Terrence Boyd, 34, and his wife Sadie Boyd, 32, both of Walter Street, Brierfield, were each handed eight-week custodial sentences, suspended for 12 months, at Burnley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (June 24). They were also prohibited from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting two offences under the Animal Welfare Act concerning the dog, seven kittens and a corn snake.
CCTV captures the abandonment
The couple were filmed on CCTV at approximately 9.05am on August 27 last year, carrying a black bin bag along Walter Street, Brierfield. Additional footage showed them heading towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal before returning minutes later—after Maddie, an elderly terrier-type dog, had been abandoned into the water inside the bag.
The incident only emerged after a dog walker witnessed the couple discard the bag into the canal and initially thought it contained clothing. However, when the bag started moving and Maddie's head emerged, a member of the public plunged into the water in a frantic bid to rescue her.
Rescue and veterinary care
Emergency services were summoned and Maddie was retrieved from the canal by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being transported for urgent veterinary care by police. The dog was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, and the couple were detained at their residence later that day. They were also discovered to have seven kittens and a corn snake at the property, with police confiscating the animals due to welfare concerns.
Although Maddie survived initially, her condition worsened at a veterinary practice in the days that followed, and she was tragically euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Vet's evidence reveals severe neglect
In her written evidence to the court, the vet who treated Maddie said: "On clinical examination, Maddie was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C (91.8°F). She was severely malnourished, with significant muscle atrophy." The vet stated Maddie also suffered from severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck. Tragically, her condition failed to improve despite treatment, and by August 29 she seemed to be genuinely struggling to walk and beginning to display more abnormal neurological symptoms. The vets took the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep to prevent further suffering.
Kittens and snake also affected
All seven kittens taken from the property were malnourished, and some of them were soaked in urine. Four of them were hypothermic upon arrival and required warming up. The tiniest female, weighing only 735 grams (26oz), was recumbent and about to have a seizure and was put to sleep by the vet on welfare grounds.
A corn snake, found cold and housed in an enclosure lacking adequate heating or appropriate lighting at the couple's home, was transferred into the care of an exotic animal specialist. The surviving kittens were subsequently rehomed by the RSPCA. Additional animals belonging to the couple, including adult cats that were not implicated in any of the offences, were also taken in by the charity for rehoming purposes.
Court hears of filthy conditions
Magistrates heard the property was filthy with substantial accumulations of pet excrement observed upstairs and mice scurrying around the kitchen. During his interview with the RSPCA, Terrence Boyd stated he largely had no comment to make and suggested there could be "hundreds of people" walking around with dark clothes and a beard in similar clothes. Sadie Boyd likewise declined to comment and denied being present at the canal that morning or owning the kittens.
Sentencing and ban
The pair were each ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 each. They will not be able to apply to have their disqualification order terminated for five years.
Speaking following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Nix said: "What happened to Maddie was horrifying and this incident was understandably the cause of great distress to people who were at the scene, the emergency services and the wider local community. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together and showed nothing but kindness towards Maddie. This includes members of the public who intervened, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance at the scene, Lancashire Police for ensuring Maddie and other animals received urgent veterinary treatment, and businesses and residents who provided the RSPCA with invaluable CCTV footage. It was heartbreaking that Maddie's condition deteriorated and she ultimately could not be saved. I hope people will take some small comfort in the fact that those responsible for this shocking incident were able to be held to account for their actions and will not be able to keep animals for the foreseeable future."
