PAULA TEMPEST AND ANDREW JAMES SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY IN NOTTINGHAM AND SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, two individuals, Paula Tempest and Andrew James, were found guilty of mistreating a young puppy in the Nottingham and Sutton-in-Ashfield areas. The case came to light after the rescue of an eleven-month-old Staffordshire crossbreed named Ralph, who was subjected to severe injuries that ultimately led to the amputation of his rear leg.

Ralph was rescued in February 2016 from the neglectful care of Tempest and James. The puppy had sustained a fractured left hind leg, three broken ribs, and a fractured pelvis. Shockingly, these injuries had gone untreated for at least ten days, indicating a blatant disregard for the animal’s suffering. The cause of Ralph’s injuries was never definitively established, leaving questions about how the trauma occurred. The severity of the leg injury was such that amputation was deemed necessary to save the dog’s life.

Both Tempest and James were tried in absentia and found guilty of two charges each. The charges included causing unnecessary suffering to Ralph by neglecting to seek veterinary treatment and failing to meet his basic needs. Their actions, or lack thereof, demonstrated a clear neglect of the puppy’s welfare and a failure to provide proper care.

In terms of sentencing, Paula Tempest received an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for one year, along with 80 hours of unpaid community service and a fine of £250 to cover costs. Andrew James was sentenced to an immediate eight-week prison term and was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge. Additionally, both individuals were disqualified from owning or caring for any animals for the rest of their lives, a measure intended to prevent further cruelty.

The case was highlighted by the RSPCA, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The cruelty inflicted upon Ralph serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from abuse in Nottingham and Sutton-in-Ashfield.