CHARLENE LATHAM TRIED TO DROWN ELDERLY DOG IN ILFRACOMBE RIVER

Charlene Elaine Latham, born on March 22, 1988, and residing at Wild Wood B&B, 15 St Brannocks Road, Ilfracombe EX34 8EG, was involved in a disturbing incident that drew widespread attention and condemnation. She was convicted in 2021 for her role in an attempt to drown her elderly German Shepherd, Bella, in a river near Lincoln. The case highlighted the cruelty inflicted upon the dog and the subsequent legal proceedings that followed.

According to court records, Latham was found guilty of attempting to drown Bella by deliberately throwing her into the River Trent, close to Lincoln. The dog’s lead was attached to a carrier bag, which was tied to a large rock, weighing approximately 34.7 kilograms. The intention was to sink the dog to the riverbed, effectively causing her death. The incident occurred on January 6, 2020, and was witnessed by a passer-by, Jane Harper, who noticed Bella struggling and submerged in the icy waters near Long Lane in Farndon, close to Newark. Harper quickly intervened, wading into the river to rescue the dog, who was found with her head resting on a concrete plinth and her body submerged in the freezing water.

At the time of her rescue, Bella was in a dire state. Her body temperature was so low that a thermometer could not register it, and she was underweight with a matted coat, indicating neglect and suffering. The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic, where her condition was assessed. The veterinary staff confirmed her temperature was dangerously low, and she was in need of urgent care. Despite her ordeal, Bella survived and was taken into the custody of the RSPCA at their Radcliffe Animal Centre in Nottingham, where she has been cared for since the incident.

Police arrived at Latham’s residence, where she answered the door with her phone in hand, claiming she was just calling the police because Bella was missing. Her daughter provided additional information, stating that her mother and her mother’s partner had gone out the previous evening at around 9:20 pm with Bella, but she could not confirm whether the dog returned with them. During the investigation, authorities found the remaining part of the severed lead used to weigh Bella down in a car that Latham was borrowing from a friend.

At the Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, Latham pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to drown Bella, emphasizing that her involvement was limited to failing to protect the dog’s welfare rather than actively participating in her drowning. Her legal representative, Mr. Chignell, argued that Latham was five months pregnant at the time and could not have physically thrown Bella into the river herself. He described the incident as a tragic case of animal cruelty, but stressed that her role was minimal and that she had begged her partner not to drown Bella.

Prosecutor Harry Bowyer detailed the severity of the incident, stating that Bella was found with her head on a concrete plinth and her body submerged in the icy river. The lead attached to her neck was tied to a carrier bag containing a large rock, which had been used to weigh her down. The dog was underweight, with a matted coat, and her temperature was dangerously low. The court heard that Latham’s actions, or lack thereof, contributed to her suffering.

During the hearing, Latham’s defense highlighted her remorse and the fact that she was suffering from social media abuse following the incident. Her lawyer requested a conditional discharge, acknowledging her failure to act promptly to save Bella. The court also considered her pregnancy and the emotional toll she had endured. The case was adjourned to allow for Johnson’s trial, as he was the person identified by Latham as the one who threw Bella into the river. Johnson, born on November 28, 1987, previously of Worksop and now residing at 35 Yew Tree Road, Retford DN22 8AY, denied the charges, and the case against him was discontinued due to insufficient evidence, despite Latham’s statement implicating him.

Following the incident, both Latham and Johnson were subjected to intense public scrutiny. They were escorted from their Newark home by police and went into hiding at a B&B in Devon, amid widespread outrage and calls for justice. The case drew over 165,000 public signatures demanding tougher sentences for animal cruelty.

In sentencing, Latham received a 12-month community order, was ordered to pay £312 in fines, and was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years, with the ban set to expire in March 2024. Bella, the elderly dog who had survived the ordeal, was placed in the care of the RSPCA’s Radcliffe Animal Centre. Despite her traumatic experience, Bella showed remarkable resilience and was described as having been transformed from a frail, near-death state to a lively, elderly dog eager to enjoy her remaining years.

Ella Carpenter, the centre’s manager, expressed her hope to find Bella a loving forever home near the centre. She praised Bella’s fighting spirit and resilience, emphasizing the importance of giving her a peaceful and caring environment for her final years. Sadly, in November 2021, Bella was put to sleep due to long-term health issues. Her passing was peaceful, and the RSPCA described her as a courageous and beloved friend, grateful for the time they had cared for her. The incident and Bella’s story continue to serve as a stark reminder of animal cruelty and the importance of justice for vulnerable animals.