JEAN SIMPSON OF MALTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN NORTH YORKSHIRE

Jean Audrey Simpson, born on April 27, 1958, and residing on Milton Avenue in Malton, North Yorkshire, has been convicted of severe animal neglect following a prolonged period of cruelty towards her pet Bichon Frise, named Oscar. The case drew significant attention due to the shocking condition of the dog, which had endured at least two years of neglect under Simpson’s care.

Oscar’s suffering was discovered after concerns were raised about his health, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA. Inspector Alice Cooper was dispatched to Simpson’s residence in Malton, where she encountered a dog in an appalling state of neglect. The small dog was found to be in extreme pain, with his entire body covered in matted fur, which had become so severely tangled that it caused infections and suffering. The veterinarian’s examination revealed that Oscar’s fur was so badly matted that one of his eyes had to be surgically removed due to irreversible damage caused by the neglect.

Inspector Cooper described the scene vividly, stating, “Oscar had extreme and extensive matting over his head, face, ears, legs, and feet.” She further explained, “His ears were two large clumps of infected, matted fur with green, yellow, and black tar-like gunk oozing out and spreading across his face. One eye was completely matted over with fur, while the other was crusted with green gunk stuck to the eyeball and surrounding tissue. His legs were solid masses of tightly packed fur, and his feet resembled large balls of matted hair, with only a few nails visible amid the tangled mess.”

Despite attempts to assess his condition, Oscar was visibly distressed, whimpering and crying out in pain whenever touched. The neglect had led to multiple health issues, including sores all over his body, inflammation of the ear canal, and the loss of 17 teeth. The veterinarian team was compelled to sedate Oscar to remove the matted fur, which resulted in him losing approximately 1 kilogram in weight. The severity of the neglect was such that the vet’s team had to remove one of his eyes, leaving him blind, due to the permanent damage inflicted by the matted fur.

Simpson had contacted the RSPCA prior to the investigation, requesting that Oscar be re-homed because of his ear problems. However, when the vets arrived, they found the dog in a dire state, requiring hours of grooming and medical treatment. The process involved sedating Oscar and removing the matted fur, which was so extensive that it obscured his foot pads and nails. The neglect was a clear indication of a failure to provide basic veterinary care, which could have easily been addressed with proper grooming and medical attention.

Oscar’s story took a turn for the better after his rescue. He was taken to York Animal Home, where he received treatment and care. Following his recovery, he was rehomed to a loving couple who have since become his new family. Inspector Cooper expressed relief that Oscar had found a caring home, stating, “Although he has lost an eye and will require ongoing medication, Oscar is fortunate to have been adopted by a wonderful couple who adore him. His case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and seeking help when struggling to care for animals.”

In sentencing, Jean Simpson received a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, she was banned from owning or caring for any animals indefinitely. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws in North Yorkshire and beyond.