GLOUCESTER WOMAN RECEIVES SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AFTER DOG TIED TO WARDROBE AND LEFT TO DIE
A Gloucester woman has been found guilty of what magistrates described as "the worst case of animal cruelty" they had seen.Police officers discovered Milo, a three-year-old husky, being slowly strangled by a string tied around his collar and connected to a wardrobe door at a property in Matson on 2 December 2024.
The dog was in a dire state, lying prostrate on the floor with his head and neck twisted backward, and was thought to be already dead upon officers' arrival.
Milo was covered in urine and feces, and the string was so tight that it prevented him from lying his head on the floor.
The police believed Milo was close to death and cut the string, but he remained in the same position, unresponsive and covered in filth.
He was immediately taken to a veterinary practice where he was found to be extremely underweight, severely dehydrated, suffering from anemia and a heart murmur.
Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and he experienced two seizures.
The veterinary team described Milo as very malnourished, with vets able to feel every rib and spine in his body.
Milo was later placed in an RSPCA animal hospital for rehabilitation.
Unfortunately, his condition continued to deteriorate, and the decision was made to euthanize him to prevent further suffering.
RSPCA inspector Richard Carr stated, "This was not the outcome we had hoped for and I know the condition of Milo was distressing for all involved but we can take some heart in knowing he did finally receive the love he deserved in our care." The offender, Amy Pamela Dawkins of Rectory Road, Matson, was found guilty on 18 August at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court of animal cruelty.
She was sentenced to a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and received a 15-year ban on keeping animals.
Additionally, Dawkins was ordered to undergo 18 months of mental health treatment, complete 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days, and a six-month alcohol treatment order.
Mitigation presented in court indicated Dawkins had a drinking problem and expressed remorse for her actions.
