JOSH SANDERSON'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN EVENWOOD: DOGS LEFT TO STARVE AND SUFFER

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Joshua Sanderson, born on December 20, 2003, and residing at 35 Fairfield, Evenwood, Bishop Auckland DL14 9SE, was found responsible for abandoning three lurcher-type dogs in a deplorable state. The animals were left in his abandoned flat, which was described as a scene of chaos, filth, and neglect, with the dogs suffering from severe malnutrition and poor living conditions.

On April 6, 2023, an RSPCA inspector, with assistance from local police and letting agents, gained entry into Sanderson’s flat after reports of the distressing conditions. Upon entering, the inspector was met with an overwhelming stench of ammonia, a clear indication of the unsanitary environment. The interior was strewn with faeces and rubbish, with evidence of neglect evident throughout the property. The main living area was devoid of the dogs, and the space was littered with waste, including faeces on the settee and scattered across the floor.

In a small bedroom, the inspector discovered the three dogs confined in a cramped space, also covered in faeces, with the overpowering smell of urine and excrement filling the air. The animals had no access to food or water, as the bowls present were overturned and dry. The conditions were so dire that the dogs were rescued and taken to the RSPCA’s Great Ayton Animal Centre for urgent care and examination by veterinary professionals.

The veterinary assessment revealed the extent of the suffering endured by the animals. The first dog, a tan and white male lurcher named Tolly, was found to have wounds and cuts. The second, a black and tan female, exhibited inflamed eye membranes. The third, Molly, was the most severely affected. She was the only dog microchipped and was found to be emaciated, weighing just 9.45kg, with a body condition score of only one out of nine. Although her microchip indicated she was approximately one year old, the vet noted significant tartar buildup on her teeth, suggesting her actual age was likely older. Molly bore several scars but no fresh wounds.

During the examination, the vet observed that Molly was suffering from malnutrition caused by prolonged neglect. She was ravenous and passed faeces containing a black bin liner, indicating her desperate state. Blood tests showed her organ functions were normal, and she had no significant clinical conditions responsible for her weight loss. Remarkably, after five weeks of proper feeding, Molly gained nearly 30% of her body weight, demonstrating her resilience and the potential for recovery if given proper care. The vet concluded that Molly had endured unnecessary suffering for at least six weeks due to inadequate nutrition.

Following investigations, authorities traced Sanderson to a property in Evenwood. In June 2023, he was interviewed by the RSPCA and admitted to being the occupant of the flat at the time. He confirmed ownership of two of the dogs and claimed that he had taken Molly from someone who was neglecting her. Sanderson also acknowledged that the conditions within the flat were poor and unsuitable for the animals’ welfare.

All three dogs were transferred to the care of the RSPCA, where they received the necessary treatment and attention. Sadly, the black and tan female lurcher was euthanized on veterinary advice due to welfare and behavioral concerns stemming from her prolonged suffering. Meanwhile, Molly and Tolly, the male lurcher, were successfully adopted into new homes and are now enjoying healthier, happier lives.

Sanderson faced charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, to which he pleaded guilty to two counts. Despite the severity of his neglect, he was sentenced to a six-month community order with five rehabilitation activity requirement days and was banned from owning or keeping animals for five years, a ban set to expire in April 2029. The court’s decision was met with mixed reactions, but the case served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.

Mark Gent, the RSPCA’s Chief Inspector for Durham, commented on the case, emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon the animals. He stated, “All three dogs had been badly let down by their owner, left behind in a dirty and hazardous environment without food or water, to the extent where one of them had resorted to eating a bin liner. It was a sad case and it illustrates how important it is to ensure the needs of animals you’re responsible for are always met and to see help and advice if your circumstances change and you are no longer able to provide for them.”