TRACEY CLIFFE'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN BURNLEY LEADS TO CONVICTION AND LIFETIME BAN

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that shocked the community of Burnley, Tracey Cliffe, born on November 4, 1982, and residing on Shale Street, was found guilty of leaving her family of Rottweilers to suffer and die from starvation. The tragic events unfolded when RSPCA inspector Charlotte Booker visited Cliffe’s residence on Eldon Street, Bury, and uncovered the heartbreaking scene.

Inspector Booker reported that she encountered a yard cluttered with an overwhelming amount of rubbish, with faeces strewn across the area. Amidst the filth, she discovered the remains of a large Rottweiler, which was emaciated to the point that all its bones were visible. The dog, identified as Kaiser, a three-year-old, had died from severe malnutrition and weighed only 18.6 kilograms—less than half of the typical weight for his breed, which is around 45 kilograms. Curled up beside Kaiser was another live Rottweiler, also emaciated and displaying signs of depression. The dog did not respond when the inspector shouted, and both animals were lying on a pile of rubbish, indicating a neglectful environment.

Further inspection of Cliffe’s home revealed a kitchen in a deplorable state, covered in filth and excrement. On the worktop, a dead puppy wrapped in newspaper was found, indicating a tragic end for one of the young animals. Inside a crate lined with damp newspaper on the floor, three puppies—believed to be born to the surviving adult dog—were discovered. These puppies were severely underweight, with some weighing as little as 4 kilograms. It was revealed that another puppy had been eaten by the starving male adult dog, highlighting the severity of the neglect.

The surviving adult female, named Jez, was also found to be severely malnourished, with her ribs, pelvic bones, and spine clearly visible through her skin. The puppies, in a dire state of health, were rescued and taken into RSPCA care. One of the puppies was so weak that it had to be euthanized by the officers to prevent further suffering. Over the course of five weeks in care, Jez gained 10 kilograms, and her condition improved significantly. Both she and the two remaining puppies were eventually rehomed into loving families, a testament to the efforts of the RSPCA.

Despite her absence during the trial, Cliffe was found guilty of four charges related to animal neglect. Her actions, or lack thereof, had caused immense suffering and death among her pets. The court sentenced her to a 20-week prison term, suspended for a period, and imposed a lifetime ban on her from owning or keeping any animals. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Burnley area.