CONVICTED (2023) | Chelsea Martin aka Chelsea Griffin, born 5 November 1995, of Caldwell Street, West Bromwich B71 2DW* – for cruelty to two flea-infested dogs found starving at her home. On August 4, 2021, RSPCA inspectors went to Martin’s home in Caldwell Street, West Bromwich where they discovered one-year old crossbreed terrier Thor and husky Nakai, aged 14. Both dogs appeared underweight and their needs for a comfortable resting space were not being met. The dogs were seized by police and taken for examination at Birmingham Animal Hospital. Martin’s dogs Thor and Nakai were both underweight and riddled with fleas Nakai scored 2/9 on a body condition score and his coat was matted in flea dirt. Thor was also underweight and scored 1/9 and the court heard he had fleas, overgrown claws and leg sores. While in the animal hospital, Thor was sick and a sock was found in the material – the vet said hunger may be a reason for a dog eating foreign material. The court was told the vet had concluded both dogs had suffered as a result of malnutrition and the expectation was that a reasonable person would have sought veterinary advice and treatment for dogs who were so underweight. Martin admitted several offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including failing to control a flea infestation and a failure to provide a suitable environment with “adequate, clean, comfortable bedding”. Mitigation on Griffin’s behalf was that she was a single mum-of-two who could not cope with the dogs. Nakai and Thor remain in the RSPCA’s care and are now said to be “healthy” and will be “rehomed soon”. Sentencing | 200 hours of community service; costs of £500 plus £114 victim surcharge. A 10-year ban on owning animals. Birmingham Live Save our Seized Dogs FB page post Additional Information *It has been reported that Chelsea Martin has moved into her mother Shell Martin’s address in Brindley Road, West Bromwich B71 2NA. In January 2022 the RSPCA revisited Martin’s property and reportedly found two more starving dogs: bull breeds Skye and Caesar, as well as dead rabbits, domestic rats, and reptiles. They were alerted by a neighbour who visited Martin’s property out of concern for her pets. The neighbour filmed this video and sent it to the RSPCA. Sadly it appears that it took some time before inspectors attended to rescue the surviving animals. Martin’s home was in a state of disarray with piles of rubbish and household items in every room When they finally attended they apparently found Skye locked in a crate and in a shockingly poor state. Severely malnourished, she was said to be skeletal and had lost much of her fur. While vets worked hard to save her life, Skye lost the battle two weeks later and died from multiple organ failure.. Chelsea Martin with Skye This saddest of outcomes was made even more tragic by the fact that Skye had spent much of her short life in police kennels after being seized on suspicion of being a banned breed three times. We are unsure whether Martin is to face further prosecution in relation to her latest alleged offences. When details of Martin’s apparent abandonment of Skye and the other animals emerged on social media, Martin’s house was targeted by vigilantes. Windows were smashed and the words ‘dog killer’ sprayed across the property’s front door This starving cat has apparently been left behind after Chelsea Martin fled her home in Caldwell Street, West Bromwich There are reports that when Martin vacated the Caldwell Street property, she left behind two “underfed” cats who are currently being cared for by concerned neighbours. Additional witness reports suggest that she has been seen with a new puppy since her conviction for cruelty to Thor and Nakai.
