AMIE SMITH FROM NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Amie Elizabeth Smith, also known as Amy Blackler, born on July 14, 1991, faced serious criminal charges after her involvement in the neglect and suffering of a dog in Newcastle upon Tyne. As of April 2020, Smith resided at Norbury Grove, Walker, NE6 2TA, where she was found responsible for leaving her dog to die from starvation in deplorable conditions.

Reports detail that Smith had confined her dog, a white Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Rocky, inside a filthy kitchen that was overwhelmed with rubbish and human and animal waste. The dog was kept in a small, cluttered space with no access to food or water, a situation that led to his tragic demise. Rocky’s emaciated body was discovered lying near an empty water bowl and a collection of tin cans, which he had desperately tried to open with his teeth in a futile attempt to find sustenance.

Veterinary examination revealed that Rocky’s weight was just over half of what it should have been for a healthy dog of his breed and age. The dog’s condition was so severe that he had chewed on tins of dog food scattered on the floor, indicating his extreme hunger and desperation. The scene was described by authorities as being heavily contaminated with faeces, and the smell was reported to be overpowering. The inspector from the RSPCA noted the kitchen was extremely cluttered and unclean, with the chewed tins of dog meat providing evidence of Rocky’s suffering.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Denise Jackman described the scene: “The officer found a deceased, white Staffordshire Bull Terrier lying on the kitchen floor among a vast amount of rubbish. The body of the dog was emaciated and had ribs protruding. There were faeces all over the floor. There was an empty water bowl and tins of food with dents in, as if the dog had attempted to open the tins with his teeth. The RSPCA inspector said there was an over-powering smell and that the kitchen was extremely cluttered. She noticed the tins of dog meat, which had been chewed. The vet said the unnecessary suffering of starvation would have caused immense stress. The hunger would have caused loss of consciousness before death occurred.”

Smith admitted to the charges, claiming she had asked a friend to look after Rocky while she was away in Blackpool between February 5 and March 26, 2014. Her defense was supported by David Parish, who stated that Smith suffers from mental health issues and was ashamed of her actions. Parish explained, “This is a lady with significant difficulties and significant mental health problems. She was the victim of domestic violence, which occurred where the dog was found. She was not able to cope and felt she couldn’t return to the property. She is deeply sorry, deeply upset and deeply ashamed at what has happened.”

The court sentenced Smith to a six-month prison sentence, suspended, along with a three-month curfew. She was also ordered to pay £700 in costs and was given a lifelong ban from owning any animals. The case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting the suffering of helpless creatures in Newcastle upon Tyne.