SOUTHSEA WOMAN HANDED 10-YEAR ANIMAL BAN AFTER STARVING HER DOG TO DEATH
Cherie Rees, born circa 1992, from Salterns Avenue, Southsea, was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in 2025.She left a young American bulldog, named Bell, to starve to death in her own faeces.
The prosecution by the RSPCA revealed that Rees initially lied to authorities, claiming she had found a dead dog in the park and had placed the body in a bag.
However, when the dog warden arrived, she admitted that Bell was hers and had been kept in her living room for the past year.
Evidence showed that prior to her death, Bell had become so weak she could not walk or stand.
An inspection found a large amount of old faeces, an open bag of dog food, and an empty water bowl.
The post-mortem reported that Bell was severely emaciated, with no underlying disease to explain her condition, indicating a lack of adequate food.
The report also noted that her death was due to emaciation and broncho-pneumonia, which is common in cases of severe starvation.
The veterinarian stated that her suffering could have been avoided if veterinary attention had been sought.
Rees was found guilty of two animal welfare offences related to Bell's condition from April 17 to May 25, 2024.
She was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity, a £140 fine, and a £114 surcharge.
Additionally, she received a ten-year disqualification from owning animals, which can be appealed after five years, expiring in July 2035.
