LYNN STOKER'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN BYRNESS: DOG BREEDER'S 25-YEAR ABUSE REVEALED

Lynn Stoker, a breeder and hoarder from Byrness, faced a harrowing legal judgment after being found guilty of appalling animal cruelty that spanned over a decade. Born on July 4, 1956, Stoker resided at Raw Farm House in Byrness Village, Newcastle upon Tyne NE19 1TR. Her conviction stemmed from her egregious neglect of more than 100 dogs and puppies, living in deplorable conditions that caused immense suffering.

Stoker was charged with 11 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and four additional charges for failing to meet their basic welfare needs. The case was brought to a head after authorities discovered her home in May 2018, where a total of 107 dogs and six puppies were found confined within cramped cages, many without access to fresh drinking water. Despite her initial claims of seeking help to re-home her pets, her behavior became evasive and aggressive when approached, prompting a search warrant to be executed.

The RSPCA, which played a pivotal role in uncovering the conditions, released distressing footage showing dozens of dogs locked in small cages, many suffering from untreated health issues. The court was told that none of the animals were in a healthy state upon discovery. Many of these dogs were suffering from chronic dental disease, eye infections, and hip injuries, with some in such poor health that they required euthanasia. The neglect was so severe that three dogs had fractured jaws due to advanced dental disease, and one dog had only three remaining teeth, the rest having fallen out because of the disease.

Many of the animals had not received veterinary care for years, and their suffering was at an advanced stage. The conditions at her home were described as squalid, with the animals living in cramped cages and deprived of basic necessities like water. The neglect extended beyond dogs, as her household also included two cats and a tortoise, all of which were reportedly subjected to similar neglect.

Stoker maintained her innocence, claiming that her pets were never neglected and asserting that she had been involved in dog breeding for 25 years. However, the evidence presented in court painted a starkly different picture of cruelty and neglect.

During sentencing, District Judge Bernard Begley emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “This is a particularly serious type of offence. Significant costs have been incurred. I really can’t find any redeeming features. This was a high level of suffering – some animals were euthanised. You have not shown a shred of remorse or contrition.”

As a result, Stoker was sentenced to 21 weeks in prison, ordered to pay a fine of £50,000, and disqualified from keeping or breeding animals for at least 15 years. The case has drawn widespread condemnation, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the need for vigilance against such egregious cases of neglect in the future.