BURNLEY DOG ABANDONED IN HORRIBLE CONDITION BY IAN BOYCE AND LEANNE ASHWORTH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Burnley, Ian Boyce, born around 1966, and his partner Leanne Ashworth, born on October 24, 1976, both residents of Sycamore Avenue, Burnley BB12 6AS, have been found guilty of neglecting a beloved family pet for several years. The dog, a seven-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Sky, endured unimaginable suffering due to a severe and untreated skin condition that left her with painful lumps, cysts, and areas of raw, bleeding skin.

Despite the obvious signs of distress, Boyce and Ashworth claimed that their failure to seek veterinary care was primarily due to financial constraints. Their neglect was brought to light after Sky managed to escape from her owners’ home and was seen running across a busy road in Burnley. As a police car approached, the dog narrowly avoided being hit and, in a desperate attempt to find safety, jumped into the back of the police vehicle and settled down, drawing immediate attention to her plight.

Following this incident, Sky was taken to a police station, where she was examined by an RSPCA veterinarian. The vet diagnosed her with chronic inflammation, blocked oil glands, infections, and large cysts. The veterinarian emphasized that her condition was entirely preventable and treatable, highlighting the tragic neglect she had suffered over the years. The severity of her suffering was compounded by the fact that she had not received proper veterinary attention for a long time, despite her owners’ claims of attempting to treat her with medicated shampoo.

During the court proceedings at Blackburn magistrates, it was revealed that Boyce was identified as Sky’s owner through her microchip. However, his attitude towards the RSPCA inspector investigating the case was described as dismissive, rude, and arrogant. The inspector, Lyndsey Taylor, recounted that Sky’s skin was in a terrible state, with raw, bleeding areas and lumps that caused her significant discomfort. She further explained that Sky’s suffering was evident when she was rescued, and her condition was so severe that veterinary intervention was urgently needed.

Sky’s ordeal finally ended when she was rescued after her escape. The magistrates ordered that she be signed over into the care of the RSPCA. Since her rescue, her condition has been improving, and she is reportedly healing well, looking and feeling much better.

As for the legal consequences faced by Boyce and Ashworth, Ian Boyce was sentenced to perform 120 hours of unpaid work, while Leanne Ashworth received a 42-day curfew. Both were also ordered to pay a total of £335 in costs and charges. Additionally, they received bans from keeping animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in October 2023. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating effects of neglect on vulnerable animals.