CONVICTION OF CHRISTOPHER BLOY AND HEATHER WRAY IN GRIMSBY FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

In 2019, Christopher Bloy, born around 1992, and his partner Heather Wray, born around 1993, both residing on Patrick Street in Grimsby (DN32), were convicted and collectively banned from keeping animals following the tragic case of their severely malnourished German Shepherd, Cassie, which had to be put down.

Both Bloy and Wray admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Cassie by neglecting to investigate her declining body condition and weight loss. Cassie, estimated to be no more than five years old, was brought to the Blue Cross animal hospital but was euthanized the same day.

Rachel Taylor, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, explained in court that Cassie was found to weigh only 12kg, far below the expected weight of 30-35kg for a dog of her breed and size.

"There was a real failure to investigate why this dog weighed such a low weight of 12kg when it was presented in such a condition that it had to be euthanized," Miss Taylor stated.

Interestingly, the couple owned another dog at their residence that maintained a normal weight and had been fed adequately.

"Cassie was not receiving food," added Miss Taylor. "Either the other dog was eating it or no food was provided at all."

She emphasized that the charges focused on neglecting to address Cassie’s weight loss rather than deliberate cruelty. "I can’t say this was a deliberate act of failing to feed the dog, but she was certainly underfed."

The prosecution contested claims that underlying health issues caused Cassie’s weight loss, noting that a veterinary appointment in 2016 recorded her at only 18kg, and subsequent follow-up appointments were never attended despite vet attempts to contact the owners.

A post-mortem examination revealed no underlying medical condition responsible for her weight loss.

Craig Davy, representing the defense, stated that the other dog was in good health but faced similar treatment, suggesting that it might have consumed some of Cassie’s food.

"They noticed Cassie’s weight declining over a few weeks," Mr. Davy explained. "They should have taken more action during that time. Both owners were distressed when Cassie had to be euthanized."

The court learned that Bloy claimed he did not notice the weight loss due to working 60 to 70 hours per week and only became aware when Cassie collapsed. Wray, who had owned Cassie since she was a puppy, described changes in the dog’s behavior two years prior, including shadow-jumping and obsessive running. The couple sought advice and attempted to treat the problem, but Wray admitted they should have sought help sooner and expressed regret.

A supporter present in court offered to provide a new home for the remaining dog.

District Judge Daniel Curtis addressed the couple, stating: "Unfortunately, through your neglect, this dog had to be euthanized on the day it was examined by a veterinary surgeon, who found it to be extremely malnourished and neglected. During that period, you did not do enough to save her. It’s an obligation you had to care for her."

He further noted that Cassie was already emaciated in 2016 and was in an even worse state when brought to the vet in 2018.

The RSPCA will evaluate whether the supporter present in court is suitable to care for the other dog.

After proceedings, supporters of the defendants confronted a Grimsby Live photographer outside court, hurling loud abuse and waving their arms to prevent photos.

Regarding sentencing, Bloy received 80 hours of unpaid work, while Wray was ordered to complete five days of rehabilitation. Both were fined £585 for costs and charges, and each received a 10-year ban on keeping animals, with no right to appeal until five years from now (until April 2029).