NEIL AND ELAINE HAMILTON FROM PITY ME FACE COURT OVER DOG NEGLECT IN DURHAM

Neil and Elaine Hamilton, a married couple residing on Front Street in the Pity Me area of Durham, have been found guilty of severe neglect towards their six pet dogs, following a detailed investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. The case highlights the tragic consequences of neglect and underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership.

In October 2022, RSPCA inspector Lucy Green visited the Hamiltons' residence and was met with a distressing scene. All six dogs—Ozzy, Oscar, Megan, Beau, Lexi, and Bella—were in a state of significant neglect, with their physical conditions revealing the extent of their suffering. Inspector Green's detailed witness statement described the dogs' conditions vividly, painting a stark picture of neglect.

She reported that Lexi, a tan-colored female chihuahua-type dog, was notably underweight. Beau, a white crossbreed, was extremely thin, with his hips, spine, and ribs clearly visible through his fur. The inspector observed Beau lying on a sofa before he stood up and vomited onto the floor, indicating his poor health. Bella, a black and white female lurcher-type dog, was also underweight, with her hips, ribs, and spine easily felt through her skin. Megan, a tri-colored terrier-type dog, was similarly emaciated, with her long fur unable to conceal her severe thinness. Oscar, a black and white male crossbreed, was underweight as well, with prominent ribs, hips, and spine. Ozzy, another black and white male lurcher-type dog, was slightly underweight, with similar visible signs of malnutrition.

During the inspection, the inspector noted a distressing scene where Bella placed her two front paws in an empty bowl on the floor. Neil Hamilton proceeded to fill the bowl with water, and all four dogs—Bella, Megan, Oscar, and Ozzy—immediately drank from it. Meanwhile, Lexi was hiding under the table, and Beau remained lying on the sofa, both showing signs of neglect and poor health.

Following the inspection, the dogs were taken to a veterinary clinic for thorough examinations. The vets confirmed that Beau, Bella, and Megan were in a state of suffering, with their conditions requiring urgent intervention. Lexi, Oscar, and Ozzy were also at risk of suffering if their circumstances did not improve. Beau was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal disease, specifically diarrhoea, and was found to be emaciated, having lost significant muscle mass. He was weighed at just 5.5 kilograms, which is approximately half the expected weight for his breed, and received a body condition score of just one out of nine.

Further veterinary assessments revealed that Ozzy had previously suffered a leg fracture after being hit by a car, but the Hamiltons had taken him to a clinic that only treated cats and failed to seek necessary follow-up care. Bella was suffering from a fever, while Megan was severely malnourished, with overgrown nails and advanced dental disease. The RSPCA emphasized that none of the dogs had been provided with adequate nutrition, fresh water, or essential veterinary treatment, highlighting a clear pattern of neglect.

During the court proceedings, the couple cited financial difficulties as a mitigating factor, claiming that their lack of funds contributed to the neglect. Despite this, the RSPCA and the court underscored that responsible pet ownership entails ensuring animals receive proper care, nutrition, and medical attention regardless of financial circumstances.

All six dogs have since recovered from their ordeal under the care of the RSPCA, and their health has significantly improved. Inspector Green issued a stern reminder to pet owners, urging them to seek veterinary help when needed and to utilize available charities and payment plans to ensure their animals' well-being. She stated, “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it. If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties. People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.”

In sentencing, Neil Hamilton was fined £300, with an additional £75 in costs and a £120 victim surcharge. Elaine Hamilton received a fine of £125, along with £175 in costs and a £48 victim surcharge. Both were banned from owning animals for a period of ten years, a ban that will expire in March 2033. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting those duties.