SUSAN CARMICHAEL'S SHOCKING ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE IN SUTTON-ON-HULL REVEALS BREACHES AND COURT WARNING

Susan Carmichael, a resident of Dalsetter Rise in Sutton-on-Hull, has been at the center of a disturbing series of animal cruelty violations that have culminated in her being convicted in 2021. Her history of neglect and repeated breaches of legal bans on keeping pets highlight ongoing issues with animal welfare and enforcement.

Originally, Carmichael was subjected to a three-year ban on owning animals following a 2016 cruelty conviction. Despite this, she was found to have violated this restriction multiple times, most notably in March 2018 when she was sentenced to a three-month prison term, suspended for a year. The court heard that during this period, she kept two Shih Tzu-type dogs, named Tia and Ty, along with a budgerigar called Georgie. The court also found that she failed to provide proper care for the dogs, neglecting their grooming needs and not ensuring they had a suitable environment, thereby causing them pain, suffering, injury, and exposure to disease.

Her breaches did not stop there. In March 2018, authorities discovered the same animals at her residence, prompting the imposition of a further three-year ban on her keeping any animals. This pattern of violations raised serious concerns about her compliance with animal welfare laws.

On February 12, 2020, RSPCA inspector Jilly Dickinson responded to a tip-off suggesting that Carmichael might have a pet at her home. When she arrived at the property, there was no answer. However, two days later, Inspector Dickinson returned with a council animal warden, armed with a warrant to search the premises for any animals. During this visit, Carmichael’s son confirmed that a timid male cat, described as a chocolate-colored Burmese/Siamese mix, belonged to his mother. The cat was subsequently taken into the care of the RSPCA and was later rehomed under the name Cameron Poe.

Carmichael denied ownership of the cat during court proceedings, but her claims were not accepted by the judiciary. The court emphasized the seriousness of her repeated violations and issued a stern warning. The District Judge stated, “It is important that you understand one thing from your appearance today. Any more animals in your possession will result in you going to prison. That is the most important message you must take from today – there must be no more animals.”

Inspector Dickinson commented on the case, stressing the importance of public cooperation in animal welfare enforcement. She said, “We rely on the public to notify us of any breach of bans and I would always urge them to report matters like this to us.”

As a result of her violations, Carmichael received a 12-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, she was placed under a 12-month supervision order, ordered to pay costs and fines totaling £538, and was subjected to a ten-year ban on owning animals, which will expire in July 2031. This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in ensuring animal welfare and the importance of vigilance and community involvement in preventing cruelty.