Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, from Brierfield, Lancashire, have avoided immediate jail after admitting animal welfare offences. The couple were captured on CCTV carrying a black bin bag containing their elderly terrier-type dog Maddie before throwing her into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on August 27 last year.
Bystander Rescue Attempt
A dog walker witnessed the incident at around 9:05 am on Walter Street, initially believing the bag contained clothing. When the bag began to move and Maddie's head emerged, a member of the public jumped into the water in a desperate attempt to save her. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service pulled Maddie from the canal, and she was taken for emergency veterinary treatment by police.
Maddie was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, leading to the couple's arrest later that day. Officers also discovered seven kittens and a corn snake at the property, all removed due to welfare concerns.
Maddie's Condition and Death
Despite surviving the initial ordeal, Maddie's condition worsened. A vet reported that Maddie was hypothermic with a temperature of 33.2°C (91.8°F), severely malnourished with significant muscle atrophy, and had severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck. By August 29, she was struggling to walk and displaying abnormal neurological symptoms, leading to the decision to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.
Court Proceedings
At Burnley Magistrates' Court on June 24, the couple each received an eight-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months. They were also banned from keeping animals for 10 years after pleading guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Magistrates heard the house was unsanitary with piles of pet faeces and mice in the kitchen.
In interviews, Terrence Boyd mostly gave no comment and suggested there could be "hundreds of people" matching his description. Sadie Boyd denied being at the canal or owning the kittens.
Impact on Other Animals
Four of the seven kittens were hypothermic; the smallest, weighing 735 grams, was recumbent and about to have a seizure and was euthanized on welfare grounds. A corn snake was found in an enclosure with no heating or suitable light and was passed to an exotic specialist. Surviving kittens and other adult cats owned by the couple were rehomed by the RSPCA.
RSPCA Statement
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. 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.”
The couple were ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 each. They cannot apply to have the disqualification order terminated for five years.
