JENNY BUTTERFIELD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN DONCASTER LEADS TO SHOCKING DEATH OF STAFFY WOOODY

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Jenny Butterfield, a resident of Doncaster, was found responsible for the tragic death of her pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Woody. The incident unfolded after Butterfield moved out of her home in Batley, West Yorkshire, abandoning her dog in a deplorable state of neglect that ultimately resulted in Woody starving to death over several weeks.

Woody was left behind in an empty property, where he was forced to endure severe deprivation of food and water. The dog’s desperate situation became evident when he resorted to eating candles—specifically, small plastic birthday candles typically found on cakes—due to starvation. His emaciated body was discovered by the landlord, who, along with a locksmith, entered the property on Norfolk Street, Doncaster, to assess the condition of the premises. The house was in a poor state of cleanliness and disrepair, with the lifeless dog lying on a dirty sheet at the top of the cellar stairs, behind a door.

Andrew Davidson, representing the RSPCA, described the case as particularly grave, emphasizing the severity of the neglect that led to Woody’s death. He stated, “This case is a particularly serious case of neglect that ended in death. Woody was laid on a soiled sheet and was in an emaciated condition, all his bones, ribs, and individual vertebrae clearly visible.”

Investigations revealed the presence of empty dog food bowls in the cellar, yet there was no evidence of recent feeding, such as faecal matter or urine, indicating that Woody had been starved for a significant period. A post-mortem examination confirmed the dog had been deprived of sustenance for several weeks. The veterinary surgeon’s report revealed that Woody’s stomach contained multiple plastic birthday candles with their holders, which he had ingested out of desperation.

Further inquiries led police to Butterfield, who was found to be microchipped. She subsequently pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Despite the seriousness of the case, Butterfield was not sentenced to prison. Instead, she received a sentence of 260 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £500 to cover costs, and a lifetime ban on keeping any animals. However, she has the opportunity to apply for this ban to be lifted after ten years, in September 2025.

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in Doncaster and beyond.