A couple caught on CCTV carrying their elderly dog in a bin bag before throwing her into a canal have escaped immediate prison after admitting multiple animal welfare offences. Terrence Boyd, 34, and his wife Sadie Boyd, 32, both of Walter Street, Brierfield, were each handed eight-week prison sentences, suspended for 12 months, at Burnley Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 24. They were also prohibited from keeping animals for a decade.
Incident details
The pair were filmed walking along Walter Street at approximately 9:05 am on August 27 last year, carrying a black bag. 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 in the water inside the bag. A dog walker initially thought the bag held clothes but noticed it moving and saw Maddie's head emerge. A member of the public jumped into the canal to rescue her.
Emergency services were called, and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service retrieved Maddie from the canal. Police rushed her for urgent veterinary care. She was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, leading to the couple's arrest at their home that day. Officers also found seven kittens and a corn snake at the property, seizing them due to welfare concerns. Maddie's condition worsened over the following days, and she was euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Court proceedings
Magistrates heard that the property was filthy, with substantial amounts of pet waste upstairs and mice in the kitchen. The vet who treated Maddie stated in written evidence: "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 serious dental problems and numerous puncture wounds to her neck. Despite treatment, by August 29 Maddie struggled to walk and displayed neurological symptoms, leading to the decision to euthanise her.
All seven kittens were undernourished; some were soaked in urine. Four were hypothermic, and the smallest female, weighing just 735 grams (26oz), could not stand and was on the verge of a seizure, so she was euthanised on welfare grounds. During RSPCA questioning, Terrence Boyd largely declined to comment, suggesting there could be "hundreds of people" in dark clothing and a beard. Sadie Boyd offered no comment and denied being at the canal or owning the kittens.
Sentencing and aftermath
Both defendants were also ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 each. They are barred from challenging the disqualification order for five years. 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."
Nix added: "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 corn snake, found cold and in an enclosure without heating or proper lighting, was transferred to an exotic animal specialist. The surviving kittens were rehomed by the RSPCA, and other animals belonging to the couple, including adult cats not involved in the offences, were also placed in the charity's care.
