VICTORIA HOLLINSHEAD AND NEIL HOUGH FROM GREAT HAYWOOD SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO GREYHOUND

Victoria Hollinshead, born around 1983, and Neil Hough, born approximately in 1978, both residents of The Uplands in Great Haywood, Stafford, with the postcode ST18 0SH, faced serious legal consequences after being convicted of neglecting and mistreating a vulnerable greyhound. The case, brought forward by the RSPCA, revealed disturbing details about the couple’s failure to ensure the welfare of the animal, which was found in a severely neglected state, covered in lesions and cigarette burns.

Authorities had conducted three visits to the couple’s residence in Stafford Road, Cannock, in late 2015. During the initial inspection, the greyhound, named Red and estimated to be between eight and ten years old, appeared to be in relatively normal condition, although there was some concern about minor fur loss. Hollinshead explained to the inspector that the fur loss was due to an allergic reaction caused by a change in the dog’s diet. By the time of the second visit, the fur had begun to regrow, and inspector Mark Crutchley advised that the dog should be taken to a veterinarian if the fur loss persisted.

However, concerns escalated when a social worker visited the property and expressed alarm over the greyhound’s condition and the presence of a man staying at the house. Witnesses reported that this man had been seen mistreating Red, including hitting him and throwing him across a room. More disturbingly, it was alleged that the man had stubbed a cigarette out on the dog’s body. Prosecutor Roger Price highlighted the severity of these allegations, noting that the following day, the man attended a police station with an officer and acknowledged that Red was very thin and had missing fur, raising further suspicions.

During the court proceedings, Hollinshead claimed that the dog had been to a vet and that she possessed a letter from the veterinarian, although she was unable to produce it. The inspector observed lesions on Red’s body, particularly on the back and leg, which appeared red and sore. The social worker described the injuries as resembling cigarette burns, but Hollinshead insisted that the lesions were caused by the dog rubbing against the stairs.

Following these findings, the social worker removed the dog from the couple’s care, and the RSPCA arranged for a veterinary examination. The vet confirmed that Red was emaciated, weighing only 21 kilograms, whereas a healthy weight for a dog of his age and breed would typically be around 25 kilograms. The court also heard that Hollinshead had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was not on her medication at the time of the alleged offences, which occurred between November 23 and December 23, 2015. Discrepancies in her account were noted, and it was revealed that she was currently attending a course aimed at controlling her heroin misuse.

Neil Hough, who also struggled with heroin addiction, claimed that the mistreatment was carried out by a lodger and that he felt partly responsible for the dog’s suffering, expressing regret for not being there to protect Red. Hollinshead tearfully stated, “I would love to have animals again, I absolutely adored that dog. He saved me.”

Ultimately, both Hollinshead and Hough received an 18-month community order, which included a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement. They were also fined a total of £490 each, covering fines and court costs. Additionally, they were banned from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years, with the ban set to expire in June 2026. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect or abuse vulnerable creatures.