ZAC AND CHARLOTTE JOHNSON FROM DONINGTON FOUND GUILTY OF CRUELTY TO DOG ESME NEAR SPALDING

Zac Johnson and Charlotte Johnson, a couple residing in Donington, have been officially convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to their pet dog, Esme, through neglectful care. The case was heard at Boston Magistrates' Court on Monday, May 19, where both individuals admitted to their failure to properly care for their dog, particularly in addressing her severe weight loss and deteriorating health condition.

The investigation into Esme’s death was initiated after reports surfaced that an underweight dog had been found deceased in a shed located on the Johnsons' property on Gleed Avenue, Donington, near Spalding. Authorities from the RSPCA responded promptly to these reports and discovered Esme’s lifeless body inside the shed. The body was covered with a duvet, and it was subsequently transported for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of her suffering and death.

The veterinary report provided a grim account of Esme’s condition. It described her as emaciated, with a stomach ulcer that contained multiple plastic foreign bodies, along with blood clots present in her intestines. The report explicitly stated that the owners could have taken steps to prevent her suffering. In the veterinarian’s opinion, Zac and Charlotte Johnson could have sought veterinary assistance much earlier to address her malnutrition and symptoms of melaena, which is blood in the feces. The report emphasized that had the owners acted sooner, Esme could have avoided weeks of pain and suffering.

Further details from the veterinary assessment revealed that Esme exhibited signs such as conjunctivitis, bloody diarrhea, extreme emaciation, and general weakness—symptoms that would have been noticeable to any responsible owner for several weeks prior to her death. The investigation uncovered that the couple failed to provide adequate care, including a proper diet, which contributed significantly to her deteriorated health. The vet also identified serious health issues, including congestion of the liver and kidneys, indicating prolonged neglect.

Inspector Dean Astillberry expressed his concern over the case, stating, “Esme had suffered terribly due to the failure of her owners to seek veterinary attention to determine the cause of her weight loss. It would have been obvious to any responsible owner that she needed urgent medical care.”

During the court proceedings, Zac and Charlotte Johnson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering through neglect. As part of their sentence, they were disqualified from keeping any animals for a period of seven years. Additionally, they were fined £100 and ordered to complete a 12-month community order, which includes 15 days of rehabilitation activities aimed at addressing their responsibilities towards animal welfare.