MARK GALLAGHER'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN LEMINGTON: DOG STARVED TO THE BONE

In January 2023, a disturbing case of animal cruelty came to light in Lemington, Newcastle, involving a pet owner named Mark Gallagher. The incident revealed the shocking neglect and suffering inflicted upon his dog, Tyson, a crossbreed that was once a healthy, well-fed animal but was found in a state of extreme emaciation.

Gallagher, aged 32, admitted that his dog had deteriorated from a robust, bulky figure to a skeletal frame resembling a whippet. The neglect was uncovered after RSPCA inspectors responded to a call about Tyson being confined in a deplorable condition within Gallagher’s property. The dog was discovered locked in an upstairs bedroom, completely alone, in a room that was described as squalid and filthy.

The inspectors’ investigation revealed that Tyson was severely underweight, with every bone in his body clearly visible. The discovery was made after police officers forced entry into the property on Gladstone Street, where Tyson had been seen peering out of an upstairs window. The dog was found in a dire state, with no apparent access to food or water, and the room was covered in faeces and urine. Tyson was so weak that he was unable to make his way downstairs to the front door.

Upon rescue, Tyson was taken to a veterinary clinic, where he was found to weigh only 20.6 kilograms (45.4 pounds). The veterinarians assigned him the lowest possible body condition score of 1 out of 9, indicating extreme malnutrition. No medical explanation was found for his drastic weight loss, which was attributed solely to starvation. His physical condition was heartbreaking: his head was cone-shaped and sunken, his hips and spine protruded sharply, and he lacked muscle tone and fat reserves. His claws were overgrown, a sign of prolonged lack of exercise and neglect.

Inspector Terri-Ann Fannon, who was involved in the rescue, described Tyson’s condition in her statement: “Tyson was extremely underweight with every bone visible, his head was cone-shaped and sunken in, his hips and spine were all protruding — he had no muscle tone or fat at all. Once at the vets he drank insatiably and constantly wanted more.”

Further investigation revealed that Gallagher had not sought any veterinary treatment for Tyson and claimed he could not afford to do so. It was also revealed that he had not let Tyson outside for exercise, and the last time he cleaned the room where the dog was kept was approximately six weeks prior to the rescue.

Following the case, Gallagher faced legal action at Newcastle Crown Court. He was charged with causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet Tyson’s needs, violations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. On January 20, Judge Robert Adams sentenced Gallagher to eight months in jail, though the sentence was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, Gallagher was banned from keeping any animals for five years, ordered to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and required to pay costs of £500 along with a victim surcharge of £156.

The court proceedings highlighted the severity of the neglect, with inspectors recounting how Tyson’s condition was a direct result of Gallagher’s failure to provide basic care and sustenance. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners.