CREWE WOMAN CLAIRE KIRTON SENTENCED FOR STARVING FRENCH BULLDOG PEANUT IN CREWE

Claire Kirton, born on April 21, 1977, and residing on Coleridge Way in Crewe, has been convicted in 2024 for severe animal neglect involving her pet French bulldog, Peanut. The case drew significant attention after authorities discovered the extent of the dog's suffering, which had been ongoing for several months.

Kirton had initially agreed to take custody of Peanut from her daughter, who had recently moved in with her partner’s family. Over the course of approximately five weeks, the dog’s condition deteriorated alarmingly. When found, Peanut was emaciated to an extreme degree, with her body condition score rated at just one out of nine. Her ribs, hips, and spine were prominently visible, and her body was covered in fleas. The dog also suffered from dental disease, lesions in her ears, and overgrown nails, indicating prolonged neglect.

Upon admission to veterinary care, Peanut was described as eating ravenously, a sign of her desperate hunger. Fortunately, she has since made a good recovery and is now in a loving new home with a different family. The case was brought to light after an RSPCA inspector visited Kirton’s residence on August 18, 2023, and found Peanut in a critically underweight state. Prosecutor Mark Harper detailed that the dog had experienced significant muscle loss, which was attributed to inadequate nutrition and lack of proper exercise. The inspector also noted the presence of fleas, lesions in both ears, and difficulty walking, all indicative of neglect over a period estimated at two to three months.

During questioning, Kirton claimed she had been feeding Peanut twice daily and had administered flea and worm treatments. She also stated that the dog was gaining weight and that she had been recovering from injuries sustained in an accident, which affected her mobility. However, veterinary assessments and the inspector’s observations painted a starkly different picture, revealing a prolonged period of suffering and neglect.

In court, Mr. Harper emphasized that any responsible dog owner would recognize the need for substantial veterinary treatment and proper nutrition. The evidence clearly demonstrated that Peanut had been neglected for an extended period, leading to her severe physical decline.

Despite the grim circumstances, there was a positive outcome for Peanut. She was nursed back to health and is now in a caring environment, free from the neglect she endured. In mitigation, the court heard that Kirton had been under emotional distress, having been pressured by her daughter to take ownership of the dog. It was also noted that Kirton had no prior experience owning a dog and lacked education about animal needs. Additionally, she was suffering from mental health issues following the rapid deaths of both her parents, compounded by mobility problems and financial difficulties.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Jenny Bethel commented: “This owner didn’t do anything to help this poor dog. Despite claiming to have fed her every day, it appears she didn’t have the time or inclination to do so properly. As a result, Peanut lost a vast amount of weight and was incredibly skinny when we found her. She was very unstable on her back end, stumbling and collapsing several times at the vets. She is a different dog now, and the RSPCA foster carer who took her in has provided her with a new home where she will be loved and cared for.”

In sentencing, Kirton received a 12-month community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £114 surcharge. Furthermore, she is banned from keeping animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in March 2029.