CLARE PARKINSON AND MARK HENRY FROM STOCKTON-ON-TEES CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO DOGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Stockton-on-Tees, Clare Louise Parkinson, born on June 24, 1982, and her partner Mark Neville Henry, born on January 11, 1979, were found guilty of neglecting a defenseless English bull terrier named Spitz. The dog was discovered in a deplorable state, suffering from severe injuries, blindness, and bleeding sores all over his body, highlighting a prolonged period of neglect and cruelty.

Both individuals have been legally prohibited from owning animals for the rest of their lives, a measure aimed at preventing further abuse. The case gained significant attention when, in December 2016, Parkinson admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Spitz, a protected animal under law. Her partner, Mark Henry, initially fled from the charges but later appeared in court to deny any cruelty. However, he eventually changed his plea to guilty, and the court proceedings culminated in late March 2017 with his sentencing.

Spitz was found by an RSPCA inspector in August 2016 in a state described as “dreadful.” The dog was blind, with sores covering his body, and was suffering from severe skin and eye conditions. The inspector’s report detailed how Spitz had endured these conditions for approximately two years before being rescued. The severity of his suffering was such that the RSPCA had no choice but to euthanize him to end his pain.

Prosecutor John Ellwood emphasized the tragic nature of the case, noting that the defendants had been warned previously about proper animal care by the RSPCA but failed to act. He described the physical state of Spitz in court, revealing that his spine was visible, his stomach was inflamed, and his eyes were red with yellow discharge. His feet were swollen and covered with sores, and open, bleeding scabs were present all over his body.

Ellwood explained that Spitz’s blindness was caused by the defendants’ neglect, specifically their failure to seek treatment for his eyes. The blood vessels in his eyes had grown abnormally due to ongoing inflammation, ultimately leading to his blindness. The dog was so distressed that euthanasia was deemed the only humane option. The case was particularly heartbreaking because the neglect occurred in the presence of children, and the defendants’ disregard for advice and proper care was evident.

In addition to Spitz, Parkinson’s other dog, Polly, was also taken into custody by the RSPCA and was ordered to be re-homed, ensuring she would receive proper care away from her neglectful owners.

Regarding sentencing, Clare Parkinson received an eight-week prison sentence and was banned from keeping animals for life. Mark Henry, who was sentenced on March 20, 2017, received a nine-week prison term suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of unpaid work. Both individuals are now legally barred from owning animals, a measure intended to prevent future cruelty and protect vulnerable animals in the Stockton-on-Tees area.