A couple has been prohibited from owning animals after they disposed of their elderly dog by placing it in a trash bag and dumping it in a canal.
The individuals, identified as Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, were caught on camera carrying the black bag along Walter Street in Brierfield, Lancashire, on the morning of August 27 last year. Subsequently, they headed towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where they discarded their elderly terrier-type dog named Maddie into the water inside the bag.
Witnessed by a dog walker, who initially mistook the bag for containing clothes, intervened when Maddie’s head emerged from the bag. Following this, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service retrieved the pet from the canal, and she was promptly taken for urgent veterinary care.
Maddie, despite surviving the traumatic event, had to be euthanized by veterinarians due to her deteriorating condition. The Boyds, residing on Walter Street, received an eight-week suspended custody sentence each at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on June 24.
In addition to the legal repercussions, the couple was handed a 10-year ban on animal ownership after admitting guilt to offenses related to Maddie, as well as other animals in their possession. Reports indicated that their residence was in an unsanitary state, with significant amounts of pet waste and mice infestation.
The veterinarian who attended to Maddie described her critical condition, noting severe malnutrition, hypothermia, muscle atrophy, dental issues, and neck wounds. Despite efforts to treat her, Maddie’s health continued to decline, leading to the humane decision to put her to rest.
Further investigations revealed that the seven kittens found at the Boyds’ residence were malnourished, with some requiring immediate care for hypothermia. Sadly, one of the kittens was in such a dire state that it had to be euthanized by the vet on welfare grounds.
During questioning by the RSPCA, Terrence Boyd mostly refrained from commenting on the matter, while Sadie Boyd denied involvement in the incident and ownership of the kittens.
The couple was mandated to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge. Additionally, they are prohibited from seeking the termination of their disqualification order for five years.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Nix expressed gratitude to individuals who assisted in the case, including members of the public, emergency services, and local authorities. The surviving kittens were rehomed, and other animals owned by the Boyds, not linked to the offenses, were taken into care for rehoming.