NINA JONES OF RADCLIFFE PUNISHED FOR ABANDONING SICK STAFFY IN FILTHY HOUSE

Nina Jones, born around 1988 and residing at 11 Hazel Grove, Radcliffe, near Bury in Manchester with the postcode M26 1DD, has been convicted in connection with the neglect and abandonment of her pet dog. The case drew significant attention after authorities uncovered the deplorable conditions in which the elderly Staffy, named Ronnie, was left to suffer.

In November 2023, an RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer named Lee Farrons responded to a distress call from a concerned neighbour. The neighbour had entered Jones's abandoned home through an unlocked back door and was shocked to find a severely neglected dog inside. Ronnie, a black male Staffy-type dog, was visibly emaciated, trembling, and in a state of distress. The officer described the scene, noting the dog’s poor condition, including a large tumour on the lower left side of his mouth, discharge around his eyes, and ribs and spine that were clearly visible without close inspection.

The neighbour provided photographs and a video showing the inside of the house, which was in a state of extreme mess, with feces and litter scattered across the floor. Recognizing the urgency, Officer Farrons immediately arranged for Ronnie to be taken to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital. Upon examination, a tumour was discovered, and it was evident that Ronnie was suffering from untreated health issues. The dog was unable to urinate despite attempts and was unsteady on his legs, indicating severe weakness.

Despite efforts to contact Jones about Ronnie’s deteriorating condition, the RSPCA and local council made numerous attempts to reach her. It was only on November 23 that Jones was finally spoken to, during which she admitted she knew the dog needed to be euthanized. Unfortunately, Ronnie’s health did not improve despite medical treatment, and the decision was made to put him to sleep to end his suffering. The RSPCA described the case as profoundly sad, highlighting that Ronnie endured approximately three weeks of pain and neglect before rescue.

Jones was prosecuted and subsequently sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 60 days of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Additionally, she received a five-year ban from owning any animals, which will expire in December 2028.

Further allegations from a neighbour suggest a pattern of neglect and irresponsible pet ownership. The neighbour claimed that Jones had an XL Bully puppy and was considering acquiring another. She also kept a tiny female cat, which she allowed to go outside and become pregnant repeatedly, despite neighbours’ efforts to prevent this and offers to take the cat. The neighbour noted that Jones had had at least two dogs since Ronnie, and she rarely saw her, describing her as someone who returned home late in the mornings with her children, most of whom had been taken from her custody. The neighbour also mentioned that the RSPCA had taken the cat, and there was uncertainty about the fate of the XL Bully and other pets, including rabbits that reportedly died from neglect.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets. Nina Jones’s actions have been met with legal repercussions, but the emotional toll of Ronnie’s suffering remains a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.