ALISA AND STEWART HERD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BLYTH AND ASHINGTON REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Alisa Jane Herd, also known as Ally Herd, born on June 4, 1981, and her partner Stewart David Herd, aka Shep Cash, born on December 18, 1961, faced serious charges related to the suffering of their pets in Blyth. The couple’s failure to seek veterinary care for their animals, which included three cats and two dogs, resulted in severe health issues that drew the attention of the RSPCA and local authorities.

According to court reports, the animals were found in a state of extreme neglect, suffering from intense flea infestations that caused hair loss, skin infections, and general distress. The couple’s residence on Disraeli Street in Blyth NE24 1HZ was described as cluttered and emitting a strong ammonia smell, indicative of prolonged neglect. The five animals, along with four other pets, had endured months of suffering without proper medical intervention, as confirmed by RSPCA inspectors.

Among the animals seized was Tyler, a lurcher dog, who was almost completely bald, covered in scabs, and infested with fleas. The inspector’s report detailed that Tyler’s condition was dire, with significant hair loss and skin infections caused by untreated flea infestations that had persisted for at least three months. Similarly, another dog named Gem was found suffering from alopecia and mange, with her skin visibly affected and her ears red and thickened. The three cats discovered in the home also exhibited signs of severe neglect, including fur loss, skin infections, and dirt covering their bodies.

The authorities’ intervention occurred after concerns were raised by Northumberland County Council. On March 22, 2018, RSPCA inspectors and police officers visited the Herds’ residence. Stewart Herd was the first to answer the door, and he responded with hostility, telling the officers to “f**k off” and slamming the door. Alisa Herd then appeared and invited the officers inside. Inside, the inspectors observed a cluttered, unkempt living room that reeked of ammonia. While four cats appeared to be in reasonable condition, a fifth cat was found in the kitchen with fur loss, red skin, scabs, and dirt covering its body.

The inspection revealed the full extent of the neglect. The condition of Tyler, Gem, and the three cats was attributed to at least three months of untreated flea infestations, which caused painful skin conditions. The animals were subsequently taken to veterinary clinics, where they received antibiotics and treatment. Fortunately, they have since recovered from their injuries.

However, the neglect did not end there. Just four days after the initial visit, RSPCA inspectors returned to the Herds’ home following reports of another animal in distress. This time, they found Gem, a dog that was almost hairless, covered in scabs, with red, thickened ears, and a foul smell indicative of yeast infection. Gem’s long nails and overall appearance pointed to ongoing neglect. The dog was seized and taken to the vet, where she was diagnosed with alopecia and mange, conditions that could have been easily prevented with proper care.

During questioning, Alisa Herd claimed she had forgotten about Gem because she was under a duvet, despite the clear signs of neglect. Both Herds were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to animals, a charge they pleaded guilty to, with each facing two counts. The court heard that both individuals were generally considered animal-loving people but had been under significant personal stress at the time of the neglect.

In sentencing, the magistrates imposed a 12-month community order for each of the Herds, including 50 hours of unpaid work. They were also banned from keeping any pets for life. The case was further complicated by Herd’s history of breaching previous court orders. In September 2023, she received her third lifetime ban on keeping animals after being found in breach of earlier restrictions imposed in June 2018 and November 2022.

On December 14, 2022, authorities discovered Herd at her residence on Castle Terrace in Ashington, where she was found to be keeping a cat and a dog despite her bans. During the investigation, Herd admitted to owning a ginger and white cat named Loki, claiming he was her emotional support animal. She also stated she was caring for a dog for a friend, despite being aware of her lifetime ban from keeping animals. As a result, Loki was removed from her care and rehomed through the RSPCA.

On September 14, 2023, the magistrates handed Herd a further lifetime ban from keeping animals, which will be in effect for five years, along with an 18-month community order, a fine of £300, and a victim surcharge of £114. RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting that Herd had ignored previous court orders. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglect, with the rescued animals now in better care and on the path to recovery.