DIANE JOHNSON OF WEOLEY CASTLE BIRMINGHAM SENTENCED FOR STARVING HER PET CHIHUAHUA TO DEATH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Diane Johnson, a resident of Weoley Castle in Birmingham, has been found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving her pet chihuahua. Born on April 16, 1980, Johnson’s address at the time of the incident was Dormston Drive, Weoley Castle, Birmingham B29 5XD.

Johnson was convicted after it was revealed that she had deliberately starved her beloved pet, leading to the dog’s death. The case came to light following a tip-off that prompted an investigation by the RSPCA. Inspector Herchy Boal responded to the call and visited Johnson’s residence, where a heartbreaking discovery was made.

At her home, Inspector Boal found a carrier bag containing the lifeless body of a dog named ‘Princess,’ which was discarded in a rabbit hutch in her garden. It was estimated that Princess had been dead for approximately two weeks before her body was found. The inspector also uncovered two other chihuahua-type dogs, ‘Belle’ and ‘Minnie,’ both of whom were severely underweight and emaciated, indicating neglect and poor care.

The surviving dogs, along with Minnie’s ten-week-old puppy, were immediately taken into the care of the RSPCA. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the animal welfare organization, the dogs received necessary medical treatment and nutritional support, allowing them to recover from their dire conditions. Subsequently, all three dogs were successfully rehomed to loving families.

During the investigation, Johnson’s social media presence was scrutinized. She had been active on Instagram, frequently posting photos of her dogs and claiming involvement with the charity Jayla’s Wish. Additionally, she promoted her association with the UK Pleasure Boys, a male striptease troupe. Despite her public persona, her actions towards her pets revealed a stark contrast to her online image.

Johnson pleaded guilty to two charges: one for causing unnecessary suffering to Princess and another for neglecting the needs of Minnie and Belle. The court heard that Johnson was experiencing family difficulties at the time of the offences, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior. However, the court emphasized that such circumstances do not justify animal cruelty.

Inspector Boal expressed her outrage over the case, stating, “Poor Princess died of starvation and must have suffered terribly over a long period. It is awful to think of the suffering she must have gone through. There is never an excuse to leave any animal starving in this day and age. After Princess died, she was dumped like rubbish in a carrier bag and left in a rabbit hutch outside.”

She further added, “The other two dogs could have suffered a similar fate had it not been reported to us. Thanks to the intervention, we were able to rescue them and place them in our care, where they regained their health. I am pleased to say they have now been re-homed to caring families.”

In sentencing, Johnson received an 18-month community order, which includes a 40-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. She was also ordered to pay costs and charges totaling £285. Most notably, she was handed a lifetime ban on keeping any animals, ensuring she cannot own or care for pets in the future. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty.