KERRY PATTERSON AND REECE MILBURN SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BLYTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

In a disturbing case of animal neglect that has shocked the community of Blyth in Northumberland, a couple, Kerry Patterson and Reece Milburn, have been found guilty and subsequently sentenced for their role in the severe mistreatment of their dog, Tiggy. The incident, which dates back to 2019, involved the discovery of a critically neglected dog and the subsequent investigation that revealed the true owners behind the suffering.

It all began when Patterson and Milburn falsely reported to Northumberland County Council that they had come across a three-year-old Lurcher puppy, named Tiggy, abandoned on the roadside. This report was made in 2019, and it prompted authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog’s condition. However, as the investigation unfolded, it was uncovered that Tiggy was actually the couple’s own pet, and her dire state of health was a result of neglect and cruelty.

Animal welfare officers who visited the couple’s residence in Blyth were reportedly appalled by the condition of Tiggy. The officer, with 15 years of experience in animal rescue, described the scene as the worst case of animal cruelty he had encountered in his career. Photographs taken during the rescue showed Tiggy in a deplorable state: her ribs were prominently visible, her fur was almost entirely gone, and her skin was severely irritated with mites infesting her body. The puppy was so weak that she was unable to stand, clearly suffering from dehydration, starvation, and skin infections.

The investigation by Northumberland County Council intensified after Tiggy was found just days before Christmas in 2019. The distressing images of the emaciated and vulnerable dog quickly went viral, drawing widespread attention and concern from the public. Many people flooded the council with emails and messages, demanding justice for Tiggy. It was soon confirmed that Patterson and Milburn were the owners responsible for her suffering.

After nearly two years of legal proceedings, the couple appeared in court last week to face charges. They admitted to causing unnecessary suffering and harm to Tiggy, as well as neglecting their other dog, Enzo, a Staffordshire bull terrier. Enzo was also found to be suffering from a skin condition and mite infestation, indicating ongoing neglect.

The court sentenced Patterson and Milburn to 12 weeks in jail each. Additionally, they were banned from owning or keeping any animals for the rest of their lives. Both were also ordered to pay fines of £120. A spokesperson for Northumberland County Council described the case as “one of the most shocking and high-profile cases of animal cruelty the county has ever seen.” The spokesperson added, “We were absolutely determined that Tiggy’s former owners would have their day in court, and although it has taken two years, today we got the result we were after.”

Today, Tiggy is safe and has been rehomed. She has made a remarkable recovery, now sporting a beautiful, fluffy white coat and a cheerful expression. She has new canine companions and a fresh start in life, with a new name that signifies her new beginning. Meanwhile, Enzo remains in a kennel, still awaiting his forever home, but he is being cared for and loved as he recovers from his own ordeal.