DARREN PARKER CONVICTED OF ANIMAL CRUELTY IN NEWCASTLE AFTER NEGLECTING ELDERLY DOG

Darren Parker, born on October 5, 1969, and residing at 76 Tillmouth Park Road, Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 9PA, was convicted in 2025 of neglecting his elderly dog, Tilly. The dog, a 13-year-old English Springer Spaniel, suffered from severe untreated skin disease, leading her to lose over 70% of her fur.

Tilly also had severely inflamed ears and overgrown nails. Despite denying animal cruelty, Parker was found guilty following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The court heard that RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Keogh visited Parker's home on October 18, 2023, to ensure he had taken Tilly to a veterinarian for treatment of her skin condition, after issuing him a warning notice two weeks prior. Upon arrival, Parker admitted he had not taken Tilly to a vet and became aggressive and abusive, prompting the inspector to call the police.

In her statement to the court, Inspector Keogh stated: “I asked Darren Parker for permission to take Tilly to the vet. He said ‘you can, but it’s not my problem and I want her back.’ I advised I would be taking her to a vet for an opinion on her condition and if a vet believed she was suffering or likely to suffer she would remain in RSPCA care.”

Tilly was subsequently seized and taken for immediate veterinary treatment. The vet examined her and reported: “Tilly had severe hair loss over 70 per cent of her body. A heavy burden of live fleas was seen. There were several areas of mild scabbing over her skin indicative of self-trauma and trauma caused by flea bites. Her skin was red and warm to the touch. Both her ears were swollen shut with inflammation. Her teeth had significant plaque build-up and gingivitis. Her nails were overgrown. She was timid but friendly, though reactive when examined. The conditions were both treatable and preventable, and veterinary intervention should have been sought much sooner. It is my expert opinion that Tilly had been suffering from a preventable skin condition and ear infection for at least one month, and likely several months.”

During her treatment at the vet, Tilly received flea medication, injections, and steroids to calm her skin. She was bathed with medicated shampoo and ointment was applied to the most affected areas. Her ears were flushed and treated as well. Tilly was later transferred to the RSPCA’s Warrington, Halton & St Helens Branch, where she made a full recovery under foster care.

Initially fearful of handling, she was given medication to help with her skin and made significant progress both physically and mentally. The court was told that Parker refused to be interviewed by the RSPCA about Tilly’s condition.

Regarding sentencing, Magistrates highlighted that the photographs presented clearly showed “prolonged neglect,” noting that Tilly’s every movement was likely affected by her overgrown nails and untreated skin and ear issues. Inspector Keogh commented: “Darren Parker was given the opportunity to do the right thing by Tilly but he displayed a consistently disinterested attitude towards her. Tilly’s health issues were entirely preventable, and with proper care—something any responsible owner would have provided—she made a full recovery. The pictures of her now enjoying life and playing with her beloved tennis ball are heartwarming. The team at our Warrington branch have done a fantastic job; I’d especially like to thank Tilly’s fosterer for their patience and dedication in nursing her back to health.”

Parker was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 12 days of ‘rehabilitation,’ 100 hours of unpaid work, and ordered to pay £364 in costs and fines. Additionally, he received a ten-year disqualification order from owning animals, which can be challenged after five years and expires in March 2035.