CONVICTED (2021) | Melissa Marshall, born 12 December 1977, and partner Terry Sutton, born 22 November 1969, both of 33 Thames Road, Hebburn NE31 2BX – prosecuted for animal cruelty in relation to a dog and two cats found “ravenous” and emaciated at their home.
The RSPCA were called to Melissa Marshall and Terence Sutton’s address after receiving reports about neglected animals from a concerned member of the public
A court heard RSPCA Inspector Trevor Walker was sent to the flat on a number of occasions during May 2019 but nobody appeared to be at home.
On May 19 2019 Marshall opened the door to Trevor and allowed him into the property after explaining he wanted to examine the pets.
In a statement given to the court Inspector Walker said: “As I went up the stairs I saw an emaciated tan greyhound bitch called Sheba.
“After stroking her I realised I had blood on my hand and initially could not identify its source. Eventually we found the injury to Sheba’s tail. It appeared to be an old injury which had reopened and started bleeding.
“Melissa Marshall advised she would authorise me to take Sheba and any other underweight cats to the vets for examination.
“Access to examinations was restricted but eventually permission was given to remove Sheba, and Flash and Jaspar who were all emaciated.”
During his time at the property Marshall’s partner, Terry Sutton, remained seated but continued to complain about the report made to RSPCA. Marshall then refused to allow any other animals to be taken for examination.
RSPCA Inspector Walker rushed the three pets to a nearby vet’s who confirmed they were all suffering unnecessarily. Sheba’s old injury to her tail continued to bleed during the examination as she wagged her tail.
All the animals were then given food and were all ravenous, particularly the cats who attacked the food bowls.
Sheba, Jaspar and Flash were then taken to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre to be rehabilitated.
An independent vet who examined Sheba, aged seven, said she was in poor bodily condition with bones protruding and no body fat.
She noted the dog also had a chronic skin condition with scabbing on her skin caused by fleas and she had an old injury to her tail which was split at the end and bleeding.
She explained: “This is a relatively common injury seen in dogs with long tails and is particularly common when dogs are confined to small spaces, such as kennels.
“These injuries are difficult to treat and can often only be dealt with by amputating part of the tail. This appeared to be an old wound which I estimate had been present for at least two weeks, possibly one to two months. This open wound would have caused Sheba suffering due to discomfort and irritation.”
Both cats, aged eight, were also found to be in poor bodily condition with bones prominent and had no body fat and a loss of muscle.
After Sheba, Flash and Jasper were seized and placed into RSPCA care the animal welfare charity continued to work with Marshall and Sutton to maintain the welfare of the other six cats which remained at their home.
However, following the court hearing the district judge issued a deprivation order and said that these pets should also be placed in the care of the charity.
Inspector Walker attended the property on two occasions before he was able to seize the other cats.
Both Flash and Jasper remain at Felledge and it is now hoped they can be rehomed soon along with Sheba who had to have her tail amputated but is doing really well in foster care.
Marshall and Sutton were found guilty of five animal welfare offences but failed to appear in court for their sentencing.
They were brought before the court the following day after warrants were issued for their arrest.
Homes will now also be found for the other six cats once the appeal period is over.
Sentencing: both received a 12-month community orders and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £295 each. 10-year ban on keeping animals (expires July 2031).
Such a shame as the 2 Cats were 8 Years old, and had obviously been Fed and looked after prior to this time. If our circumstances change, we need to ask for help when needed.
Failing which this is the result.
Terry is my dad
I hope Terence Sutton and Melissa Marshall will get locked up for what they have done they don’t deserve to have animals I should know because when Terence lived in Horsley Hill he had a dog who was a lurcher and he always left her in the house and not feed her she was such a lovely dog her name was Holly I took it apon myself to take Holly away from him now Melissa and Terence has done this they had two more dogs one was called bobbie and the other I can’t remember but I know Terence killed bobbie
What a pitiful sentence. They knew exactly what they were doing, it was wilful neglect. At least all of the cats and the dog were removed from the ghastly couple. I hope they all recovered and found caring, committed forever homes.