CARRIE HANDFORD'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN TOTTON: DOG LEFT TO STARVE IN ABANDONED FLAT

In a deeply disturbing case of animal cruelty, Carrie Hansford, also known as Carrie Matthews, born around 1980, from Wickham Court in Totton, Southampton, has been convicted of causing unimaginable suffering to her dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type named Rocky. The incident unfolded in her residence on Junction Road, Southampton, where she left her beloved pet to die a slow and painful death due to starvation and dehydration.

According to court proceedings, Hansford abandoned Rocky in her property after she moved in with a new boyfriend. The dog was left alone in the flat, with no access to food or water, and was discovered only after a dog warden was alerted to the situation. Rocky’s emaciated body was found surrounded by his own feces, weighing a mere 6.75 kilograms, a stark indicator of the prolonged suffering he endured.

Veterinary experts who examined Rocky described the scene in detail. They reported that the kitchen area was strewn with hundreds of fecal deposits, and household items were scattered across the floor. Rocky was found wearing a slack collar, with his bony prominences clearly visible, underscoring his severe malnutrition. The vet’s statement confirmed that Rocky had access to food and water for a period, but at some point, this access was cut off, leading to his rapid decline. The expert explained that the lack of food and water over an extended period resulted in his emaciation and dehydration, ultimately causing his death.

The court heard that Rocky had been subjected to long periods of social isolation, which would have adversely affected his mental health, given that dogs are inherently social animals. Hansford pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between August 7, 2022, and December 7, 2022.

Mark Knight, the dog warden who discovered Rocky’s remains, described the case as one of the most distressing he has encountered in his career. He expressed his outrage, stating, “It is clear the owner intended to leave the dog to die. She easily could have gotten assistance and help, which would have given the dog a chance. He had no chance being locked behind a door with no food or water. There were ripped packages, ripped everything, everywhere. The dog had been searching for food and trying to find a way to survive. As an animal warden, I am there for the welfare of animals. I felt raw emotion at that time.”

Mark Knight also described the punishment handed down to Hansford as “quite shocking,” emphasizing the severity of her neglect. An RSPCA spokesperson highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership, stating, “Dogs are completely reliant on their owners, and to not provide for their needs is a breach of the law. Providing food, water, and a suitable living environment are essential elements of that care. The vet highlighted that Rocky had been left without food and water for a prolonged period, and the suffering he endured is unimaginable.”

Hansford was sentenced to a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she received a five-year ban on keeping animals, underscoring the seriousness of her actions and the community’s stance against animal cruelty.