ILISHA HORNER'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN MIDDLESBROUGH REVEALED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Middlesbrough, Ilisha Horner, born around 1989 and residing on Kinross Avenue, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving her two pet shih-tzu dogs. The incident, which came to light after an inspection by the RSPCA, revealed the heartbreaking neglect and suffering inflicted upon Tilly and Missy, who were discovered in a deplorable state within Horner’s filthy home.

Horner, a mother of four, was prosecuted by the RSPCA after her pets were found to be severely malnourished and living in squalid conditions. The dogs were discovered in the kitchen, confined in a space where they were forced to endure their own urine and faeces, with no access to adequate food or water. The conditions of the animals were so dire that they were described as skeletal, with badly infected claws and matted coats soaked in urine, highlighting the extent of neglect.

The inspection was carried out by an animal welfare officer who visited Horner’s residence in Park End, Middlesbrough. The officer reported that Tilly and Missy appeared “extremely underweight,” with their bodies showing prominent bones. Despite Horner’s claims that there was “nothing wrong” with her pets, the officer observed the contrary. The dogs’ coats were heavily matted and stained with urine and faeces, and both animals exhibited signs of prolonged neglect.

Specifically, Tilly was found to be emaciated, with an infected right hind claw that had become embedded into her paw, causing her significant pain. Missy’s condition was similarly dire, with a heavily matted, urine-stained coat and overgrown claws that risked embedding into her paws. The evidence presented in court confirmed that both dogs had suffered from a lack of proper care over an extended period, primarily due to their owner’s neglect.

Fortunately, since their rescue, both Tilly and Missy have been nursed back to health and are currently in foster care. The court was informed that the neglect was linked to Horner’s personal struggles at the time. She admitted to having difficulty caring for her pets, which she had acquired approximately two years prior to the incident. A probation report detailed her circumstances, revealing that she was pregnant and suffering from morning sickness, with her partner having left her for a short period. During this challenging time, she was left alone with three children and found herself overwhelmed, unable to face returning to her pets or seeking help.

Horner expressed remorse, acknowledging that she knew it was wrong to keep the dogs in such conditions but felt unable to cope. She admitted that she should have asked for assistance but did not do so. The court sentenced her to a three-year conditional discharge, ordered her to pay £300 in costs, and imposed a ban on keeping animals for three years, which expired in February 2020. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglect, even when driven by personal hardship.