ESHA PROUDLOVE AND CRAIG SHINGLER FROM ELLESMERE PORT FACE JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO PUPPY IN NESTON

In August 2021, a disturbing case of animal abuse emerged involving a young woman and her partner from Ellesmere Port, who inflicted severe injuries on a defenseless puppy and subsequently attempted to conceal the truth from veterinary professionals.

Esha Proudlove, aged 20, was accused of physically assaulting Maya, a 16-week-old brindle crossbreed puppy. According to reports, Proudlove claimed that Maya had tried to escape from her crate, which allegedly resulted in the puppy suffering three fractured ribs. However, evidence and witness testimonies painted a far more troubling picture of ongoing cruelty.

Her boyfriend, Craig Shingler, aged 24, was also implicated in the case. During police investigations and court proceedings, it was revealed that Shingler failed to disclose the true nature of the injuries and the abuse that Maya had endured. The couple’s actions and the lies they told to veterinary staff raised serious concerns about their treatment of the animal.

The case was brought before Wirral Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutor Peter Mitchell detailed the disturbing accounts from neighbors and witnesses. Neighbors in the Neston area, where Proudlove resided, reported hearing loud arguments and witnessing the aftermath of alleged abuse. One neighbor recounted seeing a urine-soaked carpet being removed from Proudlove’s flat and left in the communal hallway, indicating neglect and possible mistreatment.

Further reports described hearing a dog yelping and screaming over several days. Proudlove had acquired Maya in October of the previous year, and neighbors recounted hearing a loud bang followed by her shouting, “Quick before she dies, quick she’s dying.” Witnesses also claimed to have heard a dog being kicked on multiple occasions, with one neighbor stating they saw Proudlove holding the puppy and saying, “Craig, look what you’ve done.”

Medical examinations of Maya revealed the extent of her injuries. On October 16, the puppy was taken to a veterinarian with signs of head trauma. The vet was told that Maya had fallen from a sofa, but subsequent observations showed a bleed in her right eye, a clear symptom of head injury. Despite being kept overnight, her condition did not improve, and she was taken back to the vet two days later. The second visit revealed no signs of CPR being performed, contradicting Proudlove’s claims.

On November 12, Maya was brought to the vet again, this time with swelling on her thorax. An expert indicated that the swelling was consistent with significant force or strangulation. After her discharge, Proudlove returned with Maya the same day, presenting three fractured ribs. She claimed these injuries resulted from her attempting to squeeze the puppy out of her crate.

Throughout the investigation, Proudlove provided false accounts to cover up the abuse. Expert testimony confirmed that Maya had suffered “significant violence,” including two episodes of severe head trauma. The injuries indicated a pattern of sustained cruelty.

In addition to the abuse of Maya, Proudlove was also responsible for neglecting her previous dog, Milo. Between April 9 and April 13, 2020, she failed to take reasonable steps to meet Milo’s needs. Craig Shingler admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Maya between October 15, 2020, and November 13, 2020, and was found guilty of neglecting the animal’s welfare.

During the court hearing, magistrates Carmel Stewart, David O’Malley, and Colin Vallance-Owen sentenced both individuals. Proudlove received a 12-week suspended prison sentence for one year, along with orders to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, an eight-week curfew from 7 pm to 7 am, and pay costs of £250 plus a victim surcharge of £128. Magistrate Stewart acknowledged her mental health issues and the potential for rehabilitation, considering her previous good character and the impact of the pandemic.

Craig Shingler was also handed a suspended sentence, reflecting his role in the abuse and neglect. The court emphasized that both individuals acted together and failed to prevent the harm inflicted upon Maya.

Fortunately, Maya has now been rehomed with a caring family, away from the environment of cruelty she endured in Ellesmere Port and Neston.