CONVICTED (2023) | Shadelle Moynes-Burns aka Delly Burns, born c. 1992, of 26 Gladstone Terrace, Hastings TN34 3JX – routinely subjected a puppy to violence causing multiple severe injuries.
Moynes-Burns pleaded guilty to three animal cruelty charges in a prosecution brought by the RSPCA after concerns were raised about her puppy Teddy.
The animal welfare charity was called to investigate when the young crossbreed was presented to a vet surgery in December 2021 with multiple rib fractures and injuries to his paws and tail.
Teddy had been seen several times by a vet between October and December 2021 for separate alleged accidents including falling from a bed and choking on a stick.
He was brought into the vet on December 31, 2021, with fluid-filled lumps all over his body.
Following an x-ray, he was found to have 11 rib fractures and multiple injuries consistent with repeat blunt force trauma. He also had fractures to his front paws consistent with them being hit with an object, which also impacted the use of his hind legs.
The vet said it was unlikely the injuries would have been caused by accidents and the rib fractures and lumps on his body (haematomas) were a sign of abuse.
Teddy’s injuries were so bad that the vet considered putting him to sleep but decided that, with the correct care, he could recover.
In mitigation, Lewes Crown Court was told Moynes-Burns had a troubled past, including mental health and attachment issues and was deeply embarrassed by her behaviour.
The court heard she did love Teddy and sought help for him.
During her sentencing, the judge said: “My hope is that you get better, but the keeping of animals will no longer be a part of your life. You can apply in 20 years but the chances of it being lifted are zero.”
In a statement, the vet said: “Teddy is now recovering well in RSPCA care. He is growing well, using his front feet normally and his hind legs are healing well. In spite of everything he has gone through he is a happy, friendly and trusting dog which is a pleasure to see”.
RSPCA inspector Zoe Ballard, who investigated for the charity, said after the hearing: “This is a very special little dog who has had an unimaginable start to life. His rescue was made possible by all those who bravely spoke and cared for him. He has touched the hearts of everyone he has encountered throughout his journey.”
Sentencing | nine-month custodial, suspended for 18 months. 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. Banned from keeping pets for at least 20 years.
Additional Information
According to her LinkedIn profile Shadelle Moynes-Burnes is a recruitment professional but she has worked in care. She has links to the Tonbridge area of Kent .
She is married to Conor Burns. He is/was a co-defendant in the RSPCA’s prosecution case. This is the court listing:
It’s not known if the charges against Conor Burns were dropped or if he is to be prosecuted/sentenced separately.
That ugly monster deserves the same treatment herself –
Vile wicked human
Her actions are ugly but her looks are irrelevant.
Make you right that evil c..t should be kicked f..k out of return the torture from teddy !!
Animated Turd
Clearly she should never have a dependent creature within her care.