A couple has been handed a prison sentence and a lifetime ban on keeping animals after their American Bulldog suffered a prolonged and agonising death from starvation.
Shocking RSPCA investigations revealed the emaciated body of Bronx the dog was discovered in a squalid property in Atherton, Greater Manchester, surrounded by his own faeces and without access to food or water.
A House of Horrors
Inspectors described a scene of utter neglect. The animal's rib cage and spine were visibly protruding through its skin, a clear sign of extreme malnutrition. The environment was filthy, with faeces smeared across the floor, presenting a clear picture of sustained suffering.
RSPCA inspector Beth Fazackerley, who led the investigation, stated the case was one of the most severe she had ever encountered. "The dog was in an emaciated body condition... There was no food or water available for him and the house was in a dirty condition with faeces smeared on the floor," she reported.
Failure in Basic Care
The post-mortem examination confirmed the worst: Bronx had died directly from starvation. The court heard how the couple, Kelly and Scott Parsonage, had completely failed in their most basic duty of care to provide sustenance for their pet.
This was not a case of accidental oversight but a prolonged period of neglect that led to the animal's inevitable and painful death.
Justice Served
At Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court, the pair faced the consequences of their actions. Both received an 18-week custodial sentence and were disqualified from keeping all animals for life.
This ruling sends a strong message that such blatant animal cruelty will be met with the full force of the law. The lifetime ban ensures no other animal will suffer at their hands.
