SCOTT MCDONNELL FROM HASLINGDEN FACES COURT OVER DOG ABANDONMENT IN ROSSENDALE

Scott McDonnell, born on October 8, 1980, and previously residing on Blackburn Road in Haslingden, Rossendale, was involved in a distressing case of animal neglect that drew the attention of local authorities and animal welfare organizations. The incident centered around McDonnell's abandonment of a dog in a hazardous environment, where the animal was left without access to food or water, raising serious concerns about animal cruelty and neglect.

According to court records, McDonnell, who at the time was living on Hardman Terrace in Stacksteads, admitted to leaving his dog unattended in a house that was in a deplorable state. The residence was described as being littered with broken glass, creating a dangerous environment not only for the dog but potentially for anyone entering the premises. Despite claiming to have affection for the dog, McDonnell acknowledged that he had failed to provide basic necessities such as food, water, walks, or companionship. His explanation for neglecting the animal was that he was too tired to care for it, and he had not returned to his home to tend to the dog’s needs.

The dog, an underweight terrier, was eventually rescued after persistent efforts by RSPCA inspectors. These inspectors had been monitoring the property and had attempted to hydrate the animal by squirting water through an air vent. When their efforts proved unsuccessful, they alerted the police, who subsequently forced entry into the house to rescue the dog. The animal was found in a severely neglected state, underweight and in need of urgent care.

McDonnell refused to sign over ownership of the dog to the RSPCA, citing exhaustion as his reason for neglect. His refusal resulted in the charity incurring a bill of approximately £1,500 for the rescue and care of the animal. The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic, where it received proper nourishment and care. Remarkably, within just 17 days of being properly fed, the dog gained two kilograms, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment and the importance of proper care.

In court, McDonnell was fined £250 for his actions. Additionally, he was subjected to a ten-year ban on keeping animals, a restriction that expired in September 2021. The case drew attention to the ongoing issue of animal neglect in the region and underscored the importance of animal welfare laws.

As of October 2021, updates revealed that McDonnell, who has connections to Tyldesley and Bury in Greater Manchester, was residing at 31 Cross Street in Great Harwood, Blackburn, with the postcode BB6 7BT. Following the expiration of his ban earlier that year, it was reported that he appeared to have acquired a dog again, raising concerns among animal welfare advocates about his compliance with animal care regulations and the potential for future neglect cases.