ELSWICK WOMAN DONNA MARIE MORRISON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY IN NE4

Donna Marie Morrison, born in November 1981 and residing at 36 Durham Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6XP, has been found guilty of neglecting her elderly dog, Dozer, in a case that has shocked the local community in Elswick. The case highlights the tragic consequences of animal neglect and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Over a period of months, Morrison repeatedly ignored the urgent advice given by the RSPCA to seek veterinary care for her aging Staffy, Dozer. Despite multiple warnings and even appointments arranged by the charity on her behalf, she failed to attend to her dog’s worsening health issues. As a result, Dozer’s condition deteriorated severely, with tumors spreading across his body, leading to his emaciated state and eventual euthanasia.

The RSPCA inspector Helen Nedley recounted that her colleague, Inspector Suzanne Edgar, discovered a soft lump roughly the size of a golf ball near Dozer’s tail, along with a smaller lump on his front right leg, comparable in size to the end of a Biro pen. Inspector Nedley emphasized that Morrison was strongly advised to take Dozer to a veterinarian within two weeks for a thorough examination of these lumps. Unfortunately, Morrison’s neglect persisted, and the tumors continued to grow, causing Dozer significant pain and suffering.

By May 2023, Dozer’s health had worsened considerably. The RSPCA intervened by taking custody of the dog and transporting him to a veterinary clinic. An ultrasound scan revealed two large, hard masses inside his abdomen, pressing against his bladder. These masses were believed to have originated from the initial tumor on his backside and had likely spread extensively. The veterinarian confirmed that Dozer’s suffering could have been alleviated had he received prompt medical attention earlier. The vet also noted that Dozer’s weight loss was chronic, and the presence of the tumor had been ongoing for some time, indicating prolonged neglect.

Inspector Nedley condemned Morrison’s failure to fulfill her legal duty to care for her pet, stating, “It was Morrison’s legal responsibility to properly care for Dozer and she failed to do this. There was no excuse for failing to seek veterinary care for him when it was abundantly clear he so desperately needed it. This was an awful case and Dozer’s suffering could have easily been avoided.” The RSPCA stressed the importance of pet owners seeking help when struggling to care for their animals, warning against neglect and suffering.

The court proceedings revealed that the RSPCA had initially visited Morrison’s home in Elswick in September 2022 following reports from concerned members of the public. Although Morrison appeared to agree to take her dog to the vet, she did not follow through. By May 2023, Dozer’s condition had become critical, leading to his surrender to the RSPCA and subsequent veterinary examination. The veterinary team confirmed that the dog had been suffering for several weeks, with significant weight loss and a large tumor present for an extended period.

In sentencing, Morrison received an 18-month community order, which includes 25 days of “rehabilitation” and 100 hours of unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114, along with costs amounting to £1,170. Additionally, she faces a ten-year ban from owning animals, underscoring the severity of her neglect in this heartbreaking case from Elswick, Newcastle upon Tyne.