DAVID AND JADE PEARCE FROM GIPTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG REMMY

In a case that has shocked the local community of Gipton, Leeds, David Pearce and his wife Jade Pearce faced justice after their dog, Remmy, was found suffering from severe injuries caused by an electric shock collar. The incident prompted a thorough investigation by the RSPCA, revealing disturbing details about the treatment of the Dutch Shepherd.

David Pearce, born on September 9 (year unspecified), and Jade Pearce, née Lunn, born on December 5, 1993, both residing at Thorn Terrace, Leeds LS15 7NA, were prosecuted for acts of animal cruelty. Jade Pearce pleaded guilty to four separate cruelty offences concerning Remmy, while her husband initially maintained his innocence but ultimately changed his plea to guilty before the trial commenced.

The investigation was initiated after the RSPCA inspector Kris Walker was contacted by the Leeds City Council dog warden. The inspector’s inquiry uncovered that Remmy had been found straying in the area and was taken to a veterinarian for treatment of a serious injury to her neck. The injury was characterized by soreness, inflammation, scabbing, and puncture marks consistent with the prongs of an electric shock collar.

Inspector Walker described the condition of the dog: "The brindle Dutch Shepherd had been found straying and was taken for veterinary treatment for a nasty injury to her neck. She was microchipped in the name of Remmy. The skin around her throat was sore, inflamed, scabby, and she had puncture marks which matched up to the electric prongs on the collar she was wearing when she was found. The injury smelled extremely strongly of infection, and the prongs had pierced the skin and gone through the muscle, causing a serious, open wound."

Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed that Remmy was suffering from significant pain and infection. A police officer was called to seize her and transfer her into the care of the RSPCA. It was believed that the shock collar had been left on too tightly, causing the prongs to rub and puncture through her skin. If the collar had been used to administer an electric shock, the pain would have been intensified, making her suffering even more severe.

Social media posts from a Facebook user alleged that the Pearces were serial animal abusers, adding to the community’s concern over the case. Inspector Walker contacted the microchip company to trace the dog’s owner, which led him to visit the Pearces’ residence to speak with them directly. During the interview, both David and Jade Pearce confirmed that they had owned the dog, who was then renamed Missy, but claimed they had rehomed her because they no longer wanted to keep her.

However, when asked for details about her last whereabouts, the couple could not provide an address or phone number for the person who had supposedly taken Missy. They also stated that she was not wearing a collar when last seen and that they had previously removed a collar because it was too tight. Despite multiple follow-up visits to their address, Inspector Walker was unable to contact the couple further. Consequently, an abandonment notice was issued for Missy, who remained in RSPCA care while her injuries healed.

Once Missy was no longer claimed by her owners, she was rehomed and has since been thriving in her new family environment. Her recovery and new life stand as a testament to the efforts of the RSPCA and the community’s concern for animal welfare.

In sentencing, David Pearce was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, while Jade Pearce was given a requirement of 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Both were fined £235 in costs and charges. Additionally, both individuals received bans from owning or keeping animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in November 2025. The case has drawn significant attention from local residents and animal welfare advocates, highlighting the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of animal cruelty.