CHERNICE MERTON, WITHAM DOG KILLER, SENTENCED FOR STARVING PET TO DEATH IN ESSEX

In a tragic case that has shocked the local community of Witham, Essex, Chernice Louise Merton, also known by her surnames Pursey and Leslie, was convicted in 2015 for the cruel death of her pet dog. Born on May 11, 1989, Merton resided at Bramble Road, Witham, with her family at the time of the incident. Her case drew significant attention due to the severity of her neglect and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her pet's death.

According to reports, Merton, a married mother of two children, was found guilty of failing to provide adequate nutrition and veterinary care for her two-year-old Jack Russell terrier cross, affectionately named Bubbles. The dog was discovered in a deplorable state—emaciated and lifeless—inside her home. The incident came to light after the RSPCA was contacted in December 2014, following the discovery of Bubbles' severely malnourished body being taken to a veterinary clinic for examination.

Veterinary examinations confirmed that Bubbles had been starved to death. RSPCA inspector Sarah Elmy described the condition of the dog, stating, “This poor dog was completely skin and bones, and the post-mortem revealed she had starved to death. She had no remaining internal fat, and her gastrointestinal tract was empty except for a plastic sweet wrapper, which suggests she had been so hungry she had been forced to scavenge rubbish.”

Inspector Elmy further explained that there were no pre-existing health issues that could have caused such extreme weight loss. The vet records indicated that Bubbles weighed less at the time of her death than she did at just ten weeks old, when she was brought in for her second set of injections. This stark contrast highlighted the extent of her suffering and neglect.

Elmy expressed her disbelief at the cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal, saying, “It is hard to fathom how anyone could just leave an animal to suffer in this way. Bubbles must have experienced extreme suffering to have died in this sad way.”

Following her conviction, Merton was sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid community work, ordered to pay £800 in costs, and a £60 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping all animals for life, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or abuse. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglect in the Essex area, particularly in the Witham community where Merton resided at Flemming Way, with the updated address from December 2021 listed as CM8 2GL.