NATASHA BENJAFIELD SHOCKING ANIMAL CRUELTY IN LONDON BOROUGH OF SUTTON

Natasha Benjafield, born on October 5, 1990, and residing at 385 Middleton Road, Carshalton, within the London Borough of Sutton, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty after leaving a young French bulldog puppy in excruciating pain due to burns sustained over several days. The incident, which has garnered significant attention, culminated in her appearance at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on September 13, 2024, where she pleaded guilty to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

According to court records and veterinary reports, the puppy, named Cleo, was only nine weeks old when she was brought to an out-of-hours veterinary clinic suffering from thermal and chemical burns on her lower body. The injuries were inflicted at Benjafield’s former residence on Budge Lane in Mitcham, Greater London, and had been developing for up to three days prior to her presentation at the clinic. The severity of her injuries was evident, with burn marks covering her back legs, groin, and stomach, indicating prolonged exposure to harmful substances.

Following her initial treatment, Cleo was transferred to a PDSA Hospital in London the following day, September 20, where the RSPCA was alerted to her condition. RSPCA Inspector Harriet Daliday, who examined the dog, described the injuries as severe, noting the extensive burn marks across her back legs, groin, and stomach. The treatment team at the PDSA expressed grave concern over her health, revealing that she was hyperthermic and unable to keep food down, signs of critical distress. The veterinary team administered intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and potent pain relief, providing round-the-clock care at another PDSA facility in Greater London.

Over the course of the subsequent week, Cleo’s wounds were carefully managed, and her condition gradually improved. However, the vet emphasized that the burns had caused her considerable pain, and the injuries were inflicted at least 24 hours before her initial veterinary visit, with some evidence suggesting the injuries could have been sustained two or three days earlier. A veterinary expert commissioned by the RSPCA examined the case and noted that the pattern of scalding was inconsistent with the defendant’s explanation that the injuries resulted from an accidental fall into a bucket of boiling water and bleach. The expert observed that the distribution of burns did not align with such an incident, raising suspicions of non-accidental injury.

Specifically, the vet pointed out that it was difficult to understand how Cleo could have jumped into a hot water bucket without sustaining burns on her neck, chest, and front legs. The pattern of injuries suggested that only her back legs and rear abdomen were in contact with the hot water, which raised questions about whether the injuries were deliberately inflicted. Despite these concerns, the vet acknowledged that there was no definitive evidence to conclude that the injuries were intentionally caused. The defendant’s own admission that she sought veterinary care for Cleo on September 17, and her attempt to register her with the PDSA, was noted. However, the vet criticized the delay in seeking urgent care, pointing out that Cleo could have been presented as an emergency case rather than waiting until 9:50 pm on September 19.

During the court proceedings, magistrates accepted that Benjafield’s actions were not deliberate but characterized her behavior as a “momentary lapse of judgment,” influenced by her pregnancy at the time. The court sentenced her to a six-week curfew, along with costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £114. The RSPCA took custody of Cleo, who has since made a good recovery and was rehomed to new owners after spending time at the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre.

Additional allegations from a former acquaintance paint a troubling picture of Benjafield’s history with animals. It was claimed that she has three children with three different fathers, and her current partner was the one who bought her Cleo and another dog named Duchess. The account detailed a tragic incident in 2011, when her pet cat fell from her third-floor flat on Budge Lane in Mitcham and was left untreated, eventually being taken in by a neighbor. The same source recounted that in 2013, she owned a female pug puppy that was thrown over a stairwell banister by her young son and his cousin, resulting in the dog’s death from a ruptured stomach after hitting the marble floor below. Benjafield reportedly did not seek veterinary help for the injured dog, instead leaving her in a garage until she died.

Further allegations describe her history with other pets, including a French Bulldog named Gucci, which she acquired around 2014 or 2015. Gucci produced eight puppies, but only one survived, and that pup, Bear, was kept and raised in a neglectful environment, leading to behavioral issues. Gucci died in 2019 from unknown causes, and in 2022, Benjafield obtained another French Bulldog, Duchess, which she later bred. Her recent acquisition of Cleo in 2024 has now resulted in her being convicted of animal cruelty. Despite her claims of mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, critics argue that her history demonstrates a pattern of irresponsibility and neglect.

Benjafield’s actions and history have sparked widespread concern and condemnation, highlighting ongoing issues of animal welfare and the importance of accountability for those responsible for pet care.