DONNA ALKER FROM CHORLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG FOUND STARVED TO DEATH IN COPPULL

Donna Marie Alker, a mother of seven residing at 29 Dickens Road, Coppull, Chorley PR7 5BJ, has been convicted in 2025 of severe animal cruelty charges after her pet dog, Bella, was found dead under neglectful conditions. The case drew significant attention from the RSPCA and local authorities, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and failure to provide basic care for a vulnerable animal.

On March 17, 2024, the RSPCA responded to a distress call from a member of the public who had submitted a video and report concerning a deceased dog at the address in Coppull. The animal rescue officer, Kelly Nix, was dispatched to investigate the situation. Upon arrival, she discovered Bella, a small black terrier-type dog with curly hair that felt like wire. The dog exhibited clear signs of severe neglect, including green discharge from both eyes, overgrown nails, and a foul smell emanating from her coat. The officer noted that Bella’s body was extremely emaciated, with all her bones—ribs, hips, spine, and legs—easily felt through her skin. The coat was unkempt, stained with urine and feces, with chunks of brown dirt and possibly fecal matter tangled in her fur.

Following the initial assessment, Bella’s remains were transported to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for a thorough veterinary examination. The veterinarian confirmed that Bella was in a critically poor physical state, with her body showing signs of prolonged starvation. Post-mortem analysis revealed multiple pathological abnormalities, including a significantly reduced liver volume, gastric ulceration, and a marked decrease in muscle mass and body fat. The absence of digested food within her intestines indicated she had not eaten for at least 48 to 56 hours prior to her death. Importantly, no chronic health conditions were identified that could have explained her emaciation, leading to the conclusion that her death was solely due to starvation.

The veterinarian emphasized that a responsible pet owner would have sought immediate veterinary care once noticing such severe weight loss. Bella would have been lethargic, weak, and constantly hungry, with these symptoms likely developing over a minimum of two weeks. The dog’s suffering was compounded by discomfort from matted fur filled with feces, dental disease causing pain and difficulty eating, and inflammation in her eyes impairing her vision. These conditions would have made normal behaviors such as playing or seeking food and water extremely challenging, further indicating her prolonged suffering.

The veterinarian also referenced the DEFRA code of practice for dog welfare, which states that a reasonable owner should check their animal daily for signs of severe weight loss and seek veterinary advice promptly. Alker’s failure to do so resulted in Bella suffering unnecessarily, with her condition deteriorating over an extended period due to neglect.

Following her sentencing, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Susie Micallef issued a statement condemning Alker’s actions. She underscored that it is a legal obligation for pet owners to care properly for their animals, and neglect leading to death constitutes a serious breach of this responsibility. Alker was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for each of the two animal welfare offences. Additionally, she was ordered to undergo three months of alcohol treatment and 15 months of rehabilitation. The court did not specify any ban on owning animals in the sentence.

Overall, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect. Bella’s tragic death underscores the critical need for owners to be vigilant and proactive in caring for their animals, ensuring they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and daily care to prevent such unnecessary suffering.