JAMIE BIRTWISTLE OF ACCRINGTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING STARVATION OF DOG AND CAT

Jamie Birtwistle, a resident of Nuttall Street in Accrington, has been convicted of a serious case of animal neglect that resulted in the starvation and death of two beloved pets. Born on May 31, 1986, Birtwistle was found guilty of failing to provide proper care for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Bella and a domestic cat named Storm. The neglect was so severe that both animals were left to die from starvation, with their lifeless bodies subsequently hidden in a cupboard within his home.

According to court proceedings, Birtwistle admitted to neglecting the animals by not feeding them adequately. He confessed to only providing food every other day, despite being aware that the animals were losing weight and suffering as a result. The authorities discovered approximately 30 portions of cat food and a tin of dog food at the property, indicating that he had access to sufficient supplies but failed to care for the animals properly.

When new tenants moved into the property as Birtwistle was in the process of vacating, he warned them not to enter a particular cupboard. Ignoring his warning, the tenants opened the cupboard and found the dead animals, prompting them to contact both the RSPCA and police authorities. The investigation confirmed that Birtwistle's neglect was deliberate and ongoing.

During the court hearing, Laura Haywood, representing Birtwistle, described the case as a “very sad set of circumstances.” She emphasized that her client did not intend to cause harm to the animals but was suffering from mental health issues at the time. Birtwistle has been under medical care, including medication, and has reported hearing voices. His mental health struggles were cited as factors contributing to his neglect, and he expressed understanding of the reasons behind the animals’ deaths, acknowledging that his failure to seek help was a significant mistake.

Haywood also highlighted that Birtwistle was experiencing financial difficulties at the time and was receiving benefits. The defendant has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple convictions for violence against women. Notably, in June 2015, he received a suspended prison sentence after attacking a woman, grabbing her by the neck and attempting to force her head into a window, which left her shaken and bruised. At that time, Birtwistle had accumulated 16 convictions for 23 previous offenses, including battery and assault.

In the recent case, Birtwistle was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison. Additionally, he was banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of five years, although this ban expired in October 2022. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness of his neglect and the need to prevent future incidents of animal cruelty.

Overall, this case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners. The authorities and community members hope that Birtwistle’s punishment will serve as a reminder of the importance of proper animal care and the legal repercussions of neglecting these duties.