ABIGAIL EMERY FROM SALTASH SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING STARVATION OF DOG CLYDE

In a recent court case that has shocked the local community of Saltash, Abigail Emery, born in 1988 and residing on Callington Road, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, Clyde, a Shih Tzu-type breed. The incident involved leaving Clyde alone in her property for an extended period, during which he was subjected to neglect that ultimately led to his death.

Emery admitted to the court that she was responsible for the suffering inflicted upon Clyde. The RSPCA lawyer, Kevin Whithey, explained that although the precise cause of Clyde’s death could not be definitively established due to advanced decomposition, forensic analysis indicated that the dog had been dead for at least three weeks when his body was discovered. The evidence suggested a prolonged period of neglect, during which Clyde was left without adequate food and water.

A veterinarian’s report was also presented, detailing how a lack of water would cause organ failure and kidney damage, leading to a slow and agonizing death for the animal. Similarly, insufficient food intake would result in multiple organ failures, culminating in Clyde’s demise. The court heard that Emery had started a new relationship at a nearby property, and it appeared that Clyde was considered an inconvenience, leading her to abandon him.

It was noted that it would have been straightforward for Emery to contact the RSPCA or other animal welfare organizations to seek assistance in rehoming Clyde. Instead, she chose to neglect him, which resulted in his suffering and death. Initially, Emery pleaded not guilty, and the case was scheduled for trial. However, on the day before the proceedings, she changed her plea to guilty.

Mr. Whithey described Clyde’s death as “prolonged and deliberate,” emphasizing the high level of suffering he endured. The court was also informed that Emery’s neglect was not accidental but a conscious decision, which caused significant pain to the dog. The magistrates were urged to consider measures to protect other animals in her care, including the removal and rehoming of her remaining dog, cat, and rabbit, which could be placed with the RSPCA.

A probation report was read aloud, revealing that Emery was dealing with complex domestic issues at the time, which distracted her from her responsibilities towards Clyde. The report acknowledged that she initially fed Clyde daily, but this routine deteriorated to weekly and then monthly feedings. Consequently, she was unaware of Clyde’s deteriorating health and the unsanitary conditions in her property. Emery claimed she was “terrified” of getting into trouble and initially misled investigators about her actions.

The probation officer stated that there was no evidence of malicious intent behind her actions. In her defense, Emery’s advocate, Andrears Parsons, argued that her client did not deliberately cause suffering and was preoccupied with her domestic problems. The defense highlighted that Clyde’s slow death was a tragic consequence of her neglect, which she initially tried to deny or shift blame for.

Despite her actions, Emery was described as a person of previously good character, with no prior criminal record, and was going through a traumatic period related to other personal matters. The court believed there was a realistic chance for her rehabilitation.

Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the RSPCA expressed their heartbreak over Clyde’s suffering, emphasizing that there is no justification for such cruelty. They reminded pet owners of their legal obligation to ensure their animals do not endure unnecessary suffering.

In sentencing, Emery received a 16-week jail sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement sessions. Additionally, she was fined £866 in costs and charges. The court imposed a ban on her from keeping animals for ten years, with the possibility of appeal after five years.