A Disturbing Case of Animal Cruelty In a distressing case of animal cruelty, a couple has been convicted for the neglect and starvation o...
A Disturbing Case of Animal Cruelty
In a distressing case of animal cruelty, a couple has been convicted for the neglect and starvation of their Lurcher dog, Tiggy. This tragic incident stands as one of the most horrifying examples of animal mistreatment on record.
The Shocking Discovery
Kerry Patterson, aged 35, and Reece Milburn, aged 30, claimed to have found three-year-old Tiggy abandoned on the roadside and promptly reported the case to their local council. Their apparent act of goodwill led to the involvement of an animal protection officer who visited their home in Blyth, Northumberland. The officer described Tiggy's condition as the worst he had encountered in his 15 years on the job.
Tiggy's dire situation was captured in photographs that left little room for doubt. The images revealed a dog with nearly no fur on her body, her ribs clearly visible due to extreme emaciation. Dehydration, rashes, and a mite infestation further added to her suffering. She had become so weak that she couldn't even stand on her own.
The Viral Appeal for Justice
Tiggy's ordeal unfolded just days before Christmas in 2019, and her heartbreaking pictures quickly gained widespread attention, triggering an appeal from Northumberland County Council to identify her owners. Within days, numerous letters came in, confirming that Tiggy belonged to Patterson and Milburn.
On Thursday, March 3, the couple appeared in court at North Tyneside Magistrates Court and admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected species, Tiggy, and to neglecting their other dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Enzo. As a consequence, they were sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, banned from owning or caring for animals for life, and required to pay a victim fee of £120 each.
According to a council spokeswoman, Philip Soderquest, this case was "one of the most appalling and high-profile examples of animal cruelty the county has ever seen." He commended the relentless efforts of the animal welfare team in investigating and bringing the culprits to justice.
A Happy Ending for Tiggy
Tiggy's story ultimately found a happy ending, thanks to the dedicated team at Berwick Animal Rescue Centre. With their care and support, Tiggy regained her health and happiness. She found a new home, new canine companions, and even received a new name.
Enzo, the couple's other dog, who also suffered from skin ailments and a mite infestation, is currently awaiting a permanent home in kennels.
FAQs
Q1: What were the charges against the couple?
A1: The couple, Kerry Patterson and Reece Milburn, were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to their dog Tiggy, a protected species, and neglecting their other dog, Enzo.
Q2: What was the outcome of the court case?
A2: The couple received a 12-week prison sentence, a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals, and were each required to pay a victim fee of £120.
Q3: What happened to Tiggy after her rescue?
A3: Tiggy's story had a happy ending as she found a new home, regained her health, and received a new name, all thanks to the efforts of the team at Berwick Animal Rescue Centre.
Q4: What is the status of Enzo, the other dog?
A4: Enzo is still in kennels, waiting for a permanent home.
COMMENTS