Puppy Found Severely Starved by Birmingham Woman Receives Rescue and Justice

A five-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy named Stella was rescued in a dire state after being starved by her owner, Lauren Hopkins, in Birmingham. Hopkins neglected to feed the puppy for approximately three months, leaving Stella severely underweight and malnourished in a flat cluttered with rubbish and broken furniture.

The RSPCA became involved when they attempted to check on Stella’s welfare in December 2023 at Hopkins’ High Road flat, Tottenham, North London. After repeated unanswered calls and messages, police were forced to enter the property. Inside, officers found Stella emaciated, with visible ribs, pelvic bones, and significant muscle loss, indicating long-term starvation.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lee Ricketts reported no animal food present in the flat and described Stella’s condition as critical. At the RSPCA’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital, veterinarians confirmed Stella had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9, far below the healthy range of 4-5, weighing only 5.8 kilograms compared to the average 9-13 kilograms for her breed and age.

The veterinarian concluded that Stella had likely suffered from malnutrition for the majority of her life and had never received proper nutrition. Following her rescue, Stella was placed on a treatment plan and fostered to aid her recovery.

At Birmingham Magistrates Court, Hopkins, 39, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Despite expressing remorse and citing personal difficulties, she was sentenced on November 20 to an eight-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months. Hopkins was banned from keeping animals for ten years and ordered to complete rehabilitation and mental health treatment programs, along with a £154 victim surcharge.

Stella’s case highlights the severe consequences of animal neglect and the critical role of timely intervention by authorities and animal welfare organizations.