CRIMINAL CHRISTOPHER BALDRY FROM CRAMLINGTON LEAVES PET DOG IN AGONY WITH OPEN WOUNDS AND SKIN INFECTION

Christopher Baldry, a resident of Nelson Avenue in Nelson Village, Cramlington, Blyth Valley, with a date of birth on February 22, 1953, was found guilty of neglecting his pet dog, Tetty, an eight-year-old bulldog. The case drew significant attention due to the severity of the dog's suffering and the circumstances surrounding her neglect.

In May 2018, authorities rescued Tetty from a property located on Cornwell Crescent in Bedlington. Upon inspection, RSPCA inspectors discovered that the dog was in a dire state of health, suffering from a severe skin infection that had spread across her face, along with open wounds. The dog was also suffering from conjunctivitis, which affected her eyes. Despite her obvious pain and distress, her owner, Baldry, had failed to seek veterinary care for her condition.

Inspector Jaqui Miller, who led the investigation, described the scene: “Poor Tetty was reluctant to move due to the pain she was in. I took her to the vet, who confirmed she was suffering from a severe skin condition. She had open, bleeding wounds on her face and was suffering from conjunctivitis.” Miller further explained that the infected skin was so severe that the smell of the infection was noticeable. The inspector emphasized how distressing it was to witness such suffering in a defenseless animal.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Baldry had not taken Tetty to a veterinarian to treat her worsening skin condition. Instead, he admitted to using a purple wound first aid spray, commonly used as an antiseptic by farmers, on her for several years. The vet who examined Tetty confirmed that her condition had persisted for at least four weeks, causing her significant pain. Despite her initial improvement under the care of the RSPCA, Tetty’s health deteriorated further when she developed tumors on her lungs. Ultimately, a veterinarian decided that euthanasia was the most humane option to end her suffering.

Inspector Miller expressed her sadness over the case: “It’s extremely sad that this case didn’t have a better outcome for poor Tetty, but at least she was rescued when she was and didn’t continue to suffer.” She also noted that the case highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership and timely veterinary intervention.

In court, Baldry explained that he suffers from learning difficulties and requested an appropriate adult to assist him during proceedings. The court sentenced him to pay a total fine of £1,050. Additionally, Baldry was banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, although he has the right to appeal this decision after five years. The case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws in the Cramlington area and beyond.