GARY DOIDGE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN EAST CORNWALL: RAT TORTURE AT TAVISTOCK RECYCLING DEPOT

Gary Doidge, a resident of East Cornwall, was involved in a disturbing incident that drew widespread condemnation and legal action. Born on February 6, 1993, Doidge was residing at 5 Sims Terrace, Gunnislake, when he committed an act of extreme cruelty involving live rats. On August 10, 2020, at a recycling depot located within the Hayedown industrial estate in Tavistock, he captured and confined rats in a plastic bin, an act that would later be scrutinized for its brutality.

According to reports, Doidge took a kettle filled with boiling water and poured it directly onto the trapped rats. The incident was recorded on video, which quickly circulated on social media platforms and gained media attention. The footage depicted Doidge approaching the bin, steam visibly emanating from the kettle's spout, indicating the water had recently boiled. He then poured the scalding water onto the rats, which could be heard squealing in distress. Following this, he placed a lid over the bin, effectively trapping the suffering animals inside.

Veterinary experts with over 35 years of experience, including research into rodent physiology, reviewed the footage. They concluded that the rats were likely still alive at the time of the water being poured, and although they appeared motionless, they would have been experiencing significant pain and suffering. The veterinarian emphasized the similarity in physiology between humans and rats, noting that both have nervous systems that respond similarly to injury and infection, which underscores the cruelty of the act.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Ryder, who led the investigation, highlighted the legal and ethical violations involved. She stated, “The 2006 Animal Welfare Act applies to all vertebrates and imposes a duty of care for animals under human control, even temporarily, as was the case with these rats. The footage of this incident is difficult to watch, and no animal should be subjected to such treatment.” She further explained that causing unnecessary suffering is a criminal offense, and pouring boiling water on live animals is a clear violation of animal welfare laws.

Following the investigation, Gary Doidge pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to wild rats, in violation of the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act of 1996. His sentencing included a 12-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with 80 hours of unpaid community service. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge. This case has sparked outrage across East Cornwall and beyond, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty towards animals.