HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE BY CHRISTINE AND CLARE HAWKINS IN POOLE: ELDERLY DOG LEFT TO SUFFER

In a disturbing case of neglect and cruelty, Christine Jane Hawkins, born on September 30, 1958, and her daughter Clare Louise Hawkins, born on December 23, 1992, both residents of Dewlish Close, Canford Heath, Poole BH17 8AQ, have been found guilty of failing to provide necessary veterinary care for their severely ill elderly dog. The case has drawn significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community in Poole, highlighting the tragic consequences of neglect.

It was RSPCA Inspector Patrick Bailey who first discovered the suffering animal, a crossbreed named Honey, in a state of extreme emaciation and distress at the Hawkins family home. Inspector Bailey described Honey as “the skinniest living dog” he had ever encountered, with every bone in her body painfully visible through her frail frame. The dog was found collapsed and motionless, raising immediate concerns about her condition. Despite her owners’ claims that Honey was 19 years old, her health issues told a different story.

Honey was rushed to a veterinary clinic, where veterinarians diagnosed her with a range of severe health problems, including advanced kidney disease, dental decay, and conjunctivitis. Her claws were overgrown, indicating a lack of proper exercise and care. The owners admitted that they had not taken Honey to a vet for the past 12 years, a revelation that shocked those involved in the case. The neglect was so severe that the dog was unable to recover, and sadly, she was humanely euthanized due to her critical condition.

Following the investigation, Christine and Clare Hawkins faced charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal over a three-month period in 2019. They pleaded guilty and received a sentence that reflects the gravity of their neglect. The court heard that Honey had not been to a veterinarian since 2007, despite her long history with the family, which began when she was a puppy. Clare Hawkins was approximately seven years old when she first acquired Honey, making her a familiar presence in their lives for over a decade.

Graphic images presented in court vividly depicted Honey’s emaciated state, showing her protruding ribs and pelvis bones, a stark visual testament to her suffering. Prosecutor Matthew Knight from the RSPCA emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “It was obvious this dog needed help.”

During the proceedings, defense attorneys for Christine Hawkins argued that her client had been overwhelmed and struggled to accept that she had allowed Honey to suffer. Ben Schofield, representing Christine, described her as having been negligent due to incompetence rather than malice. Similarly, Clare Hawkins’ lawyer, Mark Price, highlighted her emotional distress, noting that Clare broke down in tears during her interview and had made efforts to seek help for Honey. Before contacting the RSPCA, Clare had attempted to get assistance from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), but they required proof of her mother’s benefit top-up before providing support.

Clare Hawkins recounted that upon returning home from work one day, she found Honey unable to stand and spent the night by her side. She consulted a veterinary friend, who advised her to contact the RSPCA. Mr. Price acknowledged that Clare did her best under difficult circumstances but ultimately failed to provide adequate care due to her inexperience.

Magistrate Ian Kendall condemned the treatment of Honey as “absolutely appalling,” emphasizing the cruelty inflicted upon a defenseless animal. The court sentenced Christine Hawkins to 120 hours of unpaid community service, while Clare Hawkins received 60 hours. Both were ordered to pay £300 in costs and a £90 victim surcharge. Additionally, they were banned from keeping any animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in July 2025. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect in Poole.