STUART BAKER INCE DOG AND BIRD NEGLECT CASE: HORRIFIC CONDITIONS REVEALED IN WIGAN

Stuart Baker, a man born around 1985 and residing on Stopford Street in Ince, Wigan, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect that shocked the local community and animal welfare authorities alike. Baker, who works as a nightclub bouncer, was involved in a case that exposed the deplorable conditions in which he kept multiple animals, including dogs and exotic birds, at his property in Ince.

According to reports, RSPCA inspectors responded to distress calls and arrived at Baker’s residence on Warrington Road, Higher Ince, after neighbors reported seeing two dogs roaming freely in the neighborhood. When inspector Louise Showering attempted to make contact at the property, she was met with a horrifying sight through the front window. The entire living area was in a state of utter filth, with the floor, a dog crate, and furniture such as sofas and chairs covered in dog feces and rubbish. The smell of urine and waste was so overpowering that it could be detected from outside the house.

Due to the extreme contamination and health risks, inspectors had to don protective clothing and face masks before legally entering the premises. Inside, they discovered a scene of neglect that was difficult to comprehend. The living conditions were appalling, with no food or water available for the animals—only empty bowls left in the mess. The downstairs rooms mirrored the same level of squalor, with one room containing a birdcage where a dead cockatiel was found lying amidst its own feces.

At the property, authorities found two adult dogs, nine puppies, a green parrot, and the deceased cockatiel. The two parent dogs were so aggressive that they had to be sedated before they could be safely removed. The nine puppies, all of which were a cross between Rottweiler and Labrador, were found to be suffering from worm infestations and exhibited signs of extreme fear of human contact, indicating they had not been socialized properly. When offered food and water, the puppies eagerly ate and drank, suggesting they had not been fed or given water for at least 48 hours. Veterinarians confirmed that the animals’ health was severely compromised due to neglect, and the air they had been breathing was contaminated, posing further health risks.

The veterinarian also assessed the dead cockatiel, estimating that it had died within 24 hours of being found. The cause of death was believed to be related to sporadic nutrition and the poor living conditions. Baker attempted to justify his neglect by claiming that he had been working away from home and leaving his father in charge of caring for the animals. He described the situation as resulting from a series of “unfortunate events” and mentioned being trapped in a spiral of debt caused by a tumultuous relationship with a violent partner.

In court, Baker admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to his animals, along with his father, Norman Baker, who failed to appear for his court hearing. The case also involved the seizure of a Rottweiler male that had to be euthanized after attacking officials. However, the RSPCA was able to rehome the female Rottweiler, her nine puppies, and the green parrot.

As a result of his actions, Stuart Baker was sentenced to a three-month prison sentence suspended for a period, ordered to pay costs amounting to £2,140, and was banned from keeping any animals for the rest of his life. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable creatures in the community of Ince, Wigan.