LYNSEY ALCOCK AND THOMAS WEBSTER HORRIFIC CAT ABUSE IN SKELMERSDALE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Skelmersdale, Lancashire, two individuals, Lynsey Alcock and Thomas Webster, have been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving the starvation and neglect of multiple cats. The incident came to light after authorities received reports of severe neglect at a property located on Beech Close, where the remains of several cats were discovered in a deplorable state.

On April 12, 2023, RSPCA Inspector Vicki Brooks responded to these reports, prompting her to visit the flat. Upon arrival, she found the front door sealed with official markers and seals, indicating that no one had entered or exited the premises for at least two months. Despite the sealed door, Inspector Brooks and Lancashire Police officers returned two days later, only to find the property still untouched and unoccupied, with neighbors confirming that the occupants had not been seen for an extended period.

Inside the flat, the scene was described as utterly heartbreaking by the inspector. The environment was filthy, strewn with faeces, rubbish, and clutter, creating a scene of utter neglect. The air was thick with flies, and fleas were rampant. As she navigated through the mess, Inspector Brooks encountered the remains of several deceased cats scattered across the floors. The scene revealed a tragic picture of animals that had perished over time, with some remains appearing mummified, indicating they had died weeks or even months earlier, while others were more recent.

Disturbingly, some of the surviving cats had resorted to eating the remains of their deceased siblings, parents, or offspring in a desperate attempt to survive. The inspector noted that between seven and ten cats had died in the flat, with only four bodies remaining intact enough for post-mortem examination. The investigation concluded that starvation was the most probable cause of death, given the absence of food and water, including no water available in the toilet.

Further examination revealed that the cats had died at different times, with some remains showing signs of advanced decomposition. The scene was described as utterly heart-breaking, with the inspector expressing her emotional distress at witnessing such suffering. The flat contained no live animals at the time of the inspection, and the conditions suggested prolonged neglect.

During court proceedings, Alcock denied one charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, claiming she had not lived at the address since September 2022 and had only visited the property twice, once in late December 2022 and again in February 2023, when she remained in a car while someone else entered the house. However, witness statements contradicted her claims, indicating her involvement or knowledge of the situation.

Alcock’s mental health issues were cited as mitigation during sentencing. She was ultimately sentenced to a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, along with a £50 fine and a five-year ban from keeping animals, which will expire in November 2029. Thomas Webster admitted to failing to provide adequate food and water for four animals, resulting in their deaths. He received a 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and was ordered to complete a 12-month mental health treatment program, perform 60 hours of unpaid work, pay £1,000 in costs, and was banned from keeping all animals for eight years, expiring in November 2032.

Inspector Brooks expressed her profound distress over the case, stating, “This was a particularly harrowing and disturbing case for everyone involved. It was not possible to establish the exact number of cats that had suffered and perished whilst in Alcock’s care due to the condition they were found in at the property. It was a heart-breaking scene that will stay with me for a long time and I’d like to thank the witnesses and Lancashire police for the help and support they gave me throughout this very difficult and upsetting investigation.”