CHRISTOPHER RUSHTON AND KIRSTY HALES FROM BOURNEMOUTH CONVICTED OVER ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE INVOLVING STARVING PUPPY

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community, Christopher Rushton and Kirsty Hales, both residents of Bournemouth, have been found guilty of neglecting a young puppy, leading to severe malnutrition and suffering. The incident, which took place in 2015, involved the couple falsely claiming to the RSPCA that they had discovered a starving puppy on the streets, when in fact, they had been responsible for its condition during the two months it was in their care.

The puppy, a four-month-old lurcher named William, was brought into the RSPCA center in Allesley by NHS workers Christopher Rushton and Kirsty Hales. They reported that they had found William, then called George, abandoned and starving on the street. However, investigators soon uncovered the couple’s deception. It was revealed that Rushton and Hales had failed to provide proper nutrition for William, which resulted in him becoming dangerously malnourished. The puppy was discovered curled up and unable to stand by a passerby on Willenhall Lane, Binley, in September 2015.

One RSPCA inspector described the case as the worst she had encountered in ten years. The couple had purchased William impulsively after seeing him advertised online, without understanding the responsibilities involved in caring for a young dog. Their lack of knowledge about proper feeding and care led to William’s rapid decline in health, with a vet confirming that he was not only severely underweight but also suffering from anemia and dehydration at the time of rescue.

Further investigation revealed that Rushton and Hales, who have two children, had recently moved from Coventry to Bournemouth. Their failure to properly care for William was a clear case of neglect, and they pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the puppy between August 26 and September 9, 2015.

RSPCA inspector Nicky Foster, who led the investigation, expressed her disappointment, stating, “This would never have happened if they had done their research before getting him. Getting a dog should never be done on impulse, and this is evidenced by what happened to William. It is heartbreaking to think that, because of this, four months ago he was close to death.”

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the RSPCA, William made a remarkable recovery and was eventually rehomed with a loving family. His condition improved significantly under their care, and he now enjoys a safe and caring environment.

As a consequence of their actions, Rushton and Hales faced legal penalties. They were sentenced to a 12-week prison term, suspended for one year, and ordered to complete 35 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, each was required to pay £889 in costs towards the RSPCA investigation and court proceedings, along with an £80 victim surcharge. The court also imposed an indefinite ban on them keeping animals, although they are permitted to reapply after five years, which would be in 2021.

The case has sparked widespread concern about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership, emphasizing that such neglect can have devastating consequences for vulnerable animals like William.