ALFIE GALLAGHER SENTENCED IN DARLINGTON FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE

Alfie Patrick Gallagher, born on 21 February 1999 and residing on Woodland Road, Darlington DL3 7PN, was convicted in 2025 for abandoning a young Malinois dog, Lucy, in conditions of severe neglect. The dog was found emaciated, petrified, and cowering in a kennel filled with faeces.

Gallagher, a traveller, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Lucy by leaving her without water in a filthy kennel stacked high with waste. The tragic dog spent much of her brief life deprived of love and proper care.

In March 2024, an RSPCA officer visited Gallagher’s address—shared with his wife Lucy Gallagher, a beautician born on 17 August 2001, and their children. The officer described hearing a dog barking and crying inside a kennel-like structure. Upon inspection, the officer saw a brown Malinois-type dog in dire condition, living among filth.

The officer stated, “Although a bowl of dry food was on the wall, the dog had no access to water. The conditions were disgusting, with a strong smell of faeces and urine. The dog appeared petrified and was cowering in a corner of the enclosure, which was littered with dried white faeces and mouldy waste. The entire room was cold and unclean, with empty cans and broken jars scattered about. Lucy had no access to clean living space or comfortable bedding and was forced to stand and walk through faeces.”

Despite there being a tap with running water nearby, Lucy had no drinking water in her enclosure. The officer noted that the dog was very frightened and aggressive, and was subsequently removed from the kennel and placed in the officer’s vehicle.

She was taken to a veterinarian where she drank eagerly from a bowl of water. Gallagher explained to the RSPCA that he was paying someone to look after Lucy but didn’t know their whereabouts, only that they were from Darlington. Unfortunately, Lucy was so traumatised that she had to be put to sleep because her fear aggression was deemed irreparable.

A vet report revealed Lucy weighed only 14.5 kg (32 lbs), significantly under the typical weight range of 20-25 kg (44.1-55.1 lbs) for her breed and age. Her blood tests indicated she was suffering from chronic stress, despite having a normal white blood cell count. After her rescue, she drank entire bowls of water at a time, signifying her severe dehydration.

The veterinarian concluded, “It is my opinion that this owner deprived this dog of food, water, and adequate shelter, directly causing her deterioration and unnecessary suffering. Starvation results in pain, and her emaciated state compromised her ability to tolerate cold temperatures, increasing her risk of hypothermia and pressure sores.”

Gallagher faced charges for causing unnecessary suffering and neglecting her basic needs. He claimed that another individual was responsible for her care at the time.

Although Lucy initially gained weight and appeared somewhat healthier, she continued to display severe aggression at a private boarding kennel. Despite efforts from the care team, her behavioural issues persisted, and she was ultimately put to sleep.

An RSPCA spokesperson expressed sadness over Lucy’s case, stating, “This was a tragic example of neglect. Lucy was kept in her own filth, deprived of food and water for a long period. Her distrust and aggression towards people stemmed from her suffering. It’s heartbreaking that she couldn’t have a happier ending, reflecting not only physical neglect but also emotional scars.”

In sentencing, Gallagher received a 26-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to pay £720 in costs, a £154 victim surcharge, and was banned from owning any animals for ten years—an order that cannot be appealed for at least five years, until January 2035.

*Alternative address listed as Craig Street, Darlington DL3 6HH.*