James Thomas Ashworth, a 41-year-old man from Oswaldtwistle, has been sentenced to 16 weeks in prison following the tragic death of his Staffordshire bull terrier type dog named Hades. This devastating case, which caught the attention of animal welfare organizations, has raised pressing questions regarding pet ownership responsibility and the possible neglect stemming from a lack of proper care.
The saga began in early 2023 when Ashworth contacted the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). At that time, he was at an address in Burnley Road, Briercliffe. He reported that Hades was not eating and was losing weight, expressing his hope for assistance with vet bills. This alarming plea for help from Ashworth marked the beginning of the RSPCA’s involvement, igniting concerns about the dog’s welfare.
Responding to the initial reports, an RSPCA officer promptly visited Ashworth’s home. Upon arrival, they discovered the regrettable state of the dog and swiftly took Hades to the Greater Manchester Animal Hospital in Salford for immediate assessment and treatment. The veterinary staff observed the condition of the dog closely, as the RSPCA aimed to determine the most appropriate steps to ensure Hades received the care necessary for recovery.
Hades was treated for an undetermined wound, and after receiving adequate medical attention, he was returned to Ashworth with guidance on an appropriate diet to help restore his weight. This intervention represented a vital step in addressing Hades’ immediate health needs. The RSPCA’s recommendations aimed to provide Ashworth with the knowledge required to care for his pet properly and ensure that a similar situation would not arise in the future.
Several weeks later, an RSPCA officer conducted a follow-up visit to assess Hades’ condition. While it was noted that the dog’s weight had increased slightly, Hades still exhibited signs of malnutrition and remained considerably underweight. His physical state suggested that he was not receiving the necessary nutrients, primarily due to ongoing negligence.
The situation took a further alarming turn in May 2023. Ashworth contacted Vets4Pets in Colne, claiming that Hades had suffered severe burns. Concerned for the wellbeing of the animal, the veterinary clinic’s reporting system alerted the RSPCA when an anonymous call came in, claiming that Hades had died. This report added to the growing concerns surrounding the dog’s welfare, prompting yet another follow-up by the RSPCA.
When an officer from the RSPCA arrived to investigate, they found that Hades was neither suffering from burns nor deceased. Instead, Ashworth was continuing to solicit support from the RSPCA East Lancashire branch for veterinary vouchers. Demonstrating a consistent pattern of claims surrounding Hades’ health, he was provided with two vouchers intended to assist with the costs of veterinary care.
By July 2023, the RSPCA attempted to follow up with Ashworth again, but they found no sign of him or Hades at his residence. However, they initiated a review with local veterinary clinics, where the records indicated that Hades had received treatment for a shoulder injury and had shown signs of increased weight. This fleeting glimpse of improvement led the RSPCA to believe that Hades was finally receiving the necessary medical care and appropriate nutrition.
Sadly, this assumption proved to be misguided. In January 2024, the RSPCA received yet another call, this time from a pet cremation service expressing concerns about Hades and the circumstances surrounding his death. The report raised alarms about the condition in which Hades had been found prior to his passing. This development prompted further investigation into Ashworth’s treatment of his dog.
Susie Micallef, the RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector who investigated the case, expressed her sorrow regarding the events that transpired. “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,” she stated. Micallef’s comments highlighted not only the neglect Hades experienced under Ashworth’s care but also underscored the ongoing struggle of animal welfare organizations to protect vulnerable animals from similar fates.
When examined at the veterinary clinic, Hades was found to be in an appalling condition. A vet report revealed that Hades had a body condition score of 1 out of 9, indicating extreme malnutrition. The report detailed how his spine and pelvic bones protruded sharply, revealing a distressing lack of body fat. Additionally, there was an obvious loss of muscle mass, which strongly suggested that Hades had been starved for an extended period.
Further examination revealed the horrifying extent of Hades’ suffering. He wore a blue collar that should have fit comfortably around his neck; however, his neck circumference measured just 29 cm—a staggering 45% decrease from the collar’s size, implying he had lost considerable weight. The veterinarian also discovered pressure sores on Hades’ wrists and toes, which had developed as a result of lying on hard surfaces for prolonged periods. Most alarmingly, Hades had a fractured rib on the left side, consistent with blunt force trauma, raising serious questions regarding the potential abuse he had endured.
The veterinary report concluded that there had been a clear lack of appropriate care provided to Hades and could not eliminate the likelihood of prolonged starvation. It articulated the gravity of the situation, stating: “Hades deteriorated to the point of death, and this would have caused a severe compromise in his welfare and caused unnecessary suffering as his body slowly shut down.” The findings served as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of animals reliant on humans for their well-being.
In light of the evidence presented, Blackburn Magistrates’ Court heard the prosecution’s case against Ashworth. Prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh elaborated on the severity of Hades’ suffering, indicating that the dog had experienced severe pain for a minimum of ten days before ultimately succumbing to his condition. This distressing account further illuminated the negligence and cruelty that had taken place under Ashworth’s care.
Despite the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, Ashworth’s legal team sought to mitigate the consequences of his actions. Ashworth, now residing on Hartley Street in Oswaldtwistle, presented a note from his GP that was intended to reduce the duration of his prison sentence. In his defense, Ashworth claimed compliance with a prior community order, although this information did little to alleviate the severity of his past actions.
Deputy District Judge Matthew Wallace, presiding over the case, took a firm stance regarding Ashworth’s responsibility toward Hades. He pointed out the glaring deficiencies that led to Hades’ suffering, remarking, “I believe there were certain failures in you being allowed to keep the dog for as long as you did.” His statement underscored how Ashworth’s choices and neglect ultimately led to the tragic loss of the dog’s life, bringing to light the need for stronger safeguards for vulnerable animals in domestic environments.
The sentencing delivered a measure of accountability, as Ashworth was given a 16-week immediate custody sentence and, importantly, was also disqualified from owning any animals indefinitely. This ruling serves as a stark reminder that neglect and abuse toward animals will not be tolerated, and the legal system recognizes the significant moral and ethical obligation inherent in pet ownership.
The devastating case of Hades serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Each year, countless animals fall victim to negligence and cruelty, with organizations like the RSPCA working tirelessly to address these pressing issues. The loss of Hades exemplifies the dire need for community awareness and proactive measures to ensure similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
As animal welfare advocates call for stricter laws concerning pet ownership and the treatment of animals, it becomes essential for the community to engage in open discussions about responsible pet care. Education surrounding animal welfare, the importance of regular veterinary visits, and the need for proper nutrition are critical aspects of ensuring animals receive the love and care they deserve.
The impact of this case extends beyond Hades’ tragic death; it resonates within the community as a call to action for every pet owner to remain vigilant and conscientious. Every animal deserves a loving, safe environment, and by collectively advocating for the welfare of these vulnerable beings, we can work towards a future where stories like Hades’ become increasingly rare. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder of both the joys and responsibilities associated with pet ownership and the unwavering commitment we owe to our four-legged companions.