REBECCA DOWBENKO'S CRUELTY IN CULLINGWORTH: BRUTAL NEGLECT LEADS TO DOG'S DEATH

Rebecca Dowbenko, also known as Beki Sanderson, a resident of Fairfax Road in Cullingworth, Bradford, faced serious legal consequences after her failure to provide proper care for her beloved dog, Lily. Born around 1970, Dowbenko’s neglect culminated in the tragic death of her nine-year-old Newfoundland, a heartbreaking case that has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities.

According to court reports, Dowbenko showed no remorse for her actions, which involved leaving Lily in a state of severe suffering and neglect. The dog was found with rotting skin, swollen face, and infected sores, conditions that had been left untreated for an extended period. The neglect was so severe that Lily’s face was swollen and septic, with pus and infected wounds, likely caused by blunt force trauma or possibly a tumor. The extent of her suffering was described as 'horrific' by RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby.

Further examination revealed that Lily was suffering from multiple health issues, including severe skin disease, rib swelling, lung injuries, chronic arthritis, and spondylosis. Despite these serious conditions, Dowbenko failed to seek veterinary treatment, neglecting her pet’s urgent medical needs. The dog was also found covered in paint, which Dowbenko claimed had rubbed off from a wet wall, but this was only one of many signs of her neglect.

Investigations uncovered that some injuries on Lily were consistent with deliberate blunt force trauma, raising concerns about possible abuse. The court was informed that Lily’s initial skin condition was brought to the attention of the PDSA in 2017, but Dowbenko did not follow through with recommended follow-up appointments. She was seen at the PDSA again in late 2021, but failed to act on veterinary advice or return for further treatment.

On January 4, 2022, the RSPCA visited Dowbenko’s home, where Lily was found in a dire state of health. The dog was in significant pain, lethargic, and visibly deteriorating over several months. Inspector Hodby described Lily’s condition vividly, noting her large, swollen face oozing pus and infection, and her difficulty in walking, which appeared to require considerable mental effort. Despite being asked if she was under veterinary care, Dowbenko admitted she had not yet taken Lily to the vet but intended to call that day.

Due to the severity of her condition, Lily was taken to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, where veterinarians concluded that her prognosis was hopeless. The dog was euthanized to end her suffering. The post-mortem examination revealed osteomyelitis, with evidence of dead bone on her face, chest trauma, and a rare form of dermatitis. The findings confirmed that Lily had been allowed to endure prolonged pain and suffering because her owner failed to seek timely medical intervention, despite being aware of her condition.

Veterinary experts also noted that a burst abscess on Lily’s face, identified in November 2021, was not followed up on by Dowbenko, further exemplifying her neglect. The RSPCA prosecutor, Mr. Brown, emphasized that Lily’s injuries were consistent with blunt trauma and that her facial swelling had caused her to become blind, with signs of injury developing over several weeks or months.

During the court proceedings, Dowbenko’s defense attorney, Philip Cockroft, highlighted her lack of previous convictions and her claim of being a caring person who had cared for Lily from puppyhood until her death. He also pointed out her personal health issues, including arthritis and severe anxiety, and suggested that her reluctance to seek veterinary care was influenced by her financial situation and her own health beliefs.

However, the court was unpersuaded by her defense. The chair of the bench, Vicky Reynolds, noted that Dowbenko continued to deny any responsibility for Lily’s suffering and showed no remorse. She emphasized that Lily had endured unnecessary pain and suffering due to neglect, and that her treatment was grossly negligent from an early stage.

As a result, Dowbenko was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, with half to be served on license. Additionally, she was disqualified from owning any animals for ten years and faced a deprivation order on her other pets, with the ban set to expire in May 2033. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty.