SUNDERLAND WOMAN STARVES DOG TO DEATH AND IS FINED
In January 2026, Clarice Mole of Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, was convicted as a backyard breeder and caused her dog, Beast, to slowly starve to death.
Mole, a convicted crack cocaine dealer, admitted to causing the dog's unnecessary suffering.
The dog died after she failed to address its deterioration in health and weight loss, claiming she thought other dogs were consuming its food and that she was 'unable to cope'.
In March 2025, Mole took Beast's body to a vet after her death, and an investigation by RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh revealed that Beast had starved to death.
The post-mortem confirmed starvation, with her body condition scored just 2 out of 9, and shows that she was covered in faeces, with overgrown nails and paws caked in mud or faeces.
Despite claiming she was unaware of the dog's eating issues, microbiological evidence indicated neglect.
She was sentenced—fined £200, ordered to pay £1,700 in costs, with an £80 victim surcharge.
No ban was imposed.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
or faeces. Despite claiming she was unaware of the dog's eating issues, microbiological evidence indicated neglect. She was sentenced-fined 200, ordered to pay 1,700 in costs, with an 80 victim surcharge. No ban was imposed.
Fine or payment
She was sentenced-fined 200, ordered to pay 1,700 in costs, with an 80 victim surcharge