Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, of Brierfield, Lancashire, were sentenced at Burnley Magistrates' Court on June 24 after pleading guilty to animal cruelty offences. They were each handed eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
CCTV Captures the Incident
The couple was filmed on CCTV at 9:05 am on August 27 last year walking along Walter Street, Brierfield, carrying a black bin bag containing their elderly terrier-type dog, Maddie. Additional footage showed them heading toward the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and returning moments later after abandoning the bag in the water.
A dog walker initially thought the bag contained clothing but saw it move and Maddie's head emerge. The passerby rushed into the canal to rescue her. Emergency services were called, and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service retrieved Maddie from the water. She was taken for immediate veterinary care by police.
Animal Welfare Charges
Maddie was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, leading to the couple's arrest later that day. At their home, police found seven kittens and a corn snake, all seized due to welfare concerns. The property was described as filthy, with large piles of pet excrement upstairs and mice in the kitchen.
In court, the couple admitted to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act concerning Maddie, the kittens, and the snake. The veterinarian who treated Maddie stated in a written statement: "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 severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck.
Maddie's Death and Other Animals
Despite treatment, Maddie's condition deteriorated. By August 29, she struggled to walk and showed neurological symptoms. The veterinarians made the "heartbreaking decision to euthanise her to prevent further suffering." All seven kittens were undernourished; some were soaked in urine. Four were hypothermic, and the smallest female, weighing 735 grams (26oz), was euthanised after being on the verge of a seizure.
During his RSPCA interview, Terrence Boyd claimed there could be "hundreds of people" in dark clothing and beards. Sadie Boyd denied being at the canal or owning the kittens. Both were ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a £154 victim surcharge each. They cannot apply to end the disqualification for five years.
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." He thanked the public, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Lancashire Police, and local businesses for their help. "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."
The corn snake, found cold without heating or lighting, was handed to an exotic specialist. The surviving kittens were rehomed by the RSPCA. Other pets, including adult cats not involved in the offences, were also taken for rehoming.
