DECLAN ROURKE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE: DOGS STARVED TO DEATH

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that has shocked the community of Newcastle upon Tyne, Declan Rourke, also known as Kian Rourke, was found guilty of severe cruelty towards two dogs on Welbeck Road, Walker. Born on January 8, 2003, Rourke's actions have brought to light a tragic story of neglect and suffering involving his pets, Charlie and Lola.

Rourke's failure to provide adequate nourishment for his dogs resulted in their extreme malnutrition and suffering. The first victim, Charlie, a one-year-old cocker spaniel, was brought into a veterinary clinic in Wallsend, North Tyneside, after being found unconscious. The veterinary staff described Charlie as being in a dire state, with his body weight reduced to just 4.5 kilograms. Upon examination, the vets discovered that Charlie was emaciated, with faeces in his mouth, and his body covered in fleas and flea dirt. His ribs, hips, and spine were painfully visible, indicating prolonged neglect.

During questioning, Rourke claimed that he could not afford to feed Charlie, a statement that underscored the neglectful circumstances leading to the dog's death. The investigation was led by Inspector Lucy Green, who noted in her statement that there were conflicting accounts of what had happened to Charlie. Despite efforts to rehome him, Rourke had been attempting to find a new owner for months, yet failed to provide proper care.

Following Charlie's death, Rourke brought in Lola, an 18-month-old springer spaniel, for assessment. She was found to be in a similarly poor condition, weighing only 6.2 kilograms with a body condition score of one, where the ideal score is between four and five. The vets concluded that Lola's condition was also a result of prolonged starvation, although there was no clear cause of death for Charlie other than starvation, which had likely been ongoing for more than four weeks.

It was revealed that Rourke's father, David Rourke, was also a convicted animal abuser, having previously bludgeoned a Shih Tzu to death with a hammer and set the body on fire. David Rourke has since passed away, but his history of cruelty adds a disturbing context to the case.

Rourke pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. As part of his sentence, he received an 18-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, attend 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and pay a victim surcharge of £154. Furthermore, Rourke was disqualified from keeping animals for five years, a ban that will expire in June 2029.

The rescued dog, Lola, was handed over to the RSPCA and, after receiving care and treatment from the Northumberland West branch, was successfully adopted into a loving home. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the ongoing need for vigilance against neglect and cruelty in the community of Newcastle upon Tyne.