WILLIAM MCCULLOCH SHOCKS CUMBRIA WITH CRUELTY TO DOG AT CARPET SHOP IN LONGTOWN
William McCulloch, a traveller residing in the Cumbria region, was found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to a German shepherd named Sheba.The dog was discovered in deplorable conditions outside a carpet shop located at Unit 9, SandySike, Longtown, Carlisle, which is reportedly owned by McCulloch’s son, Billy McCulloch.
Concerns about Sheba’s welfare first emerged on November 16, 2021, when a rescue officer from the RSPCA visited the premises.
During this initial inspection, the officer observed the dog tethered outside the warehouse.
Sheba appeared extremely thin, with her ribs and major bones clearly visible through her skin, indicating severe malnutrition.
The dog’s kennel was in a dilapidated state, with a chewed and frayed entry point that offered little protection from the elements.
The officer also noted the absence of bedding inside the kennel, and when questioned, a staff member at the carpet shop explained that Sheba had been chewing her bedding and suggested straw as an alternative, promising to inform her owner.
At that time, Sheba’s water bowl was empty, but the staff member promptly filled it with water.
It was later established that the dog was owned by Billy McCulloch, the son of the defendant, William McCulloch.
The situation worsened, and on December 2, 2021, RSPCA inspector Chris Towler returned to the site.
This subsequent visit revealed that Sheba’s condition had deteriorated further; she was now emaciated, with her body showing a stark outline of her ribs and bones.
Her fur was heavily matted and dirty, reflecting neglect and poor living conditions.
Following this discovery, Sheba was seized and examined by a veterinarian.
The vet’s assessment confirmed the severity of her suffering.
She weighed only 14.8 kilograms, and her overall body condition was rated as just 1 on a nine-point scale, indicating extreme malnutrition.
The vet also diagnosed her with anemia.
The veterinarian concluded that Sheba had been subjected to prolonged malnutrition, likely over at least a month, which made her vulnerable to secondary illnesses.
The veterinarian’s report emphasized that the dog had endured significant suffering due to neglect and malnutrition.
After her rescue, Sheba was taken into the care of the RSPCA and subsequently rehomed.
Her weight gradually increased, reaching a healthy 26.85 kilograms by March 2022, demonstrating her recovery from the neglect she had endured.
William McCulloch admitted to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to feed Sheba properly and neglecting her basic needs, including a clean and comfortable environment.
During the court proceedings, his defense lawyer, Andrew Gurney, explained that McCulloch was battling serious mental health issues at the time of the offences.
Gurney detailed that McCulloch had been married for 25 years and owned a business run by his wife, which was doing well until his marriage abruptly ended, forcing him out of his family home.
With no fixed address, McCulloch had nowhere suitable to keep Sheba, and his son agreed to house the dog next to the carpet shop, where she was intended to serve as a guard dog.
Gurney stated that McCulloch believed he was taking appropriate steps to care for Sheba, trusting that the shop staff would look after her.
He described McCulloch as a broken man, overwhelmed by his personal circumstances, suffering suicidal ideation, and struggling to cope with daily life.
Despite these challenges, McCulloch had cooperated fully with the RSPCA investigation and had willingly signed over custody of Sheba to facilitate her rehoming.
Gurney emphasized his client’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility.
Inspector Towler commented on McCulloch’s personal struggles but expressed that there was no justification for neglecting a dog in such a condition.
He expressed frustration that a visit to the site a month prior had not resulted in intervention, which could have prevented Sheba’s suffering.
Towler also noted that Sheba was now in the loving care of new owners who adored her and provided her with the affection and attention she deserved.
In sentencing, William McCulloch received a 12-month community order, including 180 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £495 in costs and charges.
Additionally, he was banned from keeping any animals for a period of 10 years, although he has the right to appeal after five years.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare within the Cumbria region, especially among traveller communities involved in various business ventures, including dog breeding and enterprises like Sisters Fascinators.
The authorities continue to emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely intervention to prevent such cases of neglect and suffering.
