Phillip Boyer, the owner of an XL bully named Cali, was prosecuted by the RSPCA and sentenced at Liverpool Magistrates Court. Cali was found dead in a filthy living room with signs of neglect, suffering from canine parvovirus. Boyer was given a 17-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping all animals for five years. The court heard that the living conditions were deplorable, with a pungent smell of urine, feces, and decomposition.
The RSPCA inspector found evidence of neglect and took photographs of a shed where Cali was kept for hours at a time. A vet later examined Cali and gave her a body condition score of two out of nine, noting her visible bones and lack of fat. Cali tested positive for canine parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that can be fatal to dogs. Boyer admitted to being reliant on alcohol and drugs and claimed he couldn’t afford veterinary care for Cali. He was ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirements, 160 hours of unpaid work, and pay a victim surcharge.
The vet testified that Cali’s condition would have caused weakness, debilitation, and suffering. She stated that responsible owners should seek veterinary help if their pet is underweight or lethargic. Despite repeated attempts to contact Boyer about potential animal welfare offences, he evaded authorities. Boyer claimed he didn’t notice Cali’s weight loss and never took her to the vet. Inspector Cooper described finding Cali’s body among piles of rubbish as a sad and upsetting sight, emphasizing that Cali was let down by her owner.
Boyer’s defense that Cali was “great with kids” but “looked scary” did not excuse the neglect and suffering she endured. The court highlighted Boyer’s failure to provide basic care for Cali and ignored her deteriorating health. Cali’s prolonged suffering due to lack of medical attention and proper care led to her untimely death. The case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting an animal’s welfare. Boyer’s suspended prison sentence and ban from keeping animals reflect the severity of the neglect inflicted on Cali. The RSPCA continues to work towards prosecuting individuals who mistreat and abandon animals, ensuring justice for vulnerable creatures like Cali.
