LAURA BUTT AND TIMOTHY WOOD FROM DRAYCOTT FACING JUSTICE OVER CRUELTY TO DOGS IN DERBY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Draycott, Derby, two residents, Laura Emily Butt and Timothy Wood, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving their four dogs. The incident, which spanned over several months, revealed a disturbing neglect that left the animals in a state of extreme suffering.

Laura Butt, born on March 23, 1986, and Timothy Wood, born on May 27, 1966, both residing on Derby Road in Draycott, were accused of neglecting their pets by allowing them to endure prolonged periods of starvation and poor health. The dogs, which included a six-year-old Akita-type named Bear, a 14-year-old German Shepherd named Molly, and two other dogs, Roxy, aged seven, and another unnamed dog, were subjected to inhumane conditions at their home.

According to reports, the couple primarily fed their dogs scraps from takeaway meals, neglecting proper nutrition and veterinary care. The RSPCA inspectors who investigated the case found the animals suffering from visible signs of malnutrition, with protruding bones and deep scratches. Despite repeated warnings and visits from the inspectors, Butt and Wood refused to take the dogs to a veterinarian, claiming they were 'too busy' to do so.

The investigation revealed that the dogs' health had significantly deteriorated over time. Molly and Roxy, in particular, were underweight, with Molly being 14 years old and Roxy only seven. The inspectors advised that the dogs needed cooked pasta added to their diet and should be taken to a vet for treatment. However, by March 2019, the dogs had still not received veterinary attention, and the couple continued to dismiss the concerns.

In May 2019, a police officer accompanied RSPCA inspector Helen Mead to the property after concerns about the dogs' condition persisted. During this visit, they found Bear lethargic, with protruding hip bones, and observed another dog in the household grumbling and covered in scabs. The inspector noted that the dogs had not been treated for their injuries or malnutrition, and the condition of the animals was alarming.

Mr. Purchase, the prosecutor, stated, “The fear was that it had a fight with one of the other dogs. The scratches were deep and the dog had not had any treatment. Mr. Wood claimed the dogs were fed a lot of food, but when asked about dog food, he said no. It was clear that the dogs were being fed scraps from takeaway meals, which contributed to their poor health. All four dogs were seized by authorities and are currently in the care of the RSPCA.”

During the court proceedings at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, Butt and Wood pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals. Butt, who reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder, adult ADHD, and nervous anxiety, was visibly emotional during the hearing, sobbing as the case was presented.

Defense lawyer Mark Moore argued that the couple had become social pariahs in their village, with even the local shop refusing to serve them. Despite this, the magistrates emphasized the seriousness of the neglect. The Chair of the Bench acknowledged the difficulty of such cases but underscored that the couple’s failure to care properly for their dogs was unacceptable. A deprivation order was issued, prohibiting Butt and Wood from keeping any dogs for the next three years, a period that expired in October 2022.

In total, the court imposed fines, costs, and charges amounting to £1,300. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect in Derby and beyond.