Lancashire man jailed following death of emaciated dog [Warning: Upsetting Images]

James Thomas Ashworth, of Hartley Street, Oswaldtwistle, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in custody and banned indefinitely from keeping animals after causing unnecessary suffering to his bull breed dog, Hades, who died in a severely emaciated state.

The case, prosecuted by the RSPCA, was heard at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 2 January. The court was told that Hades had suffered from extreme emaciation, pressure sores, and a fractured rib. A veterinary report revealed Hades had a body condition score of 1/9, with protruding bones, no body fat, significant muscle loss, and pressure sores from lying on hard surfaces. His fractured rib was consistent with blunt force trauma.

Ashworth first contacted the RSPCA in early 2023, reporting that Hades wasn’t eating, was losing weight, and had a cut on his ear.

An RSPCA officer took the dog to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford for treatment and advised Ashworth on improving Hades’ diet. A follow-up visit confirmed some weight gain, though Hades remained underweight.

In May 2023, Ashworth claimed Hades was badly burned, though an RSPCA visit found this was untrue. He continued to seek veterinary assistance, receiving two vouchers from the RSPCA East Lancashire Branch. By July, veterinary records indicated Hades had been treated for a shoulder injury and had gained more weight.

Ashworth later moved address, and the RSPCA received no further concerns. However, in January 2024, a pet cremation service contacted the RSPCA with concerns about Hades’ condition before his death.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Susie Micallef, who investigated the case, said, “This was an extremely sad case that resulted in the death of poor Hades. The dog was extremely emaciated and suffering from pressure sores. He had very clearly been suffering.”

The vet report concluded that Hades had experienced prolonged starvation, leading to his death as his body slowly shut down, causing severe and unnecessary suffering.

In mitigation, Ashworth presented a note from his GP, which reduced the duration of his sentence, and cited previous compliance with a community order. He was sentenced to immediate custody and disqualified from owning animals for life.

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