JODIE MULCROW AND DAVID HERBST FROM LEIGH ESCAPE JAIL DESPITE HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE SCANDAL

In a case that has shocked the community of Leigh, two individuals, Jodie Mulcrow and David Herbst, narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found guilty of neglecting their pet dog, Emily, who suffered severe facial injuries under their care. The incident, which came to light during a trial in April 2019, revealed the disturbing neglect and possible abuse inflicted upon the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Herbst, who hails from South Africa, and his partner Mulcrow, both residents of Wigan Road in Leigh, faced multiple charges related to animal cruelty. They were convicted of three separate offenses, including failing to seek veterinary treatment for Emily’s injuries, neglecting her skin condition, and failing to protect her from pain and suffering. Despite their convictions, the magistrates opted to hand down suspended sentences, sparing them from immediate jail time.

The court proceedings detailed how Emily’s injuries appeared to be caused by blunt force trauma, with images of her wounds presented by RSPCA prosecutor Anna McDonald. The couple, who have four children, did not attend the sentencing hearing, but their case was thoroughly examined in their absence. During the trial, it was revealed that a nail-spiked truncheon was discovered on their property, raising suspicions about the potential for deliberate harm.

Witness testimony from a concerned neighbor played a crucial role in the case. The neighbor recounted hearing Emily yelp in September 2018 while in her own garden. When questioned, Herbst initially denied any wrongdoing. However, on November 23, he approached the neighbor in a panic, revealing that Emily had a cut above her eye. The neighbor advised Herbst to take the dog to a veterinarian, but he claimed he had no money to do so. Concerned about Emily’s worsening condition, the neighbor offered to take her to the vet herself if the couple refused.

Further inspection of Emily’s injuries showed a puncture wound on her left cheek, which prompted the neighbor to contact the RSPCA. The dog was subsequently treated at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where veterinarians confirmed that her injuries had been inflicted a few days prior, consistent with blunt force trauma. The treatment included addressing wounds to her eye and upper lip, and she was prescribed painkillers to ease her suffering.

In interviews with RSPCA officers, the couple claimed that Emily had been their family pet for approximately two and a half to three years. They also stated that they had attempted to treat her skin condition but had been unsuccessful. Herbst explained that Emily had been allowed into a field behind their house and had returned with injuries to her head. They admitted to not having the financial means to take her to a vet for proper treatment.

During the trial, it was also revealed that Mulcrow stated Emily had never been taken to a vet and expressed disbelief that her injuries had caused her pain or suffering. The court was visibly disturbed by the images of Emily’s wounds, which highlighted the severity of her condition.

Ultimately, the magistrates sentenced Herbst and Mulcrow to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered each to pay £615 in costs. Additionally, they were banned from owning any animals for a period of 20 years, a measure intended to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has left a lasting impression on the Leigh community, raising ongoing concerns about animal welfare and neglect in the area.