SHARON AND ASHLEY WOOD CRUELTY IN PENZANCE: HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE CASE REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the community of Penzance, Cornwall, Sharon Elizabeth Wood and her son Ashley Mark Wood have been found guilty of causing severe neglect and suffering to their pet dog, Dexter. The incident has brought to light the extent of their neglect and the tragic condition of the dog, which was discovered in a deplorable state.

Sharon Wood, a mother of five, and her son Ashley, formerly residing at the same address on Polmeere Road, Penzance, but now living at Penventon Terrace, Redruth, TR15 3AD, were both involved in the mistreatment of Dexter. The court heard that their actions amounted to “despicable cruelty,” with both admitting to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to the animal. Dexter was found in a dire condition, covered in open sores, with almost no fur remaining. His body was emaciated, with ribs and backbone clearly visible due to extreme undernourishment.

The case was brought to light after a family friend, horrified by Dexter’s condition, discovered the dog in a state of extreme neglect. The dog, only 10 months old at the time, was immediately taken to veterinary professionals for urgent care. The RSPCA and police were contacted, and Dexter was subsequently taken into their custody. When examined, Dexter weighed a mere 12.85 kilograms, a dangerously low weight for a dog of his age. Over the following days, with intensive care and a specialized diet, his weight increased to 15 kilograms, and eventually, he reached a healthy weight of 19.8 kilograms.

Veterinary staff reported that Dexter’s condition was severe; he was unable to wear a collar because it caused bleeding around his neck. His fur was almost entirely gone, except along his back, and his eyes were swollen and discharging fluid. Despite his suffering, Dexter responded well to treatment, and under the care of the RSPCA, he made a remarkable recovery. The photographs presented in court showed a stark contrast between his condition at the time of rescue and his current healthy state. Dexter has since been re-homed, a testament to the effectiveness of intervention and proper veterinary care.

The court was informed that Ashley Wood claimed Dexter had been ill for two weeks prior to his rescue, but he did not seek veterinary assistance. Instead, he asked friends for help, who suggested taking Dexter for a swim in the sea. Ashley also admitted to using skin cream in an attempt to treat Dexter’s condition, which further underscored the neglect. The veterinarian’s report confirmed that Dexter had been suffering for at least four months, highlighting the prolonged period of cruelty inflicted upon him.

In addition to Dexter, the Woods were known to have five cats and another dog, which has already been re-homed. The prosecution requested that the court impose a ban on them keeping any animals in the future, given the severity of their neglect.

During court proceedings, Beverley Wilmott from the Probation Service described Sharon Wood as ashamed of her actions. She acknowledged that Sharon was aware of Dexter’s poor health but failed to seek treatment due to concerns about costs and her reluctance to face trouble. Wilmott noted that Sharon, who had lived in her council house for 17 years, no longer felt safe there due to media coverage and was experiencing health and mobility issues she had not addressed.

Regarding Ashley Wood, Wilmott explained that he had been in denial about the situation, suffering from anxiety linked to alcoholism. Financial difficulties had contributed to his neglect, as other bills took precedence over Dexter’s care. However, he was now receiving help for his alcohol issues from relevant agencies.

Legal representation for the Woods, solicitor Charles Hulley, stated that they had cooperated fully with the investigation and had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. He also mentioned that the media coverage had caused them difficulties, prompting a desire to relocate to a different area.

Magistrate Mr. Aldred emphasized the seriousness of the offences, stating that neither a fine nor a community sentence was appropriate given the cruelty involved. He condemned their failure to act to alleviate Dexter’s suffering, which was a clear breach of animal welfare laws.

As a result, both Sharon and Ashley Wood were sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years. They were also ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £415 each. Furthermore, they are permanently banned from keeping any animals, with no right of appeal for at least 10 years. The court also ordered that any animals still in their care within 21 days be seized, underscoring the gravity of the case and the need for accountability.