CHRISTINE WILKINSON ABANDONS DOG IN SHIPSTON-ON-STOUR LEAVING HER TO STARVE TO DEATH

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Shipston-on-Stour, Christine Mary Wilkinson, born on 14 January 1988 and residing at 2 Caudlewell Drive, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog, Minnie. The charges against Wilkinson were proven in her absence during a previous court hearing, highlighting the severity of her neglect.

Wilkinson’s dog, a white and tan bulldog named Minnie, was discovered in a deplorable state in May 2019. The discovery was made by a housing association officer who had gained access to Wilkinson’s former residence on Marigold Road, Stratford. The officer found Minnie curled up in her bed, visibly emaciated and in a state of extreme neglect. The dog’s body was so frail that her ribs and hip bones were prominently visible, indicating she had been starved for a significant period.

Concerned by the condition of the animal, the officer contacted the RSPCA, which subsequently launched an investigation. An RSPCA inspector, Thea Kerrison, was present during the examination of Minnie’s remains. She described the scene, stating, “Minnie was curled up in a plastic dog bed on top of a blanket. I could see that she was extremely thin as I could see her ribs and hip bones prominently. She looked like she had died, curled up in the sleeping position.”

Inspector Kerrison further explained that the veterinary post-mortem reports confirmed Minnie’s suffering was prolonged. The findings indicated that her poor physical condition had developed over several weeks, exacerbated by the unsanitary environment filled with large amounts of feces. The veterinary assessments identified two levels of suffering: the physical pain caused by starvation and dehydration, and the mental anguish stemming from anxiety and stress, as Minnie waited in vain for help or nourishment. The inspector emphasized that Minnie’s dependence on her owner had been betrayed, as Wilkinson chose to abandon her rather than seek assistance or surrender her to an animal charity for rehoming.

Instead of taking responsible action, Wilkinson left Minnie to endure a slow and painful death. The court heard that Wilkinson could have asked for help or handed Minnie over to an organization that could have cared for her, but she chose to abandon her pet, leading to her suffering and eventual death.

As a result of her actions, Wilkinson was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, which was suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities and pay a total of £278 in costs and charges. Additionally, Wilkinson received a lifetime disqualification order preventing her from owning or caring for any animals, although she has the right to appeal this decision after 10 years.