DARYL BURGESS FROM CLACTON-ON-SEA SENTENCED FOR STARVING HIS DOG TO DEATH
| Red Rose Database
Clacton-on-Sea Animal Abuser
Daryl Burgess, born on April 6, 1992, and residing on Chantry Close in Clacton-on-Sea, has been convicted in connection with the tragic death of his pet dog. The case came to light after authorities discovered the skeletal remains of a young mastiff-type dog named Patch in Burgess's garden, an event that unfolded on January 12, 2023.
Police officers, during their investigation into a different suspect, stumbled upon the disturbing sight of the emaciated dog. The RSPCA was promptly alerted to the situation, prompting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patch’s death. The condition of the dog was so severe that it prompted immediate concern from animal welfare officials.
Emma Beynon, an inspector with the RSPCA, expressed her shock and distress upon seeing the condition of the dog. She stated, “I was shocked and upset to see the condition he was in. Every single bone could be seen in his body, he looked like a skeleton. Patch would not have even been two years old.”
Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed the severity of the neglect. The vet assigned Patch a body condition score of zero out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation. The veterinarian also criticized Burgess for not seeking veterinary advice or treatment, emphasizing that such neglect was a clear failure to meet the animal’s basic needs. The vet explained, “By not seeking veterinary advice they would have been failing to meet the animal’s needs, causing the suffering of the animal. It would have taken days to weeks to reach a body condition score this low.”
During the court proceedings, Burgess, who chose to represent himself, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by neglecting to address the dog’s weight loss and deteriorating health. In his mitigation statement, Burgess described the death of Patch as “an unfortunate event,” attempting to downplay the severity of his actions.
Following the conviction, Inspector Beynon described the case as “truly heart-breaking.” She remarked, “This was a deliberate disregard for Patch which resulted in his sad death. Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met and Patch was left to suffer.”
As part of his sentencing, Burgess received a prison term of 23 weeks. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from keeping all animals for the rest of his life, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or abuse of animals under his care.
Police officers, during their investigation into a different suspect, stumbled upon the disturbing sight of the emaciated dog. The RSPCA was promptly alerted to the situation, prompting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Patch’s death. The condition of the dog was so severe that it prompted immediate concern from animal welfare officials.
Emma Beynon, an inspector with the RSPCA, expressed her shock and distress upon seeing the condition of the dog. She stated, “I was shocked and upset to see the condition he was in. Every single bone could be seen in his body, he looked like a skeleton. Patch would not have even been two years old.”
Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed the severity of the neglect. The vet assigned Patch a body condition score of zero out of nine, indicating extreme emaciation. The veterinarian also criticized Burgess for not seeking veterinary advice or treatment, emphasizing that such neglect was a clear failure to meet the animal’s basic needs. The vet explained, “By not seeking veterinary advice they would have been failing to meet the animal’s needs, causing the suffering of the animal. It would have taken days to weeks to reach a body condition score this low.”
During the court proceedings, Burgess, who chose to represent himself, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by neglecting to address the dog’s weight loss and deteriorating health. In his mitigation statement, Burgess described the death of Patch as “an unfortunate event,” attempting to downplay the severity of his actions.
Following the conviction, Inspector Beynon described the case as “truly heart-breaking.” She remarked, “This was a deliberate disregard for Patch which resulted in his sad death. Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards our pets. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met and Patch was left to suffer.”
As part of his sentencing, Burgess received a prison term of 23 weeks. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. He was also disqualified from keeping all animals for the rest of his life, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or abuse of animals under his care.