JAMES WARNE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN COLNE: DOG LEFT TO STARVE TO DEATH DURING COCAINE BINGE

In a deeply distressing case of animal neglect, James Warne, a resident of Colne, has been found responsible for the tragic death of a dog named Tank. The heartbreaking incident unfolded at a property located on Oak Street, where Warne was entrusted with the care of the dog but failed in his duty, leading to severe suffering and eventual death.

Images that have since emerged depict Tank, a Bull breed, in a pitiful state of emaciation. The photographs show the dog curled up in a bed, clutching a teddy bear, with his ribs, spine, and pelvic bones starkly visible through his skin. The condition of the dog was so dire that it prompted immediate concern from animal welfare authorities. At the time, Tank was under Warne’s care, but the circumstances surrounding his death reveal a tragic neglect.

According to reports, Warne admitted that he had discovered Tank dead after a period of absence. He explained to an RSPCA officer that he had gone out on a crack cocaine binge, leaving the dog alone in the flat on Oak Street for approximately seven days. Warne claimed that he had left food and water for Tank but did not return in time to care for him properly. The flat itself was found to be in a state of neglect, with no electricity, forcing the attending RSPCA officer to use a torch to examine the scene.

On December 18, 2023, RSPCA animal rescue officer Connie Brown visited the property and spoke with someone who stated they had found Tank dead. The individual also mentioned that Warne had been looking after the dog for about two weeks prior to his death. The condition of Tank was appalling; a veterinary examination revealed that the dog weighed only 12.6 kilograms and had a body condition score of just one out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation. The vet explained that Tank’s suffering was caused by prolonged starvation, which led to weakness, pain, and mental distress. The veterinarian further noted that the deterioration of Tank’s health had occurred over several weeks due to severe nutritional imbalance.

Post-mortem analysis confirmed that there was no underlying pathological reason for the dog's emaciation other than starvation. Interestingly, the dog had been fed just hours before his death, which suggests ongoing neglect and a failure to provide proper care during his final days. Warne’s admission that he had left the dog alone for a week while he was under the influence of drugs underscores the neglectful attitude that led to Tank’s suffering.

During questioning, Warne told the RSPCA officer that someone else had asked him to look after Tank. He admitted that he had gone out on a crack cocaine binge and, during that time, had left food and water for the dog but failed to return promptly. Warne acknowledged that his actions had caused the dog to suffer and expressed regret for his negligence, recognizing that he should have been more responsible.

In court, magistrates sentenced Warne to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and imposed a five-year ban on keeping animals. The court described Tank’s condition as 'disgraceful' and emphasized that Warne’s neglect and disregard for the dog’s welfare had directly contributed to his suffering and death. Chief Inspector Susie Micallef condemned Warne’s actions, stating that the case was profoundly upsetting and that his neglect was inexcusable. She highlighted that Tank’s unnecessary suffering was a tragic consequence of Warne’s failure to provide basic care, underscoring the importance of accountability in animal welfare cases.