AIMEE PICKTHORNE'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN STOKE-ON-TRENT: RABBIT LEFT TO STARVE TO DEATH

Aimee Nicole Pickthorne, a resident of Stoke-on-Trent, was convicted in 2011 for a heartbreaking act of animal cruelty involving her pet rabbit. Born on April 9, 1992, Pickthorne lived on Tiverton Road in the ST2 0AR postal area of Stoke-on-Trent. Her case drew significant attention due to the severity of her neglect and the subsequent legal repercussions.

In February 2011, Pickthorne left her pet rabbit in an outdoor hutch for an entire week while she stayed with her sister. During this period, the rabbit was deprived of both food and water, leading to its tragic death. She claimed that she had made arrangements with a friend to feed the animal in her absence but refused to disclose the identity of this individual. When the RSPCA intervened and examined the rabbit, they found the animal had been dead for a few days. The rabbit, a black lop, was severely emaciated, with its hip and rib bones prominently visible, indicating extreme starvation and neglect.

At the time, Pickthorne was a mother of three children and was working in a care home, a detail that added to the public concern over her actions. Her defense lawyer, Mark Bromley, argued that her interest in the rabbit had waned after she acquired a cat, suggesting a diminished attachment. Bromley also stated that Pickthorne would have disposed of the carcass but was unable to bring herself to do so because she was quite fond of the rabbit, implying a conflicted emotional state.

In June 2011, the court sentenced Pickthorne to a 12-month community order, which included 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, she was ordered to pay £766.87 to cover veterinary expenses, RSPCA charges, and court costs. The payment was to be made out of her benefits at a rate of £5 per week. Furthermore, she was disqualified from owning or assisting in the care of any animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that expired in June 2021. This case highlighted the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences of neglect, especially for those entrusted with the care of living creatures in Stoke-on-Trent.