SHARON HARTLEY ABANDONS HUSKY AND STAFFY IN BACUP: HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY REVEALED

Sharon Belinda Hartley, also known as Sharon Sheridan, born on November 5, 1979, and residing on Newchurch Road in Bacup, Rossendale OL13, has been convicted of serious animal welfare offences following a disturbing case of neglect and abandonment. Her actions, which have shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, involved leaving her pets in deplorable conditions, resulting in the suffering and death of at least one dog, while another was rescued in a critically malnourished state.

Hartley's case came to light after the RSPCA intervened at her former residence in Thorn Bank, Bacup, on July 21, 2020. The intervention was prompted by her landlord, who reported seeing a dog confined in the kitchen of the property. The landlord expressed concern that the dog appeared extremely thin and had not been seen for several weeks, leading him to believe the animal had been abandoned. Upon inspection, animal rescue inspector Rebecca Goulding found the scene to be appalling. The kitchen was littered with faeces and household rubbish, and the dog, a husky named Luna, was found in a severely emaciated condition, struggling to stand but still able to walk.

Goulding observed scratch marks on the back of the kitchen door, indicating the dog had tried to escape. The environment was contaminated with a strong smell of urine, and the room was infested with flies. Luna was immediately transported to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for urgent care. Veterinary examinations revealed that Luna weighed only 10.7 kilograms, a stark contrast to the typical weight for her breed, which is usually about double that amount. Her ribs, spine, and hip bones were prominently visible, clearly indicating prolonged starvation and neglect. The veterinary team concluded that Luna had been left without food and water for several days, suffering immensely during that period.

Further investigations uncovered the tragic fate of another dog, a Staffy named Caesar, who was found dead at the same abandoned property. Several Facebook comments, including those from Hartley's own brother and son, indicated that the RSPCA had discovered Caesar’s remains during their rescue operation. Hartley had reportedly told acquaintances that Caesar had died weeks earlier after being hit by a car, but evidence suggested he had been left to die of starvation alongside Luna. The community was appalled to learn that Hartley had failed to care for her animals, neglecting their basic needs and leaving them to suffer.

Following her rescue, Luna received intensive care and gradually regained weight, gaining 6.4 kilograms within a month at the hospital. She was subsequently transferred to the Halifax, Huddersfield, and Bradford branch of the RSPCA, where she was rehabilitated and eventually adopted into a loving home. Today, Luna is thriving, and her transformation has been described as remarkable by the staff involved in her recovery. Inspector Goulding expressed her relief and satisfaction, stating, “Luna was in such a sorry state when she was found, with her hips and spine protruding and her face gaunt. Despite her suffering, she was incredibly friendly and loved human contact. I am delighted she has been rehabilitated and now lives in a caring environment.”

In court, Hartley pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences related to Luna. She was ordered to pay a fine of £733 and a victim surcharge of £600. Additionally, she received a ten-year ban from owning animals, a sentence that will expire in 2031. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of her neglect and the importance of animal protection laws.

As of August 2022, it has been reported that Sharon Hartley is residing with a man in Brockhurst Way, Thryberg, Rotherham S65 4BZ. Her current partner, who works as a lecturer at Rotherham College, is aware of her convictions for animal cruelty and violence. Hartley also maintains links to Worksop and has previously lived in Portugal. Despite her criminal record, she continues to live in the community, raising concerns about her ongoing conduct and the welfare of any animals she may now possess.