SOPHIE BAKER AND TOMMY JOHNSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN ALLENTON, DERBY

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Sophie Baker, also known as Sophie Elton, and Tommy Lee Johnson, both residents of Allenton, Derby, have been convicted for their role in abandoning their dogs in a garage, leading to the tragic death of one of the animals. The offenders, who share three children, faced charges related to violations of animal welfare laws after their failure to care for their pets, Buster and Layla, resulted in severe suffering and death.

At the time of the incident, Baker and Johnson were living at an address on Thackeray Street in Sinfin, Derby. However, they later moved in with Baker’s mother, Jackie Elton, leaving the dogs behind in the garage of their previous residence. The neglect was uncovered when the RSPCA responded to a welfare concern on 27 January 2024. Upon inspection, they discovered Buster’s emaciated body in the garage, with Layla refusing to leave his side, visibly distressed and attached to her deceased companion.

RSPCA Inspector Louise Marston, who attended the scene, described the heartbreaking sight. In her statement to the court, she said, “Layla looked incredibly sad and it was clear that she was very attached to Buster. In my 12-year career, I have never seen a dog act like this and it was painful to witness, especially given the environmental conditions and the physical conditions of both dogs.”

Inspector Marston provided a detailed account of the conditions inside the garage, revealing a scene of squalor and neglect. She explained, “I could see that the ground was littered with rubbish which was filthy and covered with dog faeces. There was dog faeces everywhere – covering rubbish, offcuts of material and blankets, smeared around empty food bowls, a white bucket, and even on a leather sofa and electrical white goods. In the far right corner, there was a large accumulation of faeces and empty sacks of dog food. A broken glass window and a wooden door laid on its side, leading out to the rear garden, completed the scene. I couldn’t step anywhere where there wasn’t dog faeces.”

Both dogs were taken to the RSPCA’s Birmingham Animal Hospital for examination. Layla was found to be severely underweight, dehydrated, and extremely thirsty. A veterinary nurse placed fresh water in a bowl, which Layla eagerly drank for approximately 40 seconds, indicating her desperate need for hydration. Buster’s body was examined and showed signs that he may have suffered from a kidney disease, which can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.

During an interview, Tommy Johnson admitted that the dogs had lived in the house until December 30, when he and Baker moved out, leaving the animals behind in the garage. When questioned about why they did not take the dogs with them, Johnson claimed they lacked an adequate place to keep them. He also stated that he was unsure when he last visited the property before the welfare check, suggesting it was only a few days prior, and that his last visit was at night. When asked if Buster was alive during his last visit, Johnson admitted he could not be certain, merely leaving food out and doing quick inspections.

Sophie Baker, in her interview, told Inspector Marston that “it was Tommy’s job to go down and sort them out – feed them, water them, take them out” and that she had not helped with their care. She expressed concern about the dogs being left alone for such an extended period.

Both Baker and Johnson pleaded guilty to two offences each, specifically causing unnecessary suffering to Buster and Layla. Fortunately, Layla has since made a full recovery and has been rehomed. The court heard that the dogs endured significant suffering, with the judge describing this case as “one of the worst animal welfare cases” he had encountered. The judge condemned the conditions, calling the evidence “disgraceful and stomach churning,” and emphasized that the dogs had been in agony, starving, and neglected, effectively abandoned.

In mitigation, the court acknowledged that both offenders were suffering from poor mental health and had experienced a family bereavement. Sentencing saw Johnson receive a 20-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, while Baker was given a 12-month community order. Both were ordered to pay costs of £200 each and were subjected to a lifetime ban on keeping animals, which they can appeal after five years. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in Allenton, Derby.