BRYAN OWENS AND KATRINA ELSTOB FROM SOUTH SHIELDS CONVICTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY INVOLVING ELDERLY JACK RUSSELL AND CAT

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Bryan Owens and Katrina Elstob, residents of South Shields, have been found guilty of failing to provide proper care for their pets, leading to severe health issues and suffering. The incident, which came to light in September 2023, involved the neglect of an elderly Jack Russell dog named Jack and a medium-haired brown cat named Jess, both of whom were in a dire state of health due to the owners' neglect.

Inspector Trevor Walker of the RSPCA visited the couple’s residence at 48 Fox Avenue, South Shields, after receiving reports of concern regarding the animals’ wellbeing. Upon inspection, he immediately recognized the signs of severe neglect. Jack, the dog, was visibly dehydrated, suffering from skin inflammation, dental disease, and was infested with fleas. His body condition was extremely poor, and he appeared very lean, with a yellowish hue possibly caused by a heavy flea burden and his advanced age. Jack was also denied access to water, as evidenced by his lapping rainwater from a drainage cover, indicating dehydration.

Inspector Walker described his observations in his witness statement: “I observed an aged and very lean, Jack Russell Terrier type dog, that would have been described as tri-coloured at one stage, but now appeared more yellow possibly due to a heavy flea burden and his age. The cat, a medium long haired brown cat appeared in better condition, but once I had picked him up I could feel the very scabby skin under his medium long haired coat.”

Both animals were transported to a veterinary clinic for urgent medical assessment. The vet confirmed that Jack was suffering from multiple untreated health issues, including a poor body condition score, a heavy flea infestation, secondary skin inflammation, and severe dental disease. The vet’s statement highlighted that Jack had endured unnecessary and avoidable suffering, a direct result of the owners’ neglect.

Jess, the cat, was also found to have a severe untreated skin condition, further evidence of the owners’ failure to provide basic care. Inspector Walker noted that Jack was drinking rainwater collected on a drainage cover, a sign of dehydration, which was confirmed during the veterinary examination when Jack drank from a bowl of fresh water for a full minute before it was removed.

Following the medical assessments, both Jack and Jess were officially signed over to the care of the RSPCA. The organization’s staff are now working to find them loving new homes, ensuring they receive the proper care and attention they desperately need.

In court, both offenders faced sentencing. Katrina Elstob was ordered to pay a fine of £164, along with a victim surcharge of £66 and costs amounting to £250. Bryan Owens received a fine of £80, a victim surcharge of £32, and the same costs of £250. Additionally, both individuals were handed a seven-year ban on owning any animals, a restriction that cannot be appealed for five years, expiring in April 2031. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of animal cruelty and neglect, especially involving vulnerable elderly animals who rely entirely on their owners for care.