JOSEPH SMITH FROM FAIRFIELD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN LIVERPOOL

Joseph Alan Smith, a resident of Onslow Road in Fairfield, Liverpool, was convicted in 2023 for a shocking case of animal neglect that culminated in the death of his elderly dog. The tragic events unfolded in Smith’s unkempt flat, where he left his aging Staffordshire bull terrier, Tia, to suffer a slow and agonizing death due to starvation and neglect.

According to reports, Smith abandoned Tia in an empty flat with no access to food or water, a situation that led to the dog’s skeletal remains being discovered by his landlord. The landlord, upon entering the premises, was horrified to find Tia covered in maggots and faeces, her body emaciated and in a state of extreme neglect. The dog, estimated to be around 13 years old, was found lying on a sofa in the lounge of Smith’s residence, a scene described as one of utter chaos and horror.

Local authorities and animal welfare organizations, including the RSPCA, responded swiftly to the distressing discovery. The RSPCA had previously been involved with Smith and Tia, with Inspector Louise Showering visiting Smith’s home three months prior to Tia’s death. During that visit, Inspector Showering observed that Tia was severely underweight. Smith had explained that the dog had lost her appetite but had agreed to take her to a PDSA clinic to investigate potential underlying health issues.

Despite these assurances, the situation deteriorated. The RSPCA attempted to follow up with Smith both in person and via telephone but was unable to establish contact. Eventually, an inspector managed to speak with Smith over the phone, during which he falsely claimed that a friend had taken Tia to a veterinarian to be euthanized. In reality, Smith had left her alone in his flat, neglecting her needs until she succumbed to starvation.

When Inspector Lisa Lupson arrived at Smith’s flat, she was met with a scene of unimaginable horror. She described Tia’s body as being skeletal, with protruding bones and maggots swarming her face. The smell was overpowering, making it difficult to avoid gagging. The dog’s faeces were visible, and her nails were grossly overgrown. The inspector recounted that Tia’s remains were found on a sofa, a stark testament to the neglect she endured.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Tia was not suffering from any disease at the time of her death. The primary cause was determined to be starvation, with remnants of plastic food packaging found in her stomach, indicating she had been deprived of proper nutrition for an extended period. An expert veterinary report confirmed that Tia’s suffering was directly linked to the lack of suitable food and water.

During the court proceedings, Smith pleaded guilty to charges of neglect and causing unnecessary suffering to Tia. The court sentenced him to 16 weeks in jail, ordered him to pay a total of £628 in costs and victim surcharge, and imposed a lifelong ban on keeping animals. The case has drawn significant attention to the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets in the Liverpool area, particularly in the Fairfield community.