ROBBIE DUCE FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO BOXERS IN MIDDLESBROUGH
Robbie Duce, born on December 24, 1993, and residing at 23 Grantham Green in Middlesbrough, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving his two boxer dogs, Duke and Rocky.The case came to light after a concerned member of the public reported the apparent neglect to the RSPCA, prompting an investigation that uncovered disturbing conditions at Duce's residence.
On January 7, 2021, Inspector Clare Wilson visited the property and discovered the two dogs in a deplorable state.
Duke, the older of the two, was severely emaciated, with all his bones—spine, skull, hips, shoulder blades, and ribs—easily visible and protruding sharply through his skin.
The inspector noted deep, untreated sores on Duke’s hips that had reached the bone, indicating prolonged suffering and neglect.
Wilson described Duke’s eyes as red with discharge staining beneath them, further evidence of his poor health and neglect.
Rocky, a one-and-a-half-year-old male boxer with a white and brindle coat, was found confined in a large metal crate in the kitchen.
The crate’s base was bare metal, with only an empty food bowl and a water bowl containing a small amount of water.
Rocky was also underweight, though not as severely as Duke, with his spine, ribs, and pelvic bones clearly visible.
The conditions in the crate offered no comfort or adequate space for movement, and both dogs lacked proper resting areas.
Their coats were soiled, and there was no indication that they had access to a toilet area, highlighting the neglect they endured.
Despite Duce’s social media claims of a close bond with his dogs, the reality was starkly different.
The dogs were left in barren metal cages for approximately 12 hours each day while Duce was at work, with no bedding or proper care.
The RSPCA’s investigation revealed that the dogs had been subjected to unnecessary suffering for at least six weeks, with the ulcers and sores on Duke’s body caused by poor living conditions and neglect.
Following the discovery, the dogs were rushed to a veterinary clinic in Darlington, where they received urgent treatment.
Duke required stitches for a deep sore, and both dogs needed to gain weight and recover from their ordeal.
The RSPCA took custody of Duke and Rocky, and they were subsequently rehabilitated at the Felledge Animal Centre.
An independent veterinarian confirmed that the dogs’ suffering was avoidable and that their ulcers could have been prevented with proper care, including providing comfortable bedding and adequate space.
In court, Duce pleaded guilty to three charges related to animal welfare.
Despite the severity of the neglect, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 200 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay £495 in costs and charges.
Importantly, Duce received a six-year ban on keeping animals, which will remain in effect until June 2027.
Inspector Clare Wilson expressed her satisfaction with the dogs’ recovery, stating, “Both dogs are transformed — I saw Rocky the other day, and he recognized me.
He looks amazing and so happy!
I am so pleased for them both that they have recovered so well and have found loving new homes.
They still see each other and enjoy playing together, as the video shows.” The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, with the dogs now enjoying a second chance at life after enduring unimaginable suffering in Middlesbrough.
