CLAIRE ANDERSON FROM HAZEL GROVE INVOLVED IN SHOCKING DOG ABUSE INCIDENT IN STOCKPORT

Claire Anderson, a resident of Hazel Grove, has been convicted of a disturbing act involving her pet dog, Benji, which took place amidst her ongoing legal issues. Anderson, born around 1988 and living on Hazelwood Road, was involved in a troubling incident where she blew cannabis smoke directly into her dog’s nose in an attempt to impress her incarcerated boyfriend.

According to court proceedings, Anderson was engaged in a phone conversation with her partner, James Millington, who was serving time in prison. The call was made at approximately 11 pm on November 26, 2020, and was recorded for evidence. During the call, Anderson was visibly smoking a joint containing cannabis, and her voice and actions were captured clearly in the recording.

In the background of the call, the court heard the sounds of her dog, Benji. Millington, speaking from prison, instructed Anderson on how to perform a bizarre and harmful act. He told her, “Put your hand around his nose, put the joint in your mouth and blow.” Anderson confirmed that she had followed these instructions, and shortly afterward, the dog was heard emitting a loud groan, indicating distress.

The prosecutor explained that Millington asked Anderson whether the cannabis had gone up Benji’s nose. Anderson responded with a laugh, saying, “I think so,” and even offered to repeat the act. As the recording continued, Benji was heard coughing, prompting Millington to ask if the noise was coming from the dog. Anderson acknowledged, “Yeah, that’s him. He hates smoking. You know what it’s like when I’m smoking, he starts sneezing.”

Before ending the call, Millington discussed with Anderson the possibility of her making Benji ingest cannabis again once he was released from prison. A veterinarian’s report presented in court confirmed that dogs can become unsteady and even fall over after ingesting cannabis, with pupils dilating similarly to humans. This evidence underscored the cruelty of Anderson’s actions.

It was also revealed that Anderson had a history of criminal activity, with four previous convictions. Her most recent conviction, earlier in 2022, involved her participation in a conspiracy to smuggle drugs into HMP Doncaster, a crime she committed alongside Millington, who is currently incarcerated at HMP Leeds. In April 2022, Anderson was sentenced to two years and six months in prison for her role in supplying Class B and C drugs into prisons between 2017 and 2020, as well as conspiring to supply drugs and convey prohibited items into correctional facilities.

During her trial at Stockport Magistrates Court, Anderson was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. She appeared via video link from New Hall prison in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The court sentenced her to an additional four-week prison term, to run concurrently with her existing sentence. She was also ordered to pay a total of £428 in costs and charges and was disqualified from owning or keeping any animals for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of her misconduct.