SARA MURGATROYD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN WIGAN LEADS TO CONVICTION AND BAN

Sarah Murgatroyd, born on January 21, 1978, and residing at Broom Road, Worsley Hall, Wigan WN5 9QH, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty. Her actions, which spanned over several weeks, involved the suffering of a Netherland dwarf rabbit named Noah and a Shar Pei cross dog called Teddy, both of whom she failed to care for properly.

According to court proceedings, Murgatroyd did not recognize the extent of Noah’s illness until a concerned neighbor brought it to her attention. By the time she handed the rabbit over to RSPCA inspector Deborah Beats on April 27, 2022, Noah was in a critical state, having collapsed and suffering from a serious brain infection. The neglect was so severe that the rabbit was euthanised for humane reasons shortly after.

A veterinary examination revealed that Noah was severely underweight, with a body condition score of just one out of five. His body temperature was so low that it could not be measured with a thermometer, indicating extreme hypothermia. The vet confirmed that Noah was suffering from encephalitozoon cuniculi, a parasitic infection affecting the kidneys and brain, which had gone untreated for at least two weeks, if not longer. The veterinarian emphasized that a responsible owner would have sought immediate veterinary care upon noticing the initial signs of illness, but Murgatroyd failed to do so.

In addition to neglecting Noah, Murgatroyd also presented Teddy, a dog suffering from fleas and alopecia, to the inspector. She admitted her inability to care for Teddy properly. The dog was found to be infested with fleas and had hair loss, conditions that were addressed only after the RSPCA took custody of him.

During the court hearing, Murgatroyd pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty. The judge sentenced her to a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities and 80 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £300 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £114. Furthermore, a five-year ban on owning or caring for any animals was imposed, which will remain in effect until July 2028.

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect. The court’s decision aims to serve as a warning to others about the serious legal repercussions of failing to provide proper care for animals in Wigan and beyond.