VICTORIA AND DAVID SAMS FROM MEADOWFIELD SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN DURHAM
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Meadowfield Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Meadowfield, Durham, Victoria Jill Sams, born on June 24, 1977, and her husband, David John Sams, born around 1974, faced justice for their gross neglect of two dogs, which ultimately led to their deaths. The couple, residing at Dorlonco Villas in Meadowfield, was found guilty of subjecting their animals to inhumane living conditions that were so severe, the dogs had to be euthanized.
It was in December 2012 that RSPCA inspector Nick Jones conducted a thorough investigation at the Sams' residence. During the inspection, he discovered two dogs, a Rottweiler named Kizzy and a collie cross named Ebby, living in deplorable conditions that defied basic standards of animal welfare. The dogs were confined outdoors in pens and kennels that were filthy, filled with faeces, and lacked any form of bedding or comfort. The scene was a stark testament to neglect, with both animals in a state of extreme suffering.
Kizzy was found in a collapsed and almost rigid condition, with a piece of bone lodged in her mouth, which prevented her from eating and had led to a tetanus infection. Kevin Campbell, the prosecutor representing the RSPCA, described her condition as critical, stating that she was struggling to breathe and would have died without immediate veterinary intervention. Tragically, Kizzy did not survive.
Ebby was also in a dire state, severely emaciated and suffering from arthritis, which left her barely able to stand. Further veterinary examinations revealed that Ebby was suffering from Cushing’s disease, an organ disorder that causes severe discomfort. Mr. Campbell emphasized that Ebby was in significant pain, with muscle wastage and arthritis that should have been managed with pain relief long before the vet saw her. Given her condition, it was determined that Ebby would have died within days if not euthanized.
Both dogs were rated at the lowest level of health on a nine-point scale, indicating the severity of their neglect. Kizzy was immediately euthanized, and Ebby was put down a few days later with the consent of the Sams. Inspector Jones later described the incident as one of the most distressing cases he had encountered in recent memory.
In court, the Sams received a sentence of six months' community orders. They were also ordered to pay £1,060 each in veterinary fees, costs, and charges. Additionally, they were banned from keeping any animals for the rest of their lives. The case drew further attention due to Victoria Sams’ previous online presence; she had operated a popular YouTube channel under the name ‘Vicky Mouse,’ where she reviewed products from budget retailers like B&M. However, following her conviction for animal cruelty, she was compelled to close her channel, and her online reputation was significantly tarnished.
This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners, especially in a community like Meadowfield that values compassion and care for animals.
It was in December 2012 that RSPCA inspector Nick Jones conducted a thorough investigation at the Sams' residence. During the inspection, he discovered two dogs, a Rottweiler named Kizzy and a collie cross named Ebby, living in deplorable conditions that defied basic standards of animal welfare. The dogs were confined outdoors in pens and kennels that were filthy, filled with faeces, and lacked any form of bedding or comfort. The scene was a stark testament to neglect, with both animals in a state of extreme suffering.
Kizzy was found in a collapsed and almost rigid condition, with a piece of bone lodged in her mouth, which prevented her from eating and had led to a tetanus infection. Kevin Campbell, the prosecutor representing the RSPCA, described her condition as critical, stating that she was struggling to breathe and would have died without immediate veterinary intervention. Tragically, Kizzy did not survive.
Ebby was also in a dire state, severely emaciated and suffering from arthritis, which left her barely able to stand. Further veterinary examinations revealed that Ebby was suffering from Cushing’s disease, an organ disorder that causes severe discomfort. Mr. Campbell emphasized that Ebby was in significant pain, with muscle wastage and arthritis that should have been managed with pain relief long before the vet saw her. Given her condition, it was determined that Ebby would have died within days if not euthanized.
Both dogs were rated at the lowest level of health on a nine-point scale, indicating the severity of their neglect. Kizzy was immediately euthanized, and Ebby was put down a few days later with the consent of the Sams. Inspector Jones later described the incident as one of the most distressing cases he had encountered in recent memory.
In court, the Sams received a sentence of six months' community orders. They were also ordered to pay £1,060 each in veterinary fees, costs, and charges. Additionally, they were banned from keeping any animals for the rest of their lives. The case drew further attention due to Victoria Sams’ previous online presence; she had operated a popular YouTube channel under the name ‘Vicky Mouse,’ where she reviewed products from budget retailers like B&M. However, following her conviction for animal cruelty, she was compelled to close her channel, and her online reputation was significantly tarnished.
This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners, especially in a community like Meadowfield that values compassion and care for animals.