DARREN HUMPHRIES & WENDY DOW – OLDHAM

❌ DARREN HUMPHRIES & WENDY DOW – OLDHAM (OL4) ❌

Darren Humphries, 47, and Wendy Dow, (photo needed of Wendy) 45, from Oldham, have been convicted after failing to provide veterinary care to their severely neglected dog, Ella, who was left emaciated and seriously ill.

On 21 March 2025, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Freya Norton and Inspector Beth Fazackerley attended the couple’s address following concerns for Ella’s welfare. The crossbreed dog was found in an extremely poor condition, with her ribs, hips and skull clearly visible due to severe weight loss.

Ella was wearing a nappy secured with hair ties, which had caused painful pressure sores. Humphries and Dow told officers the dog had been made to wear the nappy continuously since August 2024 due to alleged incontinence.

In a statement to the court, Inspector Fazackerley described being “shocked” at how easily she could feel the gaps between Ella’s ribs, highlighting the severity of her emaciation.

With the owners’ consent, Ella was taken to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for urgent examination. A veterinary assessment gave her a body condition score of 1 out of 9, classed as critically emaciated. She was also found to be suffering from:
• Severe dental disease
• Cataracts
• A heart murmur
• Overgrown nails
• Pressure sores
• Clinical signs of diabetes mellitus (later confirmed by testing)

Due to the extent of her suffering and her poor prognosis, the vet advised that euthanasia was the most humane option. Ella was put to sleep later that same day.

Both Humphries and Dow admitted in court that they failed to take reasonable steps to meet Ella’s basic welfare needs.

Following sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Beth Fazackerley said Ella’s condition would have been obvious for a significant period and stressed that pet owners have a legal and moral duty to seek veterinary help when an animal shows signs of illness or distress.

Sentencing
• 12-month community orders
• 12 days of rehabilitation activity
• 60 hours of unpaid work each
• £200 each in costs
• No mention of a ban on keeping animals imposed