OLIVIA HUTCHINSON'S CRUELTY IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE: DOG MOLLY'S SUFFERING EXPOSED

Olivia Hutchinson, born on 14 October 2004 and residing on Dene Avenue in Brunswick Village, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 7EH, was found guilty of severe neglect and mistreatment of her pet dog.

In September 2024, RSPCA Inspector Lucy Green visited Hutchinson’s home to investigate concerns raised about the welfare of a dog named Molly, a six-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. The inspection was prompted by reports of the dog exhibiting signs of distress and injury. During the visit, Inspector Green observed Molly walking with obvious pain, raising her front right paw and swinging her foot as she moved, which indicated a serious injury and discomfort.

Hutchinson claimed that Molly had been examined by a veterinarian a few months earlier, and she consented to the inspection, agreeing that the dog should receive urgent veterinary treatment. However, during the examination, it was revealed that Molly was suffering from multiple untreated traumatic injuries. These included fractures to her paw and ribs, as well as dislocated kneecaps. Alarmingly, none of these injuries had been addressed or treated by a veterinarian, despite the passage of time.

Further investigation into Molly’s veterinary history uncovered that these injuries had occurred at different points over the past year. The leg injury was traced back to around June 2023, the knee problems appeared in February 2024, and the rib fractures were dated to May 2024. Despite veterinary advice urging Hutchinson to seek follow-up treatment, she failed to do so, allowing Molly to endure prolonged suffering.

The veterinarian who examined Molly explained that such fractures are typically caused by external force, such as falls or accidents. The presence of old injuries indicated that Molly had been suffering for over five months, with her pain and disability worsening over time. Inspector Green commented on Hutchinson’s repeated failure to act, noting that she ignored veterinary recommendations and did not seek help despite clear signs of Molly’s pain and distress.

As a result of the ongoing neglect, the police intervened on welfare grounds and seized Molly from Hutchinson’s care. The dog is now in the custody of animal welfare authorities and has been placed in a safe environment. A court has issued a deprivation order, allowing Molly to be rehomed to a new, caring family.

Hutchinson was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 20 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, she received an 18-month ban from keeping dogs, a restriction set to expire in either November or December 2026.

This case received extensive media coverage from outlets such as the Northern Echo, ChronicleLive, and RSPCA News. The court’s decision underscored her neglect, highlighting how she left Molly to suffer severe injuries without seeking medical help. The prolonged pain and distress experienced by Molly serve as a stark reminder of the cruelty and disregard for animal welfare that can occur when neglect goes unchecked.