CANNOCK PET ABUSE: CLAIRE AND MATTHEW GUY STARVE DOG TO DEATH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cannock, Claire Guy and Matthew Guy, both residents of Oak Avenue, were found guilty of heinously neglecting their pet dog, leading to the animal's tragic death. The incident, which drew significant attention from animal welfare organizations and local authorities, highlights the severity of animal cruelty cases in the area.

Claire Guy, formerly known as Cahill, born around 1991, and her partner Matthew Guy, born circa 1989, were implicated in a case that revealed their deliberate neglect of a Staffordshire bull terrier named Jade. The dog was discovered in a critically weakened state, having been starved to the point of near death. The couple had initially claimed that they found Jade abandoned in a field and contacted the council dog wardens to take her into custody. However, this story was later proven to be false.

Investigations uncovered that the couple had purchased Jade through an online transaction, and their attempt to portray her as a stray was a deception. The truth emerged when authorities contacted Jade’s previous owners, who confirmed that the dog had been in their care before being sold to the couple. The condition of Jade upon her rescue was appalling; she was so emaciated that her bones, including her pelvis and hips, were clearly visible, and her skin was excessively loose. Veterinarians described her condition as critical, with three separate specialists rating her health as zero on a scale of zero to five.

When Jade was first taken into custody, she was severely dehydrated, drinking only a bowl and a half of water before being placed on a drip for 36 hours. Despite this treatment, her condition remained dire. She was barely able to stand, passing blood, and ultimately could not be fed. The veterinary team concluded that her injuries and starvation were beyond saving, and she was euthanized to prevent further suffering. Roger Price, representing the RSPCA, detailed that Jade’s suffering was caused by neglect that had likely persisted for at least two weeks, if not longer.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Matthew Guy maintained the false narrative that Jade was a stray, even as evidence mounted against him. Both he and Claire Guy admitted to failing in their duty to ensure the animal’s welfare and to causing unnecessary suffering. The court heard that the couple bought Jade from the internet, which further underscored their neglectful attitude towards her care.

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month supervision order on the couple, requiring them to adhere to specific conditions. They were also ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,018 each. Matthew Guy received an additional penalty of 150 hours of unpaid work. Both individuals were banned from keeping any animals for a period of ten years, a ban that expired in February 2022. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty in the Cannock area.

As of June 2021, public records indicate that Matthew Guy has since moved on to work as an ambulance driver for Elite Emergency Medical Services, while Claire Guy is employed as a care worker. Despite their current occupations, the shadow of their past actions continues to serve as a cautionary tale about animal cruelty and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals in the community.