KELLY SMYTH OF WALLASEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY AFTER PET LIZARD THROWN FROM WINDOW NEAR POLICE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Wallasey, Kelly Smyth, born around 1978 and residing on Poulton Road, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty offences committed in her absence. The incident involved the tragic death of her pet blue-tongued skink, a native Australian reptile, which was thrown from a first-floor window towards police officers during a distressing encounter.

On June 25, 2018, Merseyside Police responded to Smyth’s flat situated on the first floor of her residence. When officers arrived at the scene, Smyth informed them that she no longer wished to keep her pet dog. Concerned for the animal’s safety, the officers decided to take the dog outside to their police van to prevent any potential harm. As they were in the process of removing the dog, witnesses reported that Smyth was seen at her window, and a loud slapping noise was heard, which alarmed the officers.

Upon investigating the source of the noise, the officers discovered the skink in a severely distressed state, frothing at the mouth and lying on the pavement. The reptile was critically injured, prompting the officers to rush it to a nearby veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the skink died shortly after arriving at the veterinary practice. The police subsequently referred the case to the RSPCA for further investigation.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes, who led the inquiry, provided a detailed account of the injuries sustained by the reptile. He stated, “A post mortem revealed this poor skink had suffered a multitude of injuries after being thrown from the window, including a broken back, hemorrhage to the brain, and blood on the lungs. From the point of impact, it took minutes to die, and it must have suffered terribly. It is awful that this pet was left to die in agony on the cold, dark concrete of a pavement for no reason.”

Inspector Joynes emphasized the seriousness with which the RSPCA treats all cruelty cases, regardless of the animal involved. “This act involving a small reptile is treated with the same gravity as if it were a cat or a dog—because the pain and suffering inflicted are equally severe,” he explained. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the specific needs of exotic animals, noting that many owners are unaware of the level of commitment required to care for such pets.

Smyth was sentenced to a 12-month community order, fined £50, and ordered to pay £150 in costs along with an £85 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any animals for three years, although this ban expired in October 2021. The case has drawn widespread condemnation and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in the Wallasey area.