BRIDGEND DOG-ABUSER JANINE MALONEY SENTENCED AFTER HEAT-TRAP IN BRIDGEND AND SOUTH WALES

Janine Maloney, a professional dog-sitter from Bridgend, South Wales, has been convicted and sentenced for causing the tragic deaths of two French bulldogs, Lila and Phab, under her care. Born on May 27, 1974, Maloney, who also goes by the name Janine Malone, resides on Maesteg Road, Tondu, Bridgend, with the address CF32 0DP. Her involvement in this heartbreaking case has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community alike.

On a hot day in September 2021, Maloney left her two four-year-old French bulldogs, Lila and Phab, inside her vehicle, believed to be a Kia Sorento. The dogs were confined in the car for several hours without access to water, ventilation, or any form of cooling, despite the external temperatures rising between 16°C at 10 am and reaching up to 22°C by 5 pm. The conditions inside the vehicle proved fatal for the animals, leading to their death from heat stroke or heat stress.

According to a statement from the RSPCA, Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Black recounted her meeting with the owner of the dogs, who was visibly distressed and emotional about the incident. The owner explained that she returned to her address on that Sunday to find her dogs dead, believing they had been left in the car during the hot weather. The evidence indicated that the dogs had been left in the vehicle for hours without water, with windows closed and no air conditioning, creating a lethal environment.

Veterinary post-mortem examinations revealed that both dogs suffered from pathology changes consistent with heat stroke and stress. The autopsies showed hemorrhagic areas in their bodies, and their brachycephalic (short-nosed) anatomy, characteristic of French Bulldogs, along with being overweight, likely increased their vulnerability to heat-related death. The report emphasized that the combination of high external temperatures, poor ventilation, and lack of water caused significant respiratory distress and prevented the dogs from dissipating body heat effectively.

In court, Maloney pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs and neglecting their basic needs. The court was informed that she had since closed her pet care business, Pet Patrol Club. The District Judge described her actions as a clear case of neglect, highlighting her blatant lack of care and failure to check on the dogs during the hours they were left in the vehicle. The judge condemned her for doing nothing to intervene or ensure their safety.

Following the sentencing, DCI Gemma Black expressed her disappointment and reiterated the importance of public awareness. She emphasized that leaving a dog in a hot car, even for a short period, is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Black urged the public to act immediately if they see a dog trapped in a vehicle on a warm day, advising them to call emergency services by dialing 999.

Maloney was sentenced to a 16-week suspended prison term, along with a 15-day Rehabilitation Activity requirement, a six-month alcohol program, and ordered to pay £500 in costs and £500 in compensation to the dog owner. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning or keeping dogs for five years.

In February 2024, further legal action was taken against Maloney when she appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court after admitting to breaching a court order that banned her from keeping dogs. She was found to have continued caring for dogs despite the ban, which had been imposed in February 2023. The RSPCA provided evidence that she was in possession of dogs and was caring for animals belonging to others, in violation of her disqualification.

Maloney, now residing on Bridgend Road, Aberkenfig, was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody, with additional fines and orders for her to rehome her dog, Badger, within 14 days. The court also extended her disqualification from owning dogs for another five years, with a three-year window to contest the order. The judge described her breaches as deliberate and flagrant, noting her continued disregard for the law even after being served with legal notices.

Supporters and animal advocates have expressed their outrage and concern over her ongoing actions. Steph Pendleton, the owner of Lila and Phab, publicly criticized the justice process, alleging that the case only scratches the surface of her alleged cruelty and deception. Pendleton accused Maloney of manipulation, bullying, and neglect, revealing that her dogs suffered immensely and that her actions extended beyond the initial incident. She also claimed that Maloney’s involvement in other questionable activities, including obtaining animals through deception and neglecting her responsibilities, remains under investigation by authorities.

Community members and animal welfare groups continue to monitor her case, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and public reporting to prevent further harm. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of neglect and the critical need for responsible pet ownership, especially during warm weather conditions. The authorities urge everyone to remain alert and to act swiftly to protect animals from similar tragedies in the future.