CHARMAINE COLLINS FROM BOURNEMOUTH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BOURNEMOUTH AND BOSCOMBE

Charmaine Victoria Louise Collins, born on February 1, 1990, and residing on Rosebery Road in Southborne, Bournemouth, was convicted in 2018 for a shocking case of animal neglect that involved the death of 61 animals in her care. The disturbing incident unfolded in her two-bedroom flat located at 25 Hamilton Road in Boscombe, where police and RSPCA officials uncovered a scene of unimaginable cruelty and neglect.

Prior to the raid, Collins, a mother of one, had accumulated a staggering number of animals—196 in total—including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, lizards, as well as ducks and chickens. Many of these animals had been deprived of basic necessities such as water and food for at least a week, leading to the death of 61 of them. The court heard that Collins had initially started a veterinary care degree and had established an animal breeding business called Fairytales with a friend. However, this partnership ended abruptly about two weeks before the authorities intervened.

The investigation revealed that some animals were kept in a small shed within the communal garden of the property. Inside, officials found 48 animals, many of whom were dead or had died shortly after the discovery, including 30 guinea pigs. The conditions inside the shed were deplorable, with many creatures in a state of neglect and suffering.

When authorities entered Collins’ flat, it was found to be in complete darkness and without electricity. RSPCA inspector Patrick Bailey, armed with a torch, illuminated the rooms and immediately spotted a severely dehydrated rabbit that was convulsing—a clear sign of extreme distress and neglect. The scene was further appalling, with crates and cages stacked loosely, containing animals and smaller creatures that were suffocating inside plastic containers. Many rabbits were confined in these containers, unable to move freely, highlighting the severity of the cruelty inflicted upon them.

Among the horrific findings was a carcass infested with maggots, indicating that the animal had been dead for some time. The decomposition and the state of the animals underscored the extent of the neglect and cruelty that had taken place.

Officials had previously been involved with Collins in April 2016, when concerns about similar issues prompted intervention. At that time, Collins sought help from authorities, and she was reported to have only two dogs and a lizard in her care. However, her involvement in animal cruelty resumed when she began purchasing animals from fairs and shows. Notably, just ten days after her police interview, Collins traveled to Holland to buy 70 rodents, all of which were subsequently seized by the RSPCA.

In court, Collins admitted to six charges related to the poor treatment and neglect of animals. She was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which included 30 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs amounting to £330 and was banned from keeping any animals for the next ten years, a disqualification that will last until July 2028.

Further developments occurred on November 22, 2021, when Collins, who had since changed her name to Amy Tara White and was residing at Noble Close in Bournemouth, appeared before the court again. She was accused of breaching her previous disqualification order by being involved with the caged birds at an address in Poole, where she was alleged to have kept 32 caged birds on or before September 1, 2020. Collins pleaded guilty to this single animal welfare offence, acknowledging the breach but denying ownership of the birds. Her version of events influenced the court’s sentencing.

RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey emphasized the importance of public vigilance, stating, “Courts impose disqualification orders on people convicted of animal welfare offences to protect other animals. It is important for people to tell us if they believe someone has breached a ban. We depend on the public to be our eyes and ears and we take breaches of bans very seriously – as do the courts.”

As a result of her latest conviction, Collins received another 12-month community order, which includes up to 25 days of rehabilitation activities. She was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £95 and costs of £400, underscoring the ongoing concern about her involvement with animals and the need for strict oversight to prevent further cruelty.