ALEX BOYD'S CRUELTY IN DARTFORD: ELDERLY STAFFY LEFT TO SUFFER

In Dartford, a disturbing case of animal neglect came to light in April 2021, involving local resident Alex Boyd, born 17 February 1986, of 167 Kirkby Road. Boyd, a father of three, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mercedes, after a series of distressing events that revealed the extent of her neglect.

It was RSPCA inspector Deborah Rutherford who responded to concerns raised by neighbors about the welfare of Boyd’s dogs. She was called to his flat in Dartford and engaged in a conversation with Boyd outside the property. During this initial contact, Boyd invited her to return and check on the animals at a later date. Despite this, when her colleague visited the residence over the weekend, no one answered the door, and a contact card was left.

On May 6, 2021, Boyd contacted the RSPCA control center, reporting that one of his dogs, Mercedes, was having difficulty with her back legs and was going to the toilet while lying down. He expressed his inability to afford veterinary treatment and his desire to surrender the dog. Responding to this call, Inspector Rutherford and animal rescue officer Emma Byrne visited Boyd’s flat. They found Mercedes in a dire state, collapsed on the kitchen floor, in her own urine and faeces. The dog was in very poor physical condition, with protruding hips and minimal responsiveness. She was lying on a quilt soaked with urine, placed under the window in the kitchen, with access to food and water but unable to reach them due to her condition.

Boyd signed a euthanasia consent form, and the RSPCA officers transported Mercedes to a nearby veterinary clinic. Sadly, the vets confirmed that Mercedes’s condition was beyond help, and she was euthanized peacefully. An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed that the veterinary team felt there was nothing they could do to save her.

The veterinarian who examined Mercedes provided a detailed account of her suffering. She was unable to sit or stand, extremely thin, with poor muscle tone over her lumbar spine and hind legs. A strong smell of stale urine emanated from her soaked fur and skin, and faecal matter was present around her anus, perianal area, and the base of her tail. When her head was lifted, Mercedes vocalized in pain, indicating her distress. Tests revealed she had suffered from a chronic urinary infection and severe malnutrition, likely for at least a week prior to her death.

In addition to Mercedes, Boyd’s other dog, a male Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Buster, was rehomed to a new family. Inspector Rutherford emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially the need for prompt veterinary care when animals show signs of illness or injury. She expressed her disappointment that Mercedes was left to suffer in such a state but also her relief that she and her colleagues could be present at her final moments to provide comfort and show her kindness.

Boyd was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay costs of £500. He was also disqualified from owning dogs for five years, a ban that will expire in August 2026. This case highlights the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in Dartford and the critical role of the RSPCA in protecting vulnerable animals from neglect and suffering.