A woman whose callous neglect left her two dogs starving and living in horrific conditions has been handed a prison sentence and banned from keeping animals for life.
RSPCA inspectors made a shocking discovery when they visited the home of Kayleigh Conroy in South Shields. They found her two pets, German Shepherd Chase and crossbreed Milo, in an emaciated state and living surrounded by their own filth.
Disturbing Discovery
Inspector Lucy Green described the scene as "one of the worst cases of neglect" she had encountered in her career. "Both dogs were severely underweight with their ribs, spines, and hip bones clearly visible," she reported. "The living conditions were utterly deplorable, with faeces covering the floor and no clean water or adequate food available."
Tragic Outcome for Family Pet
The situation proved particularly dire for Chase, the German Shepherd, who was in such poor condition that veterinary experts made the difficult decision to put him to sleep to end his suffering. A post-mortem examination revealed the dog had been "effectively starved."
Milo, while also severely malnourished, was taken into RSPCA care where he has been making a steady recovery and will eventually be rehomed.
Courtroom Consequences
At South Tyneside Magistrates' Court, 30-year-old Conroy pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to both animals. The court heard how she had failed to provide proper nutrition and veterinary care despite the obvious deterioration of her pets' health.
Magistrates sentenced Conroy to 18 weeks in prison and imposed a lifetime ban on keeping any animals. She was also ordered to pay £450 in costs and a victim surcharge.
Warning to Pet Owners
RSPCA Inspector Green emphasised the responsibility that comes with pet ownership: "These animals were completely dependent on Conroy for their basic needs, and she failed them in the most fundamental way. There is never an excuse for allowing an animal to reach this state of suffering."
The case serves as a stark reminder that animal welfare laws exist to protect vulnerable creatures, and those who breach them face serious consequences.
