CONVICTED (2014) | Eloise (Ella) Hutchinson, born 3 July 1994, previously of Ida Place, Newton Aycliffe but as of 2021 of Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7FJ – disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years after two abandoned dogs were found dead and decomposing in a cage.

Single mother-of-four Eloise Hutchinson pleaded guilty to neglect when she appeared at Darlington Magistrates’ Court.

The alarm was raised by Hutchinson’s former landlady, who contacted the RSPCA after discovering the bodies of two saluki-type dogs locked in a cage.

Both dogs were found decomposed, with no food or water, despite dog food and bowls of rotting food found in the kitchen.

The dogs, called Blake and Brodie, were around eight months old at the time of death.

Hutchinson admitted she revisited the property a week after abandoning the dogs and could hear them barking – but stated she was too afraid to look in.

Inspector Claire Wilson said she was pleased with the outcome. “This was the most distressing case I have ever dealt with and the poor dogs clearly suffered for a long time prior to their death.

“This case was so severe and I am pleased the magistrate recognised this and handed out a lengthy ban on keeping animals.”

Sentencing: 12-week suspended prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; 120 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay a total of £480 in fines and charges. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires July 2024) but is allowed to appeal after five years.

Northern Echo
Vet Times