RICHARD BLAIR-FORSTER'S HORRIFIC DOG NEGLECT IN WORKINGTON LEADS TO JAIL SENTENCE

Richard Blair-Forster, a resident of Walker Road in Workington, was found guilty of severe animal neglect that resulted in the near death of two of his dogs. Born on December 1, 1995, Blair-Forster’s actions drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations. Despite living with his mother and sister, neither of whom faced charges, Blair-Forster admitted to neglecting three German Shepherds named Bailey, Rocco, and Denver, as well as a Golden Retriever named Mia.

According to the prosecution, Steven Marsh, when presenting evidence to the magistrates, detailed the disturbing scene encountered by RSPCA Inspector Martyn Fletcher during a visit to Blair-Forster’s residence. The inspector described the dogs as lethargic, emaciated, and in dire need of immediate medical intervention. When the inspector attempted to remove the animals, Blair-Forster refused, threatening the inspector and forcing the RSPCA to leave and call the police for assistance. This refusal delayed critical treatment for the dogs, some of whom had to be physically carried into Millcroft Vets because they were too weak to walk.

The veterinary examination revealed the dogs were severely underweight, suffering from muscle loss and dehydration. The vet estimated that the neglect had persisted for approximately two months. Bailey, one of the German Shepherds, weighed only 15.2 kg at the time of rescue, whereas a healthy weight for a dog of his breed and size would typically be between 34 and 43 kg. It took Bailey 25 days of intensive medical care before he was able to be placed in foster care. During this recovery period, he was unable to hold his head up for five days and could not stand until six days had passed.

Another German Shepherd was hospitalized for 12 days, receiving treatments such as intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and starvation. The veterinarian involved in their care stated that, in her 17 years of practice, she had never seen dogs as starved as Bailey and Rocco. Fortunately, both dogs eventually made a good recovery thanks to the dedicated efforts of the RSPCA and their veterinary team. Mia, the Golden Retriever, also recovered fully, benefiting from the same level of care.

In addition to Bailey and Rocco, Denver, another German Shepherd bred by Blair-Forster’s family, appeared healthier during subsequent examinations. The dogs’ recovery stories highlight the effectiveness of the intervention and the importance of animal welfare oversight.

During police interviews, Blair-Forster claimed that he fed the dogs nearly every day. He also stated that he purchased their food before buying his own, citing financial difficulties as the reason for his neglect. His defense lawyer, Ryan Foley, argued that Blair-Forster acknowledged the dogs should not have been in such a state, attributing the neglect to incompetence rather than malicious intent. Foley also mentioned that Blair-Forster was struggling with personal issues, lacked maturity, and tended to avoid confronting problems directly.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Fletcher expressed his views on the case, emphasizing the seriousness with which the magistrates treated the matter. He praised the work of Millcroft Vets, noting that when the dogs were first brought in, they were considered too far gone to save. However, the veterinary team managed to turn their health around, saving their lives. The recovered dogs are now in foster care and will be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Blair-Forster was sentenced to 16 weeks in jail for animal cruelty. Additionally, he received a two-week sentence for assaulting Inspector Fletcher during the investigation. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and was banned from owning any animals for the next 15 years, a measure intended to prevent future neglect or abuse.