OLDHAM COUPLE LEE GANNON AND TRACY COOK ABANDON ELDERLY GOLDEN RETRIEVER IN HORRIFIC CONDITION

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Oldham, Lee Gannon and Tracy Cook, both residents of Kenwood Road, OL1 2NY, have been found guilty of neglecting their elderly golden retriever, Scratch, leaving him to suffer in deplorable conditions. The case came to light after an RSPCA inspector discovered the severely neglected dog on January 27, 2024, inside the couple’s home, revealing a disturbing scene of animal cruelty and neglect.

Inspector Jess Pierce was dispatched to the property following reports of a dog with a large, infected tumour living in distress. Upon entering the kitchen, she observed a small, enclosed area created by an old shed door leaning against the counter, where the dog was confined. The inspector described the scene as distressing: there was no soft bedding or blanket for Scratch to rest on, and he appeared extremely underweight. Despite his thick coat, the inspector could see the outline of his ribs and hip bones, indicating severe malnutrition.

The smell emanating from the dog was described as akin to “rotten flesh,” the worst odor the inspector had encountered on a live animal. Scratch’s legs and stomach were stained with urine, and his fur was matted and soaked in urine, further evidence of neglect. The dog was also observed to have a large, ulcerated tumour hanging from his neck, which appeared infected, with yellowish discharge and signs of necrosis. The floor within the enclosed area contained a puzzle feeder that was empty and a bowl with a small amount of water, suggesting minimal care and inadequate nourishment.

During questioning, Tracy Cook explained that the tumour had been present for approximately a year. She admitted that they had taken Scratch to a veterinarian but could not afford the £1,000 treatment needed to address the tumour. Instead, they had administered antibiotics, which proved ineffective as the mass continued to grow and eventually became necrotic. When the inspector emphasized the urgency of veterinary intervention, Cook agreed to surrender Scratch to the RSPCA. However, when asked about his diet, Cook stated that they had no current dog food, only giving him sausages, which further highlighted the neglect.

Cook was asked if her partner, Gannon, wished to say goodbye to Scratch. She shouted upstairs, but Gannon did not come down, indicating a lack of concern or involvement. The RSPCA’s veterinarian at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital examined Scratch and confirmed the severity of his condition. The vet’s report indicated that Scratch had a body condition score of just one out of nine, with all bony prominences visible from a distance, no discernible body fat, and significant muscle loss. His eyes were sunken, and his coat was matted and soaked in urine. The large necrotic mass on his neck was ulcerated, and pressure sores were present on his limbs, making it difficult for him to rest comfortably.

Further veterinary records showed that Scratch had last been examined on January 3, 2023, when he weighed 41kg. At that time, a lump measuring approximately 4-5cm was noted on his face, which his owners claimed had been there for a long time but had since become infected and ulcerated. The vet recommended surgical removal and a follow-up in seven days. Unfortunately, due to his deteriorating health, the vet made the decision to euthanize Scratch to end his suffering.

In her statement, the veterinarian highlighted the dramatic weight loss of 20kg, or 49%, over just over a year, emphasizing that such a decline should have been noticed and addressed by responsible owners. The large, ulcerated mass was causing ongoing discomfort, and the neglect of basic hygiene and veterinary care had compounded his suffering. The vet noted that the mass had been present for at least a year, and its continued growth and ulceration would have caused significant pain and distress for Scratch during that period.

During the court proceedings, Tracy Cook expressed remorse, stating she was ‘relieved’ that the RSPCA had intervened, as they could not afford treatment. She claimed that Scratch’s poor condition was not intentional but due to bad weather and restrictions that prevented him from being indoors, with only an outside bath available for cleaning. Gannon and Cook both pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, along with additional animal welfare charges for neglecting his needs, including failing to investigate and treat his weight loss, poor body condition, and matted, urine-soaked coat.

Sentencing was handed down with a 24-month community order, including 160 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation. Both were disqualified from keeping animals for five years, a ban set to expire in November 2029. Inspector Jess Pierce reflected on the case, describing Scratch as a gentle and forgiving dog who simply wanted affection. She expressed her sadness at the neglect he endured, emphasizing that he was let down by those responsible for his care. The inspector also noted the emotional toll of witnessing such suffering and the importance of animal welfare enforcement in protecting vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect.