NORA AND SONNY MANNION'S CRUELTY IN OXFORD: DOGS ABUSED AND ATTACKS ALLOWED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Oxford, Nora Christine Mannion and her son Sonny Christian Mannion were found guilty of severe animal cruelty and neglect. The incident came to light after police and RSPCA inspectors executed a search warrant at Nora Mannion’s residence located at 9 Denmark Street, Oxford, on May 26, 2011. During the raid, authorities discovered five bull terrier dogs left alone in the property, prompting immediate concern for their welfare.

These dogs, a crossbreed bull terrier pair named Yao, Billy, Marley, Cannon, and Blingers, were subjected to horrific conditions. Veterinary examinations revealed that the animals bore numerous small injuries, some consistent with fighting wounds, and others with cigarette burns, indicating deliberate abuse. The severity of their injuries was such that all five dogs had to be euthanized, as they were deemed too aggressive and dangerous to be rehomed. The vet reports confirmed that the injuries were inflicted over time, with some wounds clearly caused by fighting or malicious acts.

Following the investigation, Nora Mannion faced charges related to her ownership of the dogs and her failure to control them in public, which resulted in injuries to a stranger’s dog. She admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to one of the animals, Yao, by neglecting to provide necessary veterinary care. Despite her involvement, she was only sentenced to a six-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, along with a three-month curfew, a fine of £500, and an order to pay £500 in compensation. Additionally, she was banned from owning animals for ten years, a ban that expired in March 2022.

Her son, Sonny Mannion, who has a lengthy criminal record including convictions for three robberies, criminal damage, battery, shoplifting, and dealing Class A drugs, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of the animals. He was sentenced to a three-month curfew and ordered to pay £500 in costs. Like his mother, Sonny was also banned from owning animals for five years, a ban that expired in March 2017.

Senior RSPCA inspector Kirsty Wignall expressed her satisfaction with the sentencing, particularly highlighting the disqualification orders. She noted that it was not possible to determine exactly who was responsible for the cigarette burns on the dogs, but the evidence pointed to a pattern of neglect and abuse. The wounds found on the animals suggested they had been involved in fights with other dogs or each other, further emphasizing the brutal conditions they endured.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty in Oxford and the importance of vigilant enforcement by authorities to protect vulnerable animals from such heinous treatment.