ALAN SMITH OF HETTON-LE-HOLE SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN HEBBURN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Alan Smith, a known career criminal with a violent past, has been found guilty of neglecting and abandoning two dogs in the most appalling conditions. Smith, born on March 26, 1981, previously resided in Hebburn, South Tyneside, but as of 2020, he was living at 43 The Avenue, Hetton-le-Hole, with the postcode DH5 9DQ.

According to reports, when bailiffs arrived at Smith’s flat to serve an eviction notice, they were met with a scene of utter neglect and filth. The property was in a deplorable state, with the floor covered in feces, rubbish scattered across the furniture, and the stench of decay filling the air. Amidst this chaos, the bailiffs discovered the lifeless body of a large mastiff named Sam, lying in the living room surrounded by dog dirt and debris. The sight was both shocking and heartbreaking.

In the same room, they found Lily, a Staffordshire bull terrier, who was severely emaciated and had only survived by scavenging flesh from her deceased companion. The dog was in a critical state, with half of her face missing, and her survival was nothing short of a miracle. The bailiffs immediately contacted the RSPCA, who intervened by taking Lily to a veterinarian for urgent care and conducting a post-mortem examination on Sam. The results confirmed that both dogs had been starved of food and water for approximately a month, suffering inhumanely during this period.

During the court proceedings, Smith appeared via videolink, as he was already serving a three-year prison sentence for an unrelated offense. No charges were filed specifically regarding Lily’s condition, as Smith claimed that she belonged to his girlfriend. The prosecution, represented by Denise Jackman on behalf of the RSPCA, described the scene vividly, stating, “When the bailiff opened the door to the living room, a small dog ran out and went to the toilet to drink water. A large emaciated dog was dead in the corner of the room. The smaller dog had been living off the corpse, as half of its face was missing. The room was strewn with faeces, empty beer cans, and other rubbish. Both dogs were almost skeletal.”

Inspector Claire Hunt from the RSPCA expressed her outrage over the case, describing it as “extremely shocking” and emphasizing the suffering endured by the animals. She explained that Lily had survived by feeding on her deceased companion’s flesh, a testament to her resilience amid unimaginable cruelty. Hunt added, “This dog died an awful death, deprived of the most basic of needs, food and water, for up to a month. The fact that the other dog survived such a horrendous ordeal is a miracle.” She also noted that Lily was now in caring hands, living with new owners and receiving the love and attention she deserved.

Smith was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison for his role in this case and received a ban from owning or caring for animals for ten years, a restriction that expired in February 2022. This case added to Smith’s criminal record, which already included a nine-month sentence handed down in April 2020 after he threatened a woman with an axe during a three-hour standoff with armed police. He was subsequently detained and served time, along with being issued a five-year restraining order.

Overall, this case has highlighted the severe consequences of animal cruelty and neglect, prompting calls for stricter enforcement and greater awareness of animal welfare issues in the Hetton-le-Hole and Hebburn areas.