JOANNE TERRY OF BASELIDON INVOLVED IN DOG-FIGHTING AND ANIMAL NEGLECT IN BASILDON AND DAGENHAM

Joanne Terry, a woman born on July 3, 1981, and residing at 10 Winfields, Pitsea, Basildon SS13 1HQ, has been found guilty of serious animal cruelty offences, including involvement in dog-fighting and neglect. Her criminal activities came to light following a police and animal welfare operation that uncovered disturbing evidence of her misconduct.

Previously residing on Third Avenue in Dagenham, Terry was convicted and subsequently banned for life from owning any animals. The court's decision was based on the severity of her crimes, which included the brutal killing of two dogs, one of which was so severely neglected that it had to be euthanized. Despite the gravity of her actions, Terry did not receive a prison sentence but was instead handed a combination of penalties aimed at preventing her from harming animals in the future.

The investigation was initiated after concerns were raised by neighbors, prompting the Street Enforcement team from Barking and Dagenham to visit her residence on October 1, 2013. During the visit, officers discovered a gruesome scene: two dogs attacking a deceased dog in the backyard, evidence of a dog fight that had resulted in the death of one animal. The officers also found a litter of eight bulldog-type puppies, which appeared to be in poor health and neglected. Fearing for their welfare, authorities applied for and obtained a warrant to seize the puppies.

On October 4, 2013, the police, along with the local dog warden, executed the warrant and recovered all eight puppies. During the operation, they also heard distressing whining sounds and found two adult bulldogs in a state of extreme emaciation. Both adult dogs were examined by a veterinarian, who determined that the male was in such a poor condition that he had to be euthanized. The remaining dogs and puppies were taken into custody and placed under the care of the local council for rehoming.

In court, Terry was sentenced to an eight-week suspended prison term and fined £380 for her involvement in animal cruelty. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban on owning any animals, a measure intended to prevent further abuse. The case highlights the ongoing issues of illegal dog-fighting and animal neglect in the Basildon and Dagenham areas, and the authorities' commitment to cracking down on such cruelty.