DEBBIE WILLS OF WAREHAM SENTENCED FOR DOG CRUELTY IN DORSET

Debbie Clara Wills, born around 1990 and residing in Lower Cranesmoor, Bovington, Wareham BH20 6LR, was convicted in 2020 of severe animal neglect after she starved her dogs and abandoned one’s emaciated body in a garden shed.

Wills neglected and deliberately starved two springer spaniels, resulting in the death of one and the suffering of the other, who was only saved from complete collapse.

The deceased dog, Finn, was six years old and described as a black and white springer spaniel. When found, he was matted, with overgrown nails, open sores, and weighed just 8.8kg — a weight typical of a three-month-old puppy, indicating starvation.

The second dog, Aero, was three years old and also a springer spaniel. He weighed merely 6.4kg and was so severely emaciated that he couldn't lift his head during an inspection by RSPCA officials.

Authorities learned that the dogs had been confined in a cage in Wills’ hallway, with food placed just beyond their reach. Despite seeing their suffering, Wills reportedly ignored their needs.

RSPCA Inspector Graham Hammond responded to a call from a concerned member of the public and visited Wills’ home. There, he found Aero in a collapsed state, with visible bones, matted ears, open sores, and nails that had curled overgrown.

Inspector Hammond also discovered Finn's body stored in a garden shed. A post-mortem examination revealed that Finn had starved to death.

Aero was taken to a veterinarian for emergency care and subsequently recovered, leading to his rehoming.

Inspector Hammond described the case as “heartbreaking,” saying, “The dogs were in an emaciated condition on the hard cage floor. Their open sores, long nails, and matted, wet ears would have caused both Aero and Finn significant suffering.” He added, “This case is heartbreaking. Debbie Wills ignored the needs and suffering of Aero and Finn. Finn died in front of Aero. Aero collapsed soon after Finn, as he was so weak he was hours from death.”

He explained, “There was food within inches of them, just outside their cage, but sadly too far away. During these last days of their lives, Debbie Wills could see they were losing weight and becoming dangerously thin but did nothing about it. She simply walked past their cage, failing to feed them properly, take them to a vet, or seek help.”

As a result of her actions, Wills has been banned from keeping animals for life. She previously operated a Facebook page called the Glossy Girls Boutique, which at the time of reporting was deactivated. She claimed her neglect was due to struggles with a poorly child and insisted her failings were accidental rather than malicious.

Wills was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and required to complete a 15-day rehabilitation activity. She was also ordered to pay costs of £512. Furthermore, she received a lifelong ban on keeping animals, with the option to appeal after ten years.