DARYN DEVINE FROM ST HELENS SENTENCED AFTER LEAVING DOG IN AGONIZING CONDITION FOR SIX YEARS

Daryn Devine, also known by the name Daryn Davies and residing at Drybeck Grove in St Helens with the postcode WA9 3WG, was found guilty of neglecting his pet dog, Angel, leading to her suffering from a severe and untreated ear infection for an astonishing six-year period. The case highlights a prolonged period of neglect that resulted in significant pain and deterioration of the animal's health.

Angel, an American bulldog, was subjected to neglect that left her in a state of constant discomfort. The neglect was so severe that a senior veterinarian at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital described her condition as the most extreme example of chronic pinnal thickening and narrowing of the ear canals she had encountered in her decade-long career. The veterinarian expressed concern that Angel had been enduring intermittent ear pain for years, likely due to repeated flare-ups that were either not reported to a veterinarian or ignored despite veterinary advice.

On October 30, RSPCA Inspector Caren Goodman-James visited Devine’s residence in St Helens. She was invited inside by a woman who claimed to be caring for Angel while Devine was incarcerated. Upon arrival, the inspector observed a scene of neglect: the garden was cluttered with rubbish and debris, and the interior of the home was strewn with litter. During her inspection, she noted Angel’s distress, as the dog was seen shaking her head and rubbing her head against the sofa in an attempt to alleviate her discomfort.

Angel’s right ear was visibly inflamed, appearing hard and solid, while her other ear was red and inflamed. She also exhibited redness around her muzzle. Her claws were overgrown, folded back under her feet, and all four paws showed signs of redness and inflammation. The inspector immediately recognized the urgent need for veterinary intervention and was granted permission by the woman to take Angel to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment.

At the veterinary hospital, Angel’s condition was a cause for concern among the staff. Despite her poor health, she responded positively to treatment. The veterinary team was able to access her clinical records from a veterinarian in Liverpool, revealing a long history of ear and skin infections dating back to 2014, six years prior. Records indicated that Angel had a stent placed in her infected ears to facilitate medication administration, but she was not brought back for follow-up visits for three months, during which her condition worsened significantly. The prolonged presence of the stents likely caused her severe discomfort, and neglecting follow-up care only exacerbated her suffering.

Inspector Goodman-James emphasized that Devine was aware of Angel’s severe ear problems but chose to leave her untreated, allowing her condition to worsen over the years. She stated, “There is never an excuse not to seek veterinary help for a pet. Sadly, she was left in this suffering state for six years, and it must have been absolutely terrible for her to endure this constant pain and irritation.”

When Angel was rescued, she was subdued and appeared very sorry for herself. However, with proper care and attention, she has since shown remarkable improvement, becoming happy and lively again. The case underscores how essential proper veterinary care and compassion are for animals in distress.

In court, Daryn Devine pleaded guilty to a single animal welfare offence. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail and received a ten-year ban on owning or keeping dogs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership.