WREXHAM PUPPY EARS CROPPED BY JORDAN AND CARL BIRCHALL - COURT HEARS OF ANIMAL WELFARE FAILURE
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Wrexham Animal Abuser
In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates in Wrexham, two individuals, Jordan Birchall-Roberts and Carl Birchall, faced justice for their neglect and mistreatment of a young bulldog named Zena. The incident, which unfolded in the town of Wrexham, highlights serious concerns about the proper care and humane treatment of animals, especially puppies subjected to unnecessary cosmetic procedures.
Jordan Birchall-Roberts, born on 11 January 2002 and residing at Heol Cadfan, Coedpoeth, Wrexham LL11, along with his father, Carl Cassius Marius Birchall, born on 14 March 1974 and living at 43 Meadow Lea, Caia Park, Wrexham LL13 8SN, pleaded guilty to a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Their offense centered on failing to meet the basic needs of Zena, a bulldog puppy, by neglecting to provide her with essential veterinary care for her cropped ears.
The court proceedings revealed that the defendants claimed to have owned Zena for only a week, asserting that her ears had already been cropped when they acquired her. This statement was scrutinized during the hearing, as evidence suggested otherwise.
On June 9, 2022, RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies visited Meadow Lea in Wrexham after receiving a report. Upon arrival, she found Zena in the living room, immediately noticing that her ears had been cropped in a manner that appeared both uneven and swollen. The inspector observed visible holes where stitches had been placed, indicating recent and improper surgical intervention.
In her written statement, Inspector Davies recounted that a woman at the property explained that the puppy had been screaming in pain on her first night at home. The woman said they had given Zena Calpol to ease her discomfort, and claimed that she had been fine since then. However, the inspector was concerned about the apparent swelling and pain, which suggested that the ears had not been properly cared for.
When questioned about the origin of Zena, Birchall-Roberts explained that he had received a phone number from Gumtree and had collected the puppy from some men at a service station in Chester. He admitted that he had not taken Zena to a veterinarian, despite the evident signs of injury and infection. Inspector Davies advised him of her concerns and expressed her intention to have Zena examined by a vet. Initially reluctant, Birchall-Roberts agreed after consulting with his father to allow the inspector to take the puppy for veterinary assessment.
At the veterinary clinic, Zena was examined and diagnosed with swollen ears showing signs of infection. The vet confirmed that the wounds had caused her significant suffering, which had persisted for approximately one week since the injuries occurred. The police took custody of Zena, and she was placed into the care of the RSPCA.
A veterinary surgeon's statement emphasized the cruelty of the situation, noting that Zena had endured unnecessary pain and suffering during the week following her injury. The veterinarian stated that prompt veterinary intervention could have alleviated much of her distress and that, in a reasonable scenario, the puppy should have been taken to a vet immediately after the injuries were sustained. The report concluded that Zena’s needs had not been met for about a week, highlighting the neglect involved in her treatment.
Prior to the court hearing, Zena was officially signed over to the RSPCA’s custody. The defendants faced sentencing that included financial penalties and restrictions. Both Jordan Birchall-Roberts and Carl Birchall were ordered to pay costs of £300 each, a fine of £120, and a victim surcharge of £34. Additionally, they received a 24-month ban from owning or caring for any animals, which will expire in December 2024. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in Wrexham.
Jordan Birchall-Roberts, born on 11 January 2002 and residing at Heol Cadfan, Coedpoeth, Wrexham LL11, along with his father, Carl Cassius Marius Birchall, born on 14 March 1974 and living at 43 Meadow Lea, Caia Park, Wrexham LL13 8SN, pleaded guilty to a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. Their offense centered on failing to meet the basic needs of Zena, a bulldog puppy, by neglecting to provide her with essential veterinary care for her cropped ears.
The court proceedings revealed that the defendants claimed to have owned Zena for only a week, asserting that her ears had already been cropped when they acquired her. This statement was scrutinized during the hearing, as evidence suggested otherwise.
On June 9, 2022, RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies visited Meadow Lea in Wrexham after receiving a report. Upon arrival, she found Zena in the living room, immediately noticing that her ears had been cropped in a manner that appeared both uneven and swollen. The inspector observed visible holes where stitches had been placed, indicating recent and improper surgical intervention.
In her written statement, Inspector Davies recounted that a woman at the property explained that the puppy had been screaming in pain on her first night at home. The woman said they had given Zena Calpol to ease her discomfort, and claimed that she had been fine since then. However, the inspector was concerned about the apparent swelling and pain, which suggested that the ears had not been properly cared for.
When questioned about the origin of Zena, Birchall-Roberts explained that he had received a phone number from Gumtree and had collected the puppy from some men at a service station in Chester. He admitted that he had not taken Zena to a veterinarian, despite the evident signs of injury and infection. Inspector Davies advised him of her concerns and expressed her intention to have Zena examined by a vet. Initially reluctant, Birchall-Roberts agreed after consulting with his father to allow the inspector to take the puppy for veterinary assessment.
At the veterinary clinic, Zena was examined and diagnosed with swollen ears showing signs of infection. The vet confirmed that the wounds had caused her significant suffering, which had persisted for approximately one week since the injuries occurred. The police took custody of Zena, and she was placed into the care of the RSPCA.
A veterinary surgeon's statement emphasized the cruelty of the situation, noting that Zena had endured unnecessary pain and suffering during the week following her injury. The veterinarian stated that prompt veterinary intervention could have alleviated much of her distress and that, in a reasonable scenario, the puppy should have been taken to a vet immediately after the injuries were sustained. The report concluded that Zena’s needs had not been met for about a week, highlighting the neglect involved in her treatment.
Prior to the court hearing, Zena was officially signed over to the RSPCA’s custody. The defendants faced sentencing that included financial penalties and restrictions. Both Jordan Birchall-Roberts and Carl Birchall were ordered to pay costs of £300 each, a fine of £120, and a victim surcharge of £34. Additionally, they received a 24-month ban from owning or caring for any animals, which will expire in December 2024. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglect and cruelty in Wrexham.