JEANETTE SMITH FROM BILSTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFIES IN HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bilston, Jeanette Smith, born on November 20, 1961, and residing on Kempthorne Road, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving four of her pet dogs. The incident, which came to light in April 2009, revealed the deplorable state in which these animals were kept, prompting a thorough investigation by the RSPCA.

Smith, who had previously been banned from keeping animals for a decade in 1990 following an earlier cruelty conviction, faced new charges after inspectors uncovered the shocking conditions in her back garden. She was accused of causing unnecessary suffering to her four Staffordshire Bull Terriers—Zena, Princess, Ellie, and Roly—by neglecting their basic needs and failing to provide a safe, clean environment.

During the inspection, RSPCA inspector Jayne Bashford observed the dogs in a distressing state. The animals were found perched on a makeshift shelf, with their bodies visibly emaciated and suffering from skin and ear infections. The conditions of their enclosure were appalling, with the ground littered with faeces and no apparent access to clean water or food. The makeshift shelter offered no protection from the elements, leaving the dogs exposed to weather extremes.

Prosecutor Nick Sutton described the scene to the court, emphasizing the severity of the neglect. He stated, “It was totally inadequate for any protection from the weather, and Smith had failed to feed the dogs properly or take them to the vets.” He further explained that the dogs’ physical condition was alarming, with all four scoring 1.5 or below on a scale where one indicates a dangerously thin dog and five indicates obesity. The veterinary assessment confirmed their dire state, with the dogs suffering from skin conditions and extreme emaciation.

It was also revealed that RSPCA inspectors had previously visited Smith’s property and issued an order to help Zena regain weight. A subsequent visit showed some improvement, and inspector Bashford left her contact details, urging Smith to reach out if further issues arose. Despite these efforts, the situation had clearly deteriorated again.

During the court proceedings, Smith’s defense attorney, Hockham Singh Suthi, acknowledged her responsibility, stating that she accepted she should have contacted the RSPCA earlier. He explained that she was struggling financially, which contributed to her inability to properly care for the dogs. Smith, a single mother, expressed remorse for her neglect.

As a result of the case, the court ordered a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and imposed a lifetime ban on Smith from keeping any animals. The court also noted that Roly, Zena, and Ellie had been rehomed, while Princess was euthanized due to a severe heart condition. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the community of Bilston.