCA inspector Leanne Cooper, who also attended the scene, described the overwhelming foul smell emanating from the flat, which she could smell from outside. She observed live and dead flies on the windows and hundreds of fleas, some of which jumped onto her when she opened the letterbox. The environmental evidence, combined with the condition of the carcasses, pointed to starvation and dehydration as likely causes of death, given the absence of water and fresh food in the flat. The vet examined the bodies and confirmed that the carcass in the wardrobe had been dead for at least 36 hours, while the others appeared to have been deceased for a longer period.

Veterinary examination revealed that the cats had likely suffered from prolonged starvation and dehydration, conditions that cause severe weakness, mental suffering, and physical deterioration. The slow process of starvation, which can take at least four days for a cat to die, would have been a prolonged and painful experience for the animals. The neglect was compounded by Renwick's prior refusal of advice from the RSPCA regarding flea treatment and her rejection of offers to rehome her pets. Despite being aware of her responsibilities, she failed to seek veterinary help or provide adequate care.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Renwick had ongoing health and alcohol issues, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior. The court acknowledged the seriousness of her actions and the need for a custodial sentence. However, considering her guilty plea, the judge decided to suspend the prison term. Renwick was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activity, participation in an alcohol treatment program, and a total of £354 in costs and surcharges. Additionally, she received a 10-year ban on owning or keeping animals, which will expire in December 2033.

This case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in Runcorn and beyond, serving as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.