PAUL BROWN FROM LONDON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CRUELTY TO DOG GIRLIE

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Paul Brown, a resident of London, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a female dog named Girlie. The incident came to light in February 2015 when the RSPCA responded to a distress call to Brown's property in Cricklewood, London NW2 3BU. Upon arrival, inspectors discovered Girlie, a dog estimated to be around two years old, in a severely compromised state, lying on a blanket in the garden.

Girlie's condition was shocking: her skin was peeling off in large patches, exposing raw, infected wounds underneath. The injuries were so severe that veterinarians believed she had been subjected to deliberate scalding, although there was insufficient evidence to prove that hot liquid had been poured directly onto her. The injuries suggested a cruel act, possibly involving hot water from a kettle or pan being poured over her face and body, causing immense pain and suffering.

Nicole Broster, an inspector from the RSPCA, recounted her experience upon discovering Girlie. She described her shock and disbelief at the sight of the injured dog. “I will never forget the shock I felt when I walked into the garden and found Girlie. I still cannot believe anyone could leave a dog in that condition,” Broster said. She detailed that Girlie's injuries covered at least a third of her body, with large areas of skin peeling away, leaving infected wounds and exposed pink flesh. The dog was lethargic, depressed, and had collapsed due to clinical shock, a life-threatening condition.

During the rescue, Broster had to physically lift Girlie into her arms. As she did so, the dog's skin tore away, sticking to her clothing—a heartbreaking sight that underscored the severity of her injuries. Girlie was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where the vet confirmed that her wounds were consistent with scalding injuries, likely inflicted intentionally.

Brown claimed that he had been caring for Girlie for two weeks on behalf of a friend while they were renovating their house. Despite this, he failed to contact the dog's owners or respond to their attempts to reach him. The RSPCA's investigation revealed that Brown did not seek veterinary care for Girlie's injuries, which worsened her suffering.

Fortunately, Girlie survived her ordeal after receiving treatment at the RSPCA's facility. She was eventually rehomed, but her recovery required ongoing care, including wearing a T-shirt to prevent sunburn due to her sensitive skin. Her case drew significant attention to animal cruelty issues in London.

In sentencing, Paul Brown received a 12-month community order, which included 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £560 in costs and was banned from keeping animals for life. As of June 2020, reports indicate that Brown was living in a homeless hostel in Willesden, northwest London, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by individuals involved in such cases.