WYTHENSHAWE WOMAN CHANTELLE JARVIS SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN MANCHESTER

Chantelle Jarvis, a woman originally from the Wythenshawe area of Manchester, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving her dog, Mylo. Born on November 17, 1988, Jarvis was previously residing on Benchill Avenue, Sharston, but by 2019, she had moved to Blackpool, Lancashire. Her case drew significant attention after authorities uncovered the dire conditions in which her dog was kept.

Mylo, a black and white male crossbreed, was discovered in a deplorable state after a routine visit by a housing officer. The officer was there to follow up on rent arrears at Jarvis’s residence. Upon arrival, the officer noticed a disturbing scene: post hanging out of the letterbox and a strong, pungent smell emanating from inside the property. Concerned about the welfare of both the dog and possibly Jarvis herself, the officer returned the following day. Fearing for her safety, police were called to the scene, and an officer was compelled to force entry into the house.

Inside, the conditions were shocking. Mylo was found gasping for water, severely emaciated to the point where his ribs were clearly visible through his fur. The environment was filthy, with no food in sight, and a cat litter tray covered in mold alongside large amounts of excrement, creating an overwhelming stench that caused the police officer’s eyes to sting. The scene was a stark illustration of neglect and cruelty.

When Jarvis eventually arrived at the property, she insisted that she had been feeding Mylo, despite the evidence of his emaciation. She claimed that the dog had always been thin, but this assertion was contradicted when the previous owner was contacted and denied any such history of neglect. The authorities confirmed that Mylo was suffering from severe malnutrition, weighing approximately half of what a healthy dog of his size should have.

Following the investigation, Jarvis was charged and brought to court. She faced charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure its welfare. During the trial, Deputy District Judge Edward Barr delivered a stern warning, stating, “For whatever reason, for two weeks this dog was completely and utterly ignored. The conditions speak for themselves, and the photographs showing them make for quite appalling viewing.”

In sentencing, Jarvis received four months in prison, suspended for a year, along with 200 hours of unpaid community work. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning any animals for the rest of her life, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or cruelty. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities towards their pets.