ANIMAL CRUELTY: NORFOLK WOMAN AND MAN CONVICTED OVER GERMAN SHEPHERD'S SUFFERING
Emma Townshend and Jason ‘Jay’ Drewry were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet the needs of their female German Shepherd-type dog, Marmaduke, in a prosecution brought by the RSPCA.
Inspectors attended the couple’s home after concerns about Marmaduke’s welfare.
Veterinary examinations revealed she was suffering from an untreated chronic skin disease, with extensive fur loss, soreness, and irritation.
Inspector Ben Kirby stated: “Marmaduke had significant hair loss across her back and hindquarters, her skin appeared sore and inflamed and there was a strong smell of yeast.
It was clear she had been suffering for some time without the veterinary care she desperately needed.” Marmaduke was seized by police under the Animal Welfare Act and placed in RSPCA care.
Further veterinary exams indicated she had a severe skin disease, likely caused by parasites or allergies, which had caused her prolonged discomfort for at least two months.
She is now in good health, being cared for at the RSPCA Danaher Animal Home, awaiting her forever family.
Townshend and Drewry pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty, which took place between 2 March and 4 May 2023, but were convicted in their absence on 4 November 2025.
In mitigation, the court was told that Townsend “suffered with her mental health”, while Drewry had been “battling drug and alcohol issues”.
Following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Kathryn Parfitt said: “Poor Marmaduke would have been in terrible pain, and it is heartbreaking to know that she suffered so needlessly.
Owning an animal is a serious and lifelong responsibility – when problems arise, it’s vital to get professional advice straight away rather than allow an animal to deteriorate.” The court sentenced Townshend to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of £154.
Drewry received a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of ‘rehab’ and six months of alcohol treatment, with a £114 victim surcharge.
Both are banned from keeping animals for five years, until November 2030.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
s arise, it's vital to get professional advice straight away rather than allow an animal to deteriorate." The court sentenced Townshend to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of 1...
Prison sentence
12 months
Owning an animal is a serious and lifelong responsibility - when problems arise, it's vital to get professional advice straight away rather than allow an animal to deteriorate." The court sentenced Townshend to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of 154
Suspended sentence
12 months
Owning an animal is a serious and lifelong responsibility - when problems arise, it's vital to get professional advice straight away rather than allow an animal to deteriorate." The court sentenced Townshend to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of 154
Fine or payment
12 months
Owning an animal is a serious and lifelong responsibility - when problems arise, it's vital to get professional advice straight away rather than allow an animal to deteriorate." The court sentenced Townshend to a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered her to pay a victim surcharge of 154
Community order
six months
Drewry received a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of 'rehab' and six months of alcohol treatment, with a 114 victim surcharge
Fine or payment
200 hours
Drewry received a 12-month community order, including 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days of 'rehab' and six months of alcohol treatment, with a 114 victim surcharge
Disqualification or ban
five years
Both are banned from keeping animals for five years, until November 2030
