STEVE LAWS AND ELAINE CHURCHER FROM CARSHALTON CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGUE DE BORDEAUX
In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Steven Laws and Elaine Churcher, both residents of Waltham Road in Carshalton, Surrey, were found guilty of starving and neglecting their two-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux named Ruby.The incident, which came to light in 2016, revealed a heartbreaking level of cruelty inflicted upon the young dog by her owners.
Police officers responded to an unrelated call at the couple’s residence but, upon arrival, they noticed Ruby’s severely underweight condition.
Concerned about her health, the officers seized the dog immediately and transported her to a veterinary clinic for urgent medical attention.
Ruby’s emaciated state was a clear indication of prolonged neglect, as she had been effectively ignored and deprived of proper nourishment by her owners.
It was established that Laws and Churcher, who are the biological parents of Ruby, failed in their basic responsibilities to care for her.
They admitted to causing unnecessary suffering by not providing adequate food and neglecting her need for regular exercise, which is essential for a dog’s well-being.
The offences spanned from Sunday, April 3, 2016, to Sunday, May 29, 2016, during which time Ruby’s health deteriorated significantly due to their neglect.
Following the intervention, Ruby was placed on a proper diet, which led to a remarkable improvement in her condition.
She gained a substantial amount of weight and was subsequently made available for rehoming, giving her a chance at a healthier and happier life away from her previous owners’ cruelty.
In the court proceedings, Steven Laws was sentenced to a total of £970 in fines and charges, alongside 100 hours of unpaid community service.
Additionally, he was disqualified from owning any animals indefinitely, a measure aimed at preventing further abuse.
Elaine Churcher received a lesser penalty, with fines totaling £370 and a sentence of one year’s community service.
Her disqualification from keeping animals was set for 12 months, which expired in 2017.
The case highlights the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences faced by those who neglect their pets in the Carshalton area and beyond.
