Sadie Boyd and Terrence Boyd have avoided immediate prison time despite pleading guilty to animal cruelty after they were caught on CCTV stuffing their elderly dog into a bin bag and throwing her into a canal. The couple, both of Walter Street, Brierfield, were each handed an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, at Burnley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 24. They have also been banned from keeping any animals for the next 10 years.
CCTV Captures the Incident
The incident occurred at approximately 9:05 am on August 27, 2025, when the couple were filmed walking along Walter Street, Brierfield, carrying a black bin bag. The CCTV footage showed them heading towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and returning without the bag, which contained their dog Maddie, an aged terrier-type dog. A passing dog walker saw the couple throw the bin bag into the canal and initially believed it contained clothing. When the bag began to move, the passerby raised the alarm, and a member of the public jumped into the water to rescue the dog.
Emergency Rescue and Veterinary Care
Emergency services arrived at the scene, and Maddie was rescued by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being rushed to veterinary care by police. Later that day, the couple were detained at their residence, which matched the dog's microchip address. At the premises, authorities also found seven kittens and a corn snake, which were seized due to welfare concerns.
Maddie's health declined in the days following her rescue. To prevent further suffering, she was euthanised, according to Lancs Live. The veterinarian who cared for Maddie told the court: "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 also noted multiple puncture wounds to Maddie's neck and severe dental disease. One of the kittens found at the property was also euthanised on welfare grounds due to being undernourished.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Both Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, admitted to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act regarding Maddie, the kittens, and the snake. During his interview with the RSPCA, Terrence Boyd offered little to no comment, while Sadie Boyd also declined to comment. In addition to the suspended prison sentences, the pair must each complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154.
RSPCA Response
Following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Nix commented: "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."
The surviving kittens have since been rehomed, along with the other animals found at the Boyds' property that were not involved in the offences.
