Couple jailed for 'shocking case of animal cruelty'

WARNING: Disturbing content

A couple who starved their puppy Lurcher to the brink of death in one of the worst cases of animal cruelty officers have ever seen have been jailed.

Kerry Patterson, 35, and Reece Milburn, 30, claimed to have found three-year-old Tiggy abandoned by the side of a road and reported it to Northumberland County Council.

An animal welfare officer visited their home in Blyth, Northumberland, and was so disgusted by the animal’s condition he said it was “the worst case he’s ever had seen during his 15 years of work”.

Shocking photographs of Tiggy show she had virtually no fur and her ribs protruded from her emaciated body.

Tiggy had almost no fur and his ribs protruded from his emaciated body. (SWNS)

She was also severely dehydrated, suffered from dermatitis and a mite infestation and was so weak she could no longer stand.

Northumberland County Council launched an appeal to find Tiggy’s owners after she was found just days before Christmas 2019 and the heartbreaking images went viral.

A few days later, the board received dozens of emails indicating that Tiggy actually belonged to Patterson and Milburn.

The pair admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal when they appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.

Tiggy was treated after her ordeal. (SWNS)

They also pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of their Staffordshire bull terrier Enzo, who also suffered from a skin disease and mite infestation.

Both men were jailed for 12 weeks, banned from owning and keeping animals for life and each ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £120.

Council spokesman Philip Soderquest said it was “one of the most shocking and high-profile cases of animal cruelty the county has ever seen.”

He added: “Our animal protection team works tirelessly to investigate cases of animal neglect and cruelty and bring perpetrators to justice.

Tiggy has a new home, a new life with canine companions and a new name. (SWNS)

“We were absolutely determined that Tiggy’s former owners would win their case in court and, although it took two years, today we got the result we were looking for.

“Thanks to the dedication of the team at Berwick Animal Rescue Centre, Tiggy had a happy ending.

“She is a picture of health and happiness with a new home, a new life with canine companions and even a new name.”

Enzo, the couple’s other dog, is still kept at the kennel and is looking for a new home.