JAMES ASHWORTH OF OSWALDTWISTLE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN ACCRINGTON AND SALFORD

James Thomas Ashworth, a resident of Hartley Street in Oswaldtwistle, has been convicted in connection with the systematic abuse and neglect of his pet dog, Hades, which ultimately led to the animal's death from severe malnutrition and neglect. The case has drawn significant attention due to the prolonged suffering endured by the dog and the disturbing details uncovered during the investigation.

Born around 1983, Ashworth’s history includes employment at a slaughterhouse, a detail that has been noted in the context of his capacity for animal cruelty. The tragic case began to unfold early in 2023 when Ashworth, then living on Burnley Road in Briercliffe, contacted the RSPCA to report concerns about his dog, Hades. He claimed that the dog was not eating and was losing weight, expressing hope that the RSPCA could assist with veterinary expenses. During this initial contact, Ashworth also reported that Hades had a cut on his ear, which had caused significant bleeding, but he was unable to provide any explanation for how the injury occurred.

Following the call, an RSPCA officer visited Ashworth’s residence and took Hades to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford for treatment. The dog was found to have a wound on his ear, which was treated, and he was returned to Ashworth with advice on proper feeding to help regain weight. A follow-up visit a few weeks later showed some improvement; Hades had gained weight but remained quite lean, indicating ongoing nutritional issues.

In May 2023, concerns resurfaced when Vets4Pets in Colne received a call from Ashworth, claiming that Hades had been badly burned. Shortly thereafter, an anonymous tip was received, suggesting that the dog had died. An RSPCA officer responded to the report and found Hades alive, with no evidence of burns or injuries consistent with the earlier claim. Despite this, Ashworth continued to seek financial support from the RSPCA East Lancashire Branch, which provided him with two veterinary vouchers.

By July 2023, when an RSPCA officer revisited the property, neither Ashworth nor Hades was present. Follow-up with the local vets confirmed that Hades had been seen following a shoulder injury that had been treated, and that he had gained more weight. During this period, Ashworth had moved to an undisclosed address, and no further concerns were raised at that time, leading to the assumption that Hades was receiving appropriate care and nutrition.

However, this assumption proved tragically false. In January 2024, the RSPCA received a call from a pet cremation service regarding Hades, raising concerns about the dog's condition prior to his death. A veterinary report revealed that Hades was in a state of extreme emaciation, with a body condition score of just 1 out of 9. His spine and pelvic bones protruded sharply, with no visible body fat and significant muscle loss. The dog was found wearing a blue collar measuring 45 centimeters in length, but his neck circumference was only 29 centimeters, indicating a 45% loss in body mass since the collar was fitted.

Further examination uncovered pressure sores on Hades’s wrists and toes, caused by lying on hard surfaces for extended periods. Additionally, a fractured rib on the left side was consistent with blunt force trauma. The veterinary assessment concluded that Hades had suffered from a lack of proper care and nutrition, and the possibility of prolonged starvation could not be ruled out. The report stated that Hades’s deterioration had led to his death, describing the process as causing severe suffering and a significant compromise to his welfare. It emphasized that dogs unable to move or change positions are highly susceptible to pressure sores, which further underscored the neglect.

During the court proceedings, Ashworth presented a note from his general practitioner as mitigation, which resulted in a reduction of his jail sentence. The investigation was led by RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Susie Micallef, who expressed her sorrow over the case. She stated, “This was an extremely sad case that resulted in the death of poor Hades. The dog was extremely emaciated and suffering from pressure sores. He had very clearly been suffering.”

In sentencing, Ashworth received 16 weeks of immediate custody. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping all animals indefinitely, reflecting the severity of his actions and the importance of preventing future cruelty. The case has been widely reported by local outlets including the Lancashire Post and LancsLive, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals in the Oswaldtwistle area.