Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, both of Walter Street, Brierfield, have avoided immediate jail after being caught on CCTV dumping their elderly terrier-type dog, Maddie, into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal inside a black bin bag. The couple pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act relating to Maddie, as well as seven kittens and a corn snake found at their home.
Incident Unfolds on CCTV
On August 27 last year at around 9:05 am, the couple were captured on camera walking along Walter Street carrying a black bag. Further footage showed them heading toward the canal and returning minutes later without the bag. A dog walker initially thought the bag contained clothes but saw it moving and Maddie's head appear, prompting a member of the public to enter the water in a rescue attempt.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service pulled Maddie from the canal, and she was taken for urgent veterinary treatment by police. The dog was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, leading to the couple's arrest later that day.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
At Burnley Magistrates' Court on June 24, the couple were each sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. They were also banned from keeping animals for 10 years, with no application to terminate the disqualification for five years. Additionally, they must complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 each.
Magistrates heard that the couple's home was unsanitary, with large piles of pet faeces upstairs and mice in the kitchen. All seven kittens removed from the address were malnourished, and some were urine-soaked. A corn snake was also seized due to welfare concerns.
Veterinary Evidence
The vet who treated Maddie stated in written evidence that the dog was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C (91.8°F), severely malnourished with significant muscle atrophy, and suffering from severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck. Despite initial rescue, Maddie's condition deteriorated, and she was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA Reaction
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. 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.”
