JOHN AND LESLEY MCKIE FROM HIGH HEATON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO ELDERLY DOG AND BREACH OF ANIMAL BAN

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, John and Lesley McKie, residents of High Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, faced serious legal consequences after their elderly German Shepherd, named Prince, was found in a state of extreme suffering. The incident, which took place in 2013, revealed the heartbreaking neglect that led to the dog's tragic death.

Prince, who was 12 years old at the time, had been suffering for weeks without proper treatment. When RSPCA officers arrived at the McKies' Thropton Terrace residence, they were met with a scene of neglect and filth. The dog was lying on the back doorstep, unable to move his hind legs, and was covered in matted, wet fur. The smell emanating from him was overpowering, and flies were visible on his body. The dog’s condition was so dire that a veterinarian immediately decided to euthanize him to prevent further suffering.

During the examination, the vet discovered that Prince weighed only 24.2 kilograms, which was approximately 10 kilograms less than the typical weight for a dog of his breed and age. The veterinarian also found that Prince had no awareness of his back legs, indicating severe neurological issues. Most shockingly, a mass of maggots was found beneath his matted fur, feeding on tissue that had been eaten away by the parasites. Maggots of this nature are usually associated with dead animals, underscoring the neglect and suffering Prince endured.

The court was informed that the McKies had owned Prince for about 12 years. However, as the dog’s health declined, the couple struggled financially to afford proper veterinary care. It was revealed that Lesley McKie attempted to clean Prince using lavender wipes, as they lacked access to hot water or a bath downstairs, which further highlighted their limited means and inability to provide adequate care.

Prosecutor Judith Curry described the severity of the dog's condition, emphasizing that Prince was suffering unnecessarily. She recounted that on August 23, 2013, RSPCA officer Claire Hunt visited the McKies' home and found the dog in a deplorable state. Lesley McKie was taken to the back door where Prince was lying, unable to use his hind legs, with a large, bright red, hot urine scold on his left hip. The smell was overwhelming, and the dog's coat was heavily matted and wet. The presence of flies on his back end further indicated neglect.

Both John and Lesley McKie pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to meet the needs of their pet. The court sentenced each to pay fines of £289, covering costs and charges, and imposed a ten-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in December 2023. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.

In a subsequent development in July 2021, the RSPCA took action against the McKies for breaching their animal ban. An anonymous tip led inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws to investigate the property, where she discovered three cats inside the house. These cats were taken into RSPCA care, and efforts were made to rehabilitate them. Unfortunately, one elderly cat with severe health issues was euthanized to end her suffering. Further investigation revealed that John McKie had violated the ban by keeping additional animals, including another cat, which was also seized.

John McKie pleaded guilty to breaching the animal disqualification order and was handed a renewed ten-year ban on keeping animals, set to expire in July 2031. He was also fined £120, with additional costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £32. Magistrates warned that any future breaches could result in imprisonment for up to six months. The RSPCA emphasized the importance of public vigilance and encouraged reporting of any violations to ensure animal welfare is upheld in the community.