TOBIAS RAE WALLASEY DOG CRUELTY CASE: HORRIFIC STARVATION OF DOTTIE

Tobias Rae, also known by the aliases Amira-Sage Rae and Nadine Pownall, born on December 29, 2000, and residing at 25B Littledale Road, Wallasey CH44 8EE, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty involving a young Cane Corso named Dottie. The case has drawn significant attention due to the shocking condition in which the dog was found, having been starved to the point of emaciation.

On January 26, 2023, RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes responded to urgent concerns raised by members of the public regarding the welfare of animals at Rae’s residence. The concerns centered around a large dog called Dottie, who had recently escaped from the property and was reported to be extremely underweight. Upon arrival, Inspector Joynes observed a distressing scene: Dottie was in a skeletal state, with her ribs, spine, and pelvic bones clearly visible. The inspector described the dog as having a pronounced skeletal structure, with atrophied muscles and visible bony processes on her skull, symptoms typically associated with extreme starvation and poor health.

According to Inspector Joynes, Dottie was brought into the communal hallway of the building, where her condition was immediately apparent. The inspector noted a strong smell of urine and feces emanating from the flat. Rae, a biological female, claimed that Dottie, whom she had owned for 18 months, had always been an ill dog and was often scared and urinating excessively. Rae also stated that Dottie had been healthier after giving birth to a litter but quickly reverted to her emaciated state. Despite Rae’s claims of a veterinary appointment scheduled for the following day, investigations with the PDSA revealed no record of such an appointment, indicating her statement was false.

Subsequently, Dottie was seized by a police officer accompanying Inspector Joynes. Rae agreed to surrender her ferret but refused to relinquish another dog at the property, an older Shepherd-type dog named Diesel, who was also underweight but in slightly better condition. Diesel was later placed in the care of Rae’s grandfather. An immediate improvement notice was issued, and the RSPCA provided food supplies to ensure the dogs’ nutritional needs were met in the short term.

Following her rescue, Dottie was taken to a veterinary clinic for a thorough examination. The vet found her claws caked with feces, her ear canals dirty, and numerous circular scars, some still scabbed, on her head, ears, neck, and front legs. These scars were believed to be the result of fights over food with Diesel. Dottie’s emaciation was so severe that a veterinarian could easily wrap her fingers around her abdomen. Her weight was recorded at only 23.6kg, significantly below the expected 30kg for her breed type. Blood tests confirmed anemia, and her body condition score was a mere one out of nine, indicating extreme undernutrition.

The vet explained that such a state of emaciation would have taken several weeks to develop from a previously healthy condition. The muscle loss and cachexia suggested prolonged neglect. The veterinarian emphasized that Rae should have recognized Dottie’s deteriorating health and sought veterinary care earlier. A refeeding program was initiated at the RSPCA center, and within eight weeks, Dottie’s weight increased to 33kg, a sign of her recovery.

During the court proceedings, Rae’s defense attorney, Leigh Irlam, expressed remorse, stating that her client had been overwhelmed and upset by the case. The defense highlighted Rae’s young age, struggles with homelessness in the past, and current efforts to stabilize her life, including making arrangements for the rehoming of Diesel to her grandfather. Magistrates were informed that Rae had no previous convictions and was now in receipt of benefits, living in a stable flat.

However, the court was clear that Rae’s failure to provide adequate care for Dottie constituted serious animal cruelty. She was sentenced to an 18-week custodial sentence, which was later reduced to 12 weeks and suspended for two years. Additionally, Rae was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities, pay a victim surcharge of £114, and was disqualified from owning animals for six years, until May 2029.

Inspector Joynes commented on the case, describing Dottie as one of the most severely underweight dogs he had encountered in his 14 years with the RSPCA. He noted that her condition was life-threatening, and her body had begun to shut down. Fortunately, with proper care, Dottie had begun to recover, gaining over half her initial weight and showing signs of a new, healthier life.

Kay Hawthorn, manager of the animal care center at Wallasey where Dottie is now being cared for, shared her observations. She explained that Dottie initially struggled to eat and was disinterested, making recovery a slow process. However, as she regained strength, her personality blossomed, and she became a favorite among staff members. Hawthorn expressed hope that Dottie would soon be available for rehoming, giving her a chance at a better life.

In the aftermath of the case, concerns remain about other animals owned by Rae. It is believed she may have owned up to five dogs and at least two cats, some of whom are still in her possession despite her conviction. A neighbor shared a photograph of a dog, taken on May 24, 2023, which appeared worryingly thin and possibly pregnant or recently given birth, raising further questions about Rae’s animal care practices. The courts have given Rae 28 days to rehome her remaining animals, with the RSPCA conducting home checks to ensure their welfare. This ongoing situation continues to be monitored by local animal welfare advocates and the community.