MARIANNE STRIBLING HORRIFICALLY ABANDONS DOGS AND RABBIT IN BARNSTAPLE BACKYARD

Marianne Stribling, also known as Marianne Arkless, born on January 16, 1981, and residing at John Gay Close in Barnstaple, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty. Her actions involved the neglect and starvation of two dogs and a rabbit, all of whom suffered tragic fates in her backyard.

Over a period of three weeks, the German Shepherd named Charm and a Collie called Prince were left to languish in Stribling’s garden, confined within a small, neglected shed. The conditions were deplorable, with no access to food or water, and the yard itself was covered in dog feces and mud, reflecting a complete disregard for animal welfare.

When authorities arrived, an RSPCA inspector was compelled to crawl through a kitchen window to gain entry into the premises, as Stribling had lost the key to the back door. Inside, the inspector discovered the lifeless bodies of the two dogs. Prince’s remains consisted only of matted fur, teeth, and bones, evidence of a prolonged period of starvation. Charm had resorted to consuming Prince’s remains in a desperate attempt to survive before she succumbed to the same fate.

In addition to the dogs, a rabbit was found at the scene. The rabbit had also been starved and was in such poor condition that it had to be euthanized to end its suffering. The scene was one of neglect and cruelty, with no provisions for the animals’ basic needs.

During her court appearance, Stribling explained her dire financial situation, claiming she was burdened with credit card debts estimated between £20,000 and £30,000. She stated that she could not afford to buy food for the animals, one of which was reportedly an unwanted gift. She also alleged that she had been vilified and had received death threats, adding a layer of complexity to her personal circumstances.

Animal welfare protesters gathered outside the courtroom to voice their outrage at her actions. As Stribling was led away to serve a three-month prison sentence, a woman in the public gallery called her an “evil bitch,” highlighting the public’s disgust.

Despite her ban from keeping animals for life, further violations occurred. In November 2009, following a tip-off, the RSPCA discovered two eight-week-old kittens at her residence. The situation escalated when a neighbor became aggressive towards the inspector, necessitating police intervention. Ultimately, the kittens were confiscated and taken into care.

In sentencing, Stribling received a 12-week prison term and was permanently banned from owning or caring for animals, reflecting the severity of her cruelty and the importance of animal protection laws in Barnstaple and beyond.