LOUISE CLEAVE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN DAWLISH: DOG LEFT TO DIE ALONE IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the community of Dawlish, a 39-year-old woman named Louise Cleave was found guilty of neglecting her family dog, leading to the animal's tragic death. The incident came to light in May 2021 when RSPCA inspectors visited Cleave’s residence following reports of suspected mistreatment of her pet.

Dolci, a 15-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was discovered in a deplorable state within the confines of Cleave’s home. The inspectors found the dog dead in a very distressing environment, having been left in a squalid downstairs toilet. The dog was barricaded inside, with a cabinet and a stack of laminated floor strips placed against the door, effectively trapping her. Cleave explained to the inspectors that she had left Dolci in the toilet because the dog had become weak and she was too frightened to check if she was still alive. She further claimed that she could not afford veterinary treatment for her pet.

Cleave admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to the animal by neglecting to provide proper medical care. As a consequence of her actions, she was handed a lifetime ban from owning or caring for any animals. The veterinary examination revealed that Dolci had been suffering from multiple health issues, including a long-standing skin condition and kidney disease. Most critically, she was diagnosed with pyometra, a severe and often fatal infection of the womb.

The prosecutor detailed that the RSPCA inspectors had visited Cleave’s address in Dawlish in January after receiving concerns about the treatment of her dog. During the investigation, Cleave told them that Dolci had been unwell for some time but that she could not afford to seek veterinary help. When the inspectors arrived, they found Dolci lying on her side in her bed, already deceased. The post-mortem examination confirmed that the dog had suffered from septicaemia, septic shock, and kidney failure, and had endured significant mental anguish from being confined for several days.

The autopsy revealed a heartbreaking picture: Dolci’s bones, including her spine, ribs, and hips, were protruding, and her skeletal muscles were markedly reduced. Her body had a thin layer of fat beneath the skin, and she weighed only 10 kilograms. The examination also showed that her kidneys were diseased, and the pyometra had caused a foul-smelling liquid to accumulate, which was unable to drain. Veterinarians described the volume of infected fluid—approximately two liters—as 'astonishing,' indicating the severity of her condition.

In court, Cleave was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation work under probation. Additionally, she was required to pay costs amounting to £528. The court also confirmed that Cleave’s lifetime disqualification from owning or caring for animals would remain in effect for ten years, and she was informed that she could not appeal this ban.