CHLOE BIRKIN FROM THRYBERGH FACES COURT OVER HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE IN ROTHERHAM
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Thrybergh Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Thrybergh and the wider Rotherham area, Chloe Birkin, born on 9 February 1988 and residing on Oldgate Lane in Thrybergh, was found guilty of neglecting a significant number of animals in her care. The incident came to light after RSPCA officers responded to a call from social services in April 2021, leading them to her home, which was described as being in a deplorable state.
Upon entering Birkin's residence, the officers were met with an overwhelming stench described as 'eye-watering,' and the environment was found to be filthy, with faeces smeared on the walls and rotten food scattered throughout the property. The conditions inside were deemed to be highly unsuitable for any living creature, let alone the 17 distressed animals that were discovered inside.
The animals included eight dogs, of which only two were not confined within a closed bedroom or a pen, and nine cats, three of whom were kittens kept with their mother in a pen adjacent to decaying food. The dogs were being walked on leads attached to a treadmill, which was set up in the house, indicating a lack of proper outdoor exercise and care. Shockingly, there were no water bowls available for the animals to drink from, further highlighting the neglect.
All of the animals were found to be suffering from various health issues, including conjunctivitis, sneezing, ear infections, and diarrhea, requiring immediate veterinary treatment. The state of their health and the environment pointed to a severe failure in animal welfare and responsibility.
During the court proceedings, Birkin explained that she had been unable to care for her pets properly due to the aftermath of cosmetic surgery she underwent six weeks prior. Her solicitor, Mr. Glenn Cook, stated that her condition left her bedridden and unable to tend to the animals, which contributed to the rapid deterioration of their living conditions. Mr. Cook emphasized that Birkin's environment had since improved significantly and assured the court that she did not intend to acquire more animals in the future.
Birkin pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide necessary treatment for her animals and neglecting to maintain a hygienic living space. The RSPCA, represented by solicitor Ms. Charlotte Farrier, confirmed that Birkin had cooperated fully with their investigation. They expressed that they were not seeking to ban her from keeping pets altogether, and she was permitted to retain two of her dogs moving forward.
In sentencing, District Judge Timothy Spruce imposed a fine of £400 on Birkin and ordered her to pay an additional £340 in costs. The judge acknowledged the difficulty of caring for so many animals and noted that Birkin's recent surgery had left her incapacitated, which contributed to the neglect. He also highlighted that the RSPCA had acted promptly, and the relatively short period of neglect meant the animals could recover fully.
Judge Spruce emphasized the importance of understanding one's limitations when caring for animals and expressed confidence that Birkin would not reoffend. He decided against imposing a disqualification or deprivation order for her remaining dogs, which have now been rehomed after making a full recovery. The court was informed that all 17 animals had been successfully rehabilitated and placed with new owners, marking a positive outcome from a distressing situation.
Overall, Birkin was ordered to pay a total of £740 in fines and costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare standards in the community of Thrybergh and beyond.
Upon entering Birkin's residence, the officers were met with an overwhelming stench described as 'eye-watering,' and the environment was found to be filthy, with faeces smeared on the walls and rotten food scattered throughout the property. The conditions inside were deemed to be highly unsuitable for any living creature, let alone the 17 distressed animals that were discovered inside.
The animals included eight dogs, of which only two were not confined within a closed bedroom or a pen, and nine cats, three of whom were kittens kept with their mother in a pen adjacent to decaying food. The dogs were being walked on leads attached to a treadmill, which was set up in the house, indicating a lack of proper outdoor exercise and care. Shockingly, there were no water bowls available for the animals to drink from, further highlighting the neglect.
All of the animals were found to be suffering from various health issues, including conjunctivitis, sneezing, ear infections, and diarrhea, requiring immediate veterinary treatment. The state of their health and the environment pointed to a severe failure in animal welfare and responsibility.
During the court proceedings, Birkin explained that she had been unable to care for her pets properly due to the aftermath of cosmetic surgery she underwent six weeks prior. Her solicitor, Mr. Glenn Cook, stated that her condition left her bedridden and unable to tend to the animals, which contributed to the rapid deterioration of their living conditions. Mr. Cook emphasized that Birkin's environment had since improved significantly and assured the court that she did not intend to acquire more animals in the future.
Birkin pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide necessary treatment for her animals and neglecting to maintain a hygienic living space. The RSPCA, represented by solicitor Ms. Charlotte Farrier, confirmed that Birkin had cooperated fully with their investigation. They expressed that they were not seeking to ban her from keeping pets altogether, and she was permitted to retain two of her dogs moving forward.
In sentencing, District Judge Timothy Spruce imposed a fine of £400 on Birkin and ordered her to pay an additional £340 in costs. The judge acknowledged the difficulty of caring for so many animals and noted that Birkin's recent surgery had left her incapacitated, which contributed to the neglect. He also highlighted that the RSPCA had acted promptly, and the relatively short period of neglect meant the animals could recover fully.
Judge Spruce emphasized the importance of understanding one's limitations when caring for animals and expressed confidence that Birkin would not reoffend. He decided against imposing a disqualification or deprivation order for her remaining dogs, which have now been rehomed after making a full recovery. The court was informed that all 17 animals had been successfully rehabilitated and placed with new owners, marking a positive outcome from a distressing situation.
Overall, Birkin was ordered to pay a total of £740 in fines and costs. The case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare standards in the community of Thrybergh and beyond.