COLLETTE CARRE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN MARCH: DOG SUFFERED FOR MONTHS WITH TUMOUR

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of March, Cambridgeshire, Collette Carre, born around 1966 and residing at Acacia Grove, was found guilty of neglecting a severely ill greyhound named Defa. The incident, which came to light in 2024, revealed that Carre failed to seek urgent veterinary care for her dog, who was suffering from a massive tumour covering her snout and muzzle.

Defa, a female greyhound, was in a dire state of health when the authorities intervened. The tumour, approximately 14 centimeters in size, was described as grapefruit-sized and had grown over her upper jaw, obliterating her nostrils. The dog was also suffering from significant weight loss and overall poor bodily condition, indicating prolonged suffering. Despite her obvious distress, Carre claimed that her financial struggles and mental health issues prevented her from taking Defa to a veterinarian earlier. She admitted to failing to provide the necessary medical attention that could have alleviated her pet’s pain.

The RSPCA was alerted after Carre visited a veterinary clinic with the intention of having Defa euthanized. However, during the examination, the vet discovered the extent of the dog’s suffering. The veterinarian’s statement detailed that Defa was emaciated, dehydrated, and suffering from a necrotic, putrefying tumour that was emitting a strong, foul smell of rotting flesh and pus. The tumour had grown so extensively that it covered her snout and blocked her nostrils, severely impairing her ability to breathe, eat, and drink. The vet estimated that Defa had been left to endure this agony for at least two months, with the tumour causing her significant pain.

Inspector Jon Knight of the RSPCA expressed his outrage following the case. He emphasized the responsibility of pet owners to act in their animals’ best interests, stating, “We as pet owners have a responsibility to do the right thing for our animals – sadly this was not the case for poor Defa. It would not take any medical or veterinary expertise to see Defa was suffering and should have been taken to a vet sooner.”

During the court proceedings, Carre pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Defa. She explained that her mental health issues and financial difficulties contributed to her neglect of the dog’s urgent medical needs. The court sentenced her to a 15-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, along with a community order that includes mental health treatment and participation in rehabilitation activities. Additionally, she was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £187 and was given a lifetime ban on keeping all animals, reflecting the severity of her neglect.

This case has sparked widespread concern about animal welfare in the March area, highlighting the importance of timely veterinary intervention and responsible pet ownership.