A former school nurse has been found not guilty of attempted murder after she stabbed her estranged partner when he revealed he had their two pet dogs euthanised.
The Fatal Revelation That Sparked Violence
Claire Bridger, 64, attacked Keith Bridger, her partner of nearly four decades, after he told her he had taken the decision to have their two dachshunds put down. The court heard that the car dealer had the pets, described as "yappy", destroyed without informing Claire beforehand.
The confrontation occurred on 13 January 2026. Claire Bridger admitted that she "saw red" upon hearing the news about her beloved dogs. In a fit of rage, she plunged a knife into Keith Bridger's chest and abdomen, inflicting what were described as life-threatening injuries. Witnesses reported hearing her scream that he had "killed" her dogs during the assault.
A Complex Verdict and Its Aftermath
Despite the severity of the attack, a jury has cleared Claire Bridger of the charge of attempted murder. The verdict suggests the court may have considered the extreme provocation and emotional distress she was under at the time of the incident.
The case highlights the profound emotional bonds people form with their pets and the devastating impact such a loss can trigger. It also underscores the complex legal distinctions between premeditated murder and acts committed in the heat of passion under extreme duress.
Broader Implications of the Case
This shocking incident raises difficult questions about responsibility, grief, and the limits of provocation in UK law. While Claire Bridger has been acquitted of the most serious charge, the case leaves in its wake a man with serious physical injuries and a relationship shattered by an irreversible act.
The details of the trial serve as a stark reminder of how domestic disputes can escalate to violence with tragic consequences, even after many years together. The fate of the two dachshunds became the catalyst for a life-altering moment for both individuals involved.
