CONVICTED (2022) | Shanon Davidson, born 13 November 1999, of Hatfield Square, South Shields NE33 2RD – locked a young dog in a cage and left him to starve to death.
RSPCA investigators found the maggot-riddled remains of bloodhound/foxhound crossbreed Milo after being tipped off by neighbours who had noticed a fly infestation and foul smell coming from Davidson’s home.
Davidson had travelled to Reading for a job opportunity while the one-year-old dog lay dead in his cage.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Zoe Passfield told Davidson Milo’s messy death was “truly appalling” and that she “let it rot.”
Judge Passfield said: “I accept that at the time of these offenses you were struggling with your mental health and felt helpless and that the harm you caused Milo was not intentional or callous.
“However, he was a 12-month-old dog, essentially a puppy, and was completely dependent on you for food, water and veterinary care. You have not met these requirements.
“The most appalling part of your behaviour happened after he died when you walked away leaving him alone and dead in a cage until your neighbours had to call the RSPCA.
“It is truly horrific and has had a lasting impact on the experienced RSPCA officers who found him.”
RSPCA prosecutor Alex Bousfield revealed that charity staff had asked Davidson to sign Milo with them during a visit in March 2022, but she had refused. They had found the animal in good health, but in a cage indoors with no food or water.
Mr Bousfield said: “It’s a case where the dog was found dead, so clearly it’s higher damage. You may also conclude that the guilt may be higher as well. The maggots, just a routine search shows it takes six weeks for flies to lay maggots.
“The defendant has stated that the dog had died three weeks earlier, but this is clearly false. She left it at home and went on a leisure or other trip. There was food that might have been put down after the animal died.”
Davidson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing in her duty to ensure the welfare of an animal.
Tim Gregory, defending, said Davidson did not intentionally make Milo suffer and is having her own personal crisis.
He said: “I don’t think this is a case that can be said to be groundless. It was a relatively short time. She was supposed to give up the dog in March, but she thought she could handle it.”
Sentencing | a total of 14 months in jail, suspended for 18 months; 25 days of rehabilitation; £1,080 in court costs. Banned from owning an animal for 15 years.
This evil sick bitch is a just a beast !
How could you leave an animal locked in a cage starved and left to die –
Everyone expose this butch fir what it really is
Another Mentally Disturbed Scum.
She won’t have no luck for what she did.
Especially when she had previously Refused To Sign Him Over.
There was absolutely no need for this, as the Dog could have been Rehomed and Looked After, and She Refused.
Dirty wicked whore.
I hope someone kills the whore.
I understand that people can struggle with their mental health but dear God they still know right from wrong. Sick of mental health being used as an excuse for abusing any animal. It needs to stop! Courts need to come down harder on people….ignore the Human Rights Brigade, what about the Animals Rights!! WAKE UP JUSTICE SYSTEM PLEASE!!