CLAIRE MACHIN FROM STOKE-ON-TRENT SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN HORSE AND DOG ABUSE CASE

Claire Machin, a resident of Stoke-on-Trent, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to animals, including two horses and a pet dog, in a case brought forward by the RSPCA. The conviction highlights a disturbing pattern of neglect linked to her family’s notorious background as horse traders and travellers in the area.

Machin, born on June 15, 1979, and with her last known address listed as Collinson Road, Goldenhill, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5RS, faced serious allegations following investigations into her treatment of animals under her care. The RSPCA’s investigation was initiated after receiving two separate complaints concerning her pet Shihtzu, named Coco, and her horses. The case drew attention to the severe neglect and suffering inflicted upon these animals.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Melvin, who worked alongside her colleague Laura Bryant during the investigation, provided detailed insights into the conditions of the animals. She explained that authorities were granted a warrant to search Machin’s property as part of an investigation conducted by Animal Health. During the inspection, they discovered Coco, the small dog, in a critically poor state. The veterinarian examining Coco reported that she was extremely thin, with a body condition score of just one out of five, indicating severe malnutrition. The vet also identified a massive bladder stone, which was described as the largest the veterinarian had ever seen in a dog of Coco’s size. The stone occupied her entire bladder, underscoring the neglect she had endured.

Approximately a month after this initial discovery, the RSPCA was called back to the property following reports of emaciated ponies in a nearby field. On arrival, inspectors found two young ponies in a dire state of health. The ponies, identified as colts, were critically underweight, with a body condition score of only 0.5 out of five. They were so weak that they struggled to lift their back legs and were unable to walk properly. The condition of the ponies was so severe that their survival was uncertain. During the first week in the care of the RSPCA, one of the ponies had to be physically lifted off the ground multiple times daily because he lacked the strength to stand on his own.

Fortunately, through dedicated veterinary care and attention, both ponies eventually recovered from their ordeal. The animals are now in good health and are considered suitable for rehoming, a testament to the efforts of the animal welfare authorities. However, the case against Machin was not without controversy. She denied three separate charges of causing unnecessary suffering—one related to her dog Coco and one each concerning the two ponies. Despite her denials, the court found her guilty on all counts under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.

As a result of her conviction, Claire Machin received a sentence of 24 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs and was disqualified from keeping animals for life. The case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect linked to individuals with a history of such offenses in the Stoke-on-Trent area.

Further updates reveal that in 2019, Machin was using the alias Mandy Ding on Facebook, and her family’s horse trading business continued to operate, with her brother Wayne Sallis playing a significant role. In September 2020, she appeared in court again after being caught driving without a license or insurance for the second time, indicating ongoing legal troubles beyond her animal welfare case.