RHYS HAGAN

NORTH EAST MAN JAILED FOR STARVING DOG TO DEATH AND GIVEN LIFETIME ANIMAL BAN

A North East man named Rhys Hagan, aged 26, has been sentenced for his involvement in one of the most severe cases of animal cruelty they have encountered.

He and his partner, Michelle Hindson, 27, were given suspended prison sentences of 38 weeks, suspended for 12 months, after they pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The magistrates described the cruelty as "one of the worst cases of animal cruelty they had ever seen" and noted the long period of starvation that led to the death of their dog, Oreo.

The dog, a bull breed, weighed less than half what it should have and showed signs of prolonged suffering, including emaciation, severe muscle atrophy, wounds, and plastic in his stomach.

Evidence indicated Oreo was starved for at least six weeks, with reports from veterinarians describing his condition as extremely dire.

The owner asked for the dog’s body to be cremated, claiming he had died at home, but veterinary staff intervened due to their concern over Oreo’s condition.

Hagan was also ordered to pay a fine of £200, a victim surcharge of £187, and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, while Hindson was fined £50 and ordered to perform the same unpaid work.

Mark Gent, the RSPCA chief inspector for Durham, stated, "The pictures of Oreo are extremely upsetting and show the extent of the lengthy starvation he very sadly suffered.

This was recognised by the suspended prison sentence and the lifetime bans handed to both defendants."