JUSTIN JERVIS OF LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG
| Red Rose Database
Anfield Animal Abuser
Justin Jervis, born around 1976 and residing on Gorst Street, Anfield, Liverpool L4 0SB, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting his elderly dog, Bubbles, which resulted in nearly a year of suffering before her death.
Bubbles, a golden Sharpei, was euthanized by PDSA veterinarians in Kirkdale on September 3, 2018, after she was brought in in a horrifyingly emaciated state. The dog was infected with mature maggots nesting in her ear canal and migrating through her head. Additionally, one of her back legs was swollen from cancerous growths.
Jervis pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, having neglected his dog for approximately 11 months.
Prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, Peter Mitchell explained that Bubbles had first been examined by PDSA vets in October 2017. At that time, she was in such poor condition that euthanasia was recommended to prevent further pain. She weighed only 18kg and was classified as severely underweight using the RSPCA’s body weight scoring system, where scores range from one (emaciated) to nine (obese). At her time of death, Bubbles scored just one.
On October 25, 2017, Jervis requested painkillers for Bubbles after the initial visit. The vet provided medication on the condition that he returned after one week for a follow-up. However, Jervis did not return until nearly a year later, by which time his dog was critically ill.
Mitchell stated, “Mr Jervis was interviewed under caution and had to be arrested. He minimized the dog’s condition and made no comment when asked if the dog was suffering or distressed. Vet Sean Taylor described the dog as emaciated, with a maggot-infested ear canal, masses on the legs, and lung issues. The dog was evidently in distress in October 2017, yet was not presented again until September 2018. After medication was provided, the dog continued to suffer and worsened over the subsequent months. He confirmed that the dog was suffering due to weight loss and ear maggots for 11 months.”
The inspector handling the case described it as among the worst she had encountered in her 16 years with the RSPCA, and she was visibly distressed, crying when the sentence was read.
Judge Shaw commented on the disturbing photos of Bubbles’ neglect, saying, “They are terrible photos, aren’t they? I don’t think I have ever seen a dog in that condition.”
Jervis, of Anfield, Liverpool, was given a 20-year ban from keeping animals.”
In sentencing, Judge Shaw remarked, “On November 25, 2017, you were aware that your dog was so unwell that the vet suggested euthanasia. You were asked to take her back after seven days. Over the next ten months, she lost significant weight, becoming clearly emaciated. Her condition was atrocious and pathetic. As her caregiver, your neglect amounts to cruelty.”
Defense lawyer Emma Smith stated, “This is not a case of deliberate harm. Jervis finds this very difficult to accept. For twelve years, he had no medical issues with the dog that he failed to address. You might find it hard to believe, but he cared deeply for her and was distressed that she had to be euthanized. There was no malice involved.”
Jervis was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison—serving eight weeks behind bars—and was placed on a 12-month supervision order. He is also barred from keeping animals for 20 years and cannot appeal this ban for at least 10 years.
Bubbles, a golden Sharpei, was euthanized by PDSA veterinarians in Kirkdale on September 3, 2018, after she was brought in in a horrifyingly emaciated state. The dog was infected with mature maggots nesting in her ear canal and migrating through her head. Additionally, one of her back legs was swollen from cancerous growths.
Jervis pleaded guilty to three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, having neglected his dog for approximately 11 months.
Prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, Peter Mitchell explained that Bubbles had first been examined by PDSA vets in October 2017. At that time, she was in such poor condition that euthanasia was recommended to prevent further pain. She weighed only 18kg and was classified as severely underweight using the RSPCA’s body weight scoring system, where scores range from one (emaciated) to nine (obese). At her time of death, Bubbles scored just one.
On October 25, 2017, Jervis requested painkillers for Bubbles after the initial visit. The vet provided medication on the condition that he returned after one week for a follow-up. However, Jervis did not return until nearly a year later, by which time his dog was critically ill.
Mitchell stated, “Mr Jervis was interviewed under caution and had to be arrested. He minimized the dog’s condition and made no comment when asked if the dog was suffering or distressed. Vet Sean Taylor described the dog as emaciated, with a maggot-infested ear canal, masses on the legs, and lung issues. The dog was evidently in distress in October 2017, yet was not presented again until September 2018. After medication was provided, the dog continued to suffer and worsened over the subsequent months. He confirmed that the dog was suffering due to weight loss and ear maggots for 11 months.”
The inspector handling the case described it as among the worst she had encountered in her 16 years with the RSPCA, and she was visibly distressed, crying when the sentence was read.
Judge Shaw commented on the disturbing photos of Bubbles’ neglect, saying, “They are terrible photos, aren’t they? I don’t think I have ever seen a dog in that condition.”
Jervis, of Anfield, Liverpool, was given a 20-year ban from keeping animals.”
In sentencing, Judge Shaw remarked, “On November 25, 2017, you were aware that your dog was so unwell that the vet suggested euthanasia. You were asked to take her back after seven days. Over the next ten months, she lost significant weight, becoming clearly emaciated. Her condition was atrocious and pathetic. As her caregiver, your neglect amounts to cruelty.”
Defense lawyer Emma Smith stated, “This is not a case of deliberate harm. Jervis finds this very difficult to accept. For twelve years, he had no medical issues with the dog that he failed to address. You might find it hard to believe, but he cared deeply for her and was distressed that she had to be euthanized. There was no malice involved.”
Jervis was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison—serving eight weeks behind bars—and was placed on a 12-month supervision order. He is also barred from keeping animals for 20 years and cannot appeal this ban for at least 10 years.