CATHRYN TARBUCK OF WILENHALL AND CHESLYN HAY SENTENCED FOR STARVING DOG TO DEATH IN WALSALL

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the local community, Cathryn Tarbuck, a woman previously residing on St. Stephens Avenue in Willenhall and more recently on Station Street in Cheslyn Hay, Walsall, was found guilty of severe animal neglect that led to the tragic death of her dog. The incident, which took place in early 2017, revealed a disturbing level of cruelty and neglect that culminated in the death of a defenseless animal.

According to court reports, Tarbuck, a mother of three, left her Rottweiler, named Maisie, confined within a kennel for an extended period, during which the dog was left to starve to death. The case came to light after a concerned friend of Tarbuck noticed unusual behavior from Maisie. On January 27, 2017, the friend observed the dog digging at the floor of an outdoor kennel, seemingly desperate to escape her dire circumstances. Alarmed by the sight, the friend intervened by pulling Maisie out of the kennel and immediately contacted a veterinarian for assistance.

The veterinarian responded promptly, assessing Maisie’s condition on-site. It was immediately evident that the dog was in a critically emaciated state, suffering from extreme weakness and dehydration. Recognizing the severity of her condition, the vet made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Maisie to prevent further suffering. The RSPCA was subsequently contacted to investigate the case.

RSPCA inspector Dawn Burrell provided a detailed account of the incident, stating, “Maisie was trying to dig her way out of her kennel but she was clearly weak. Tarbuck’s friend helped get Maisie out and then said to Tarbuck, ‘She is in a really bad way’.” She further explained that the veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that Maisie had been suffering for at least three months prior to her death. “When she was trying to dig her way out of her kennel, she was in her final death throes. It is so sad that she had been left to suffer like that and for her life to end during such a period of distress.”

Inspector Burrell emphasized the gravity of the neglect, stating, “There is simply no excuse to neglect an animal like this. This was a case of extreme neglect for a long period of time. If you have a pet, you are legally responsible to ensure that their needs are met – something Tarbuck clearly failed to do.”

Following the investigation, Tarbuck was brought before the court and sentenced to a 12-month community order. She was also ordered to pay a fine of £50 along with costs amounting to £385. Most notably, she received a lifetime ban on keeping any animals, a measure intended to prevent any future incidents of neglect. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable animals in the Walsall area.