CARLY BENNETT'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN BENTILEE, STOKE-ON-TRENT

Carly Bennett, born on December 30, 1989, and residing at Trowbridge Crescent in Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0JJ, was found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty in 2018. Her actions involved starving a bullmastiff dog along with her four puppies, all of whom were kept in deplorable and hazardous conditions that posed a serious threat to their well-being.

The RSPCA intervened after receiving reports of neglect at Bennett’s property. They managed to rescue four puppies who were in a critically emaciated state. These young dogs, estimated to be between seven and nine weeks old, were found in a small crate outside her home, placed atop a pile of rubbish. Bennett had admitted to the inspector that she left the puppies outside the previous night because they kept her awake, despite the fact that it was raining heavily.

The initial visit by the RSPCA inspector took place in May 2017. During this visit, the inspector found the property deserted at first but learned from a neighbor that the puppies had been kept overnight in a crate in the garden, amidst rubbish. When the inspector returned later that day and was allowed inside by Bennett, she was immediately struck by a foul smell emanating from the premises. Inside the garden, she observed three adult dogs, which appeared to be in good health, but the garden itself was cluttered with hazardous debris, including car parts and other dangerous items that could harm the animals.

As the inspector explored further, she heard whining sounds coming from behind a door. Upon opening it, she was met with the sight of four bullmastiff puppies rushing out. The puppies were visibly ravenous and desperate for food and water, rooting through the rubbish bags in the garden. Bennett handed the puppies over to the inspector, who then took them to a veterinarian. The vet confirmed that all four puppies were severely undernourished and suffering from malnutrition. The vet also described the smell from the puppies as extremely offensive, typical of animals living in filthy conditions contaminated with urine and feces.

Fortunately, all four puppies recovered from their ordeal thanks to prompt veterinary care and intervention. During her interview, Bennett claimed that she had left the puppies outside the night before because they had woken her up, despite the heavy rain. This explanation was part of her defense, but it did little to mitigate her culpability.

In August, the same RSPCA inspector was called back to Bennett’s residence after a police officer, attending for an unrelated matter, noticed an adult dog that appeared to be malnourished. This dog, also a bullmastiff named Hooch, had been in good health during the inspector’s previous visit in March but was now emaciated. The garden remained in a hazardous state, with rubbish and debris still present. Bennett admitted that Hooch had been at her home during the first inspection but was now suffering from neglect.

Faced with the evidence, Bennett pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and two charges of failing to ensure the welfare of animals under her care. It was noted that she had no prior convictions. All the rescued dogs have since made full recoveries.

Sentencing included a 12-month community order with a requirement to participate in a 15-day rehabilitation activity. Bennett was also fined a total of £455, covering fines, costs, and charges. Additionally, she received a ban from keeping animals for ten years, which will expire in January 2028.

It was also reported that Craig Bennett, Carly’s husband, who is reportedly addicted to monkey dust, was charged alongside her for cruelty offenses. However, he failed to appear in court, leading to a warrant for his arrest. Although he was ultimately convicted of animal cruelty, details of his sentence have not been publicly disclosed, and this case was not covered extensively in the press.