AMY PAGE FROM WORTHING BANNED AFTER DOGS STARVATION HORROR IN WHITEBEAM ROAD

In August 2022, a distressing case involving animal cruelty came to light in Worthing, where a woman named Amy Page faced serious legal consequences after her neglect led to the suffering and death of two dogs. The incident unfolded at her residence on Whitebeam Road, prompting an investigation by the RSPCA following an anonymous tip-off that raised alarm about the welfare of the animals.

Animal rescue officer Marie Stevens responded to the call and arrived at the property to assess the situation. Upon her visit, she requested access to check on the dogs, but Amy Page refused to cooperate. Despite her refusal, Officer Stevens observed her dragging an extremely thin, deceased black dog from the garden towards the back door of her house. This sight was deeply concerning and indicated severe neglect.

Ms. Stevens recounted that although she saw the dead dog, she was initially met with denial from Page, who insisted there was no dead animal on the premises. However, she was then taken into the house and out into the rear garden, where she saw a live dog, a tan and white terrier named Princess, who was visibly emaciated and frightened. The dog was cowering, with her ribs, spine, and hip bones clearly protruding, and there appeared to be no food or water available for her.

After persistent questioning about the dead dog, Page eventually admitted that her other dog, Prince, had died and was upstairs in the bathroom. The officer found Prince lifeless under a sheet, and he was in a state of extreme emaciation, with all bones prominently visible. The post-mortem examination revealed that Prince had suffered organ failure, with blood tests indicating significant liver and kidney issues. The vet also noted that Prince had a severe ear infection, further highlighting the neglect.

Following the discovery, Amy Page agreed to surrender both dogs to the RSPCA. The animals were taken to a local veterinary clinic for examination. The vet confirmed that Princess was in a critically poor condition, with a body condition score of just one out of nine, indicating severe undernourishment. Her ribs and pelvic bones were easily visible, and she appeared depressed but still responsive. When offered food, Princess ate voraciously, suggesting she was starving.

Prince’s body was also examined, and it was found to be extremely thin, with ribs, pelvis, and spine clearly visible. The blood tests showed organ failure, which was consistent with prolonged neglect. The dog was subsequently transferred to the Royal Veterinary College for a detailed post-mortem analysis.

In court, Amy Page, aged 38, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the two dogs. She was sentenced at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on August 5 to a 16-week prison term, suspended for 24 months. Additionally, she was ordered to complete fifteen days of rehabilitation and was disqualified indefinitely from owning or keeping animals. The court also imposed costs of £400 for legal expenses and a victim surcharge of £128.

Following the legal proceedings, Animal Rescue Officer Stevens expressed her disappointment and concern, stating, “Prince and Princess were dependent on their keeper, and Ms. Page broke that trust by leaving them to suffer and one to die. She could have asked for help or handed them over to an animal charity for rehoming, but instead, she chose neglect, which led to prolonged suffering and the death of Prince.”

Fortunately, Princess has since made a full recovery and has been rehomed, offering her a second chance at life after enduring such hardship.