MARK CHAMPION AND JULIE WHITEHEAD FROM THORNTREE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO GERMAN SHEPHERD MAX

In a case that has shocked the local community of Thorntree, Middlesbrough, two individuals, Mark Champion and Julie Whitehead, have been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dog, Max, a German Shepherd. The incident, which spanned over two years, highlights the tragic neglect and the heartbreaking consequences faced by the animal.

Champion, born on December 14, 1971, and Whitehead, born around 1965, resided at Barrington Crescent in Middlesbrough, with their address listed as TS3 9JD. The court heard that the couple had failed to seek any veterinary assistance for Max, who was suffering from severe skin and ear infections. Despite the obvious signs of distress, they neglected to provide him with the necessary medical care, leading to a deterioration of his condition.

Prosecutor Neil Taylor described Max’s suffering as extreme, stating that the dog had been in significant pain for at least two years. Max was observed to be constantly shaking his head and scratching his ears, which were hot to the touch. The veterinarian who examined Max at Stanhope Park Veterinary Hospital in Darlington found him to be underweight, with patches of fur missing around his eyes. The dog was also seen rubbing his ears and face against the vet, indicating ongoing discomfort and irritation.

According to the court, Max’s condition was so dire that the decision was made to put him to sleep. The vet described Max’s suffering as “the worst the vet had ever seen,” emphasizing the prolonged pain he endured. The court was told that Max was believed to have been in intense pain for a period of at least two years, with his condition worsening as time went on.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that Champion and Whitehead, who are parents to two children, were experiencing financial difficulties at the time. This hardship was cited as a reason for their inability to afford veterinary treatment. A report from the probation service indicated that the couple did not ignore Max’s problems entirely but attempted to manage his health issues without professional veterinary help, which proved insufficient.

Whitehead expressed her fear about seeking veterinary assistance, stating she was “very very scared” of what might happen if she approached the vets when Max’s condition worsened. This fear contributed to the delay in seeking proper medical care for Max, ultimately leading to his suffering.

In sentencing, both Mark Champion and Julie Whitehead received an 18-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. They were also ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £265 each. Additionally, the court imposed a lifetime ban on both individuals owning animals, with no right of appeal for five years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the needs of vulnerable pets.