COLLEEN RATHBONE FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG IN PORTOBELLO CLOSE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Colleen Rathbone, a resident of Walsall, has been found guilty of starving her elderly Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mo, to the point of severe emaciation. Rathbone, born on 14 January 1993 and living at Portobello Close, Willenhall, was prosecuted after her dog was brought to a veterinary clinic in a critically weakened state on March 7, 2024.

Mo, who was 13 years old at the time, was in such a dire condition that the veterinarian had no choice but to euthanise her immediately due to the extent of her suffering. The vet’s report detailed the severity of Mo’s condition, noting that her body was in a state of extreme emaciation and hypoglycemia, conditions likely caused by inadequate nutrition, malnutrition, or underlying disease.

The veterinarian explained that Mo’s emaciation and muscle wastage would have developed gradually over a period of at least 12 to 16 weeks. To illustrate, the report mentioned that Mo weighed only 8.6kg (19 pounds) at the time of her death, whereas she had previously weighed 18.5kg (40.8 pounds) when microchipped in 2014.

The owner, Rathbone, reported that a dark discharge matted around Mo’s anus was due to dragging her along the garden after she collapsed. However, the veterinarian clarified that the presence of melaena, a condition caused by bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, was confirmed after euthanasia and was not caused by dragging. The vet suggested that the melaena was likely due to stress, neoplasia, or liver or kidney failure, and that Mo probably did not pass a normal stool the day before her examination.

The vet also observed that Mo felt cold to the touch, which Rathbone attributed to her being left outside in the garden during the day after her collapse. However, the veterinarian stated that the low rectal temperature, less than 32 degrees Celsius, was more likely caused by circulatory collapse due to her poor health. Signs such as a low heart rate, prolonged capillary refill time, pale mucous membranes, and hypothermia indicated circulatory shock.

Furthermore, the veterinarian condemned Rathbone for failing to provide proper care and protection for Mo, highlighting that her neglect had likely persisted for at least 12 weeks. The report emphasized that Rathbone’s failure to seek veterinary assistance and to meet her dog’s basic needs resulted in unnecessary pain and suffering for Mo, which could have been avoided with appropriate care.

RSPCA Inspector Fiona Howell, who led the investigation, expressed her concern, stating, “Mo was in extremely poor body condition and had been losing weight for some time. No veterinary advice had been sought, instead she was left to suffer without the care she clearly needed.”

In sentencing, Rathbone received a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs of £350, and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, she was banned from keeping animals for 15 years, although she has the right to appeal after 10 years.