CONVICTED (2014) | Amie Elizabeth Smith (aka Amy Blackler), born 14/07/1991, as of April 2020 of Norbury Grove, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 2TA – left a dog to starve to death in squalor.
Smith had locked the starving animal – a white Staffy named Rocky – in a filthy kitchen, without access to food or water, where he was surrounded by mounds of rubbish and faeces.
His emaciated body was found near an empty water bowl and tin cans which he had attempted to eat in his desperate state.
When his body was examined by a vet, he was found to be just over half the weight he should have been.
Smith pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal between February 5 and March 26 2014.
Prosecutor Denise Jackman said: ‘The officer found a deceased, white Staffordshire bull terrier lying on the kitchen floor among a vast amount of rubbish. The body of the dog was emaciated and had ribs protruding.
‘There were faeces all over the floor. There was an empty water bowl and tins of food with dints in, as if the dog had attempted to open the tin with his teeth.
‘The RSPCA inspector said there was an over-powering smell and that the kitchen was extremely cluttered.
‘She noticed the tins of dog meat, which had been chewed.
‘The vet said the unnecessary suffering of starvation would have caused immense stress. The hunger would have caused loss of consciousness before death occurred.’
When interviewed, Smith said she asked a friend to look after the dog while she went away to Blackpool between February 5 and March 26, 2014.
David Parish, speaking in her defence, said Smith suffers from mental health issues and was ashamed of her actions.
He said: ‘This is a lady with significant difficulties and significant mental health problems.
‘She was the victim of domestic violence, which occurred where the dog was found. She was not able to cope and felt she couldn’t return to the property.
‘She is deeply sorry, deeply upset and deeply ashamed at what has happened.’
Sentence: suspended six-month prison sentence, three-month curfew; £700 costs. Lifelong disqualification from owning an animal.