JOHN BAINBRIDGE AND DONNA KENNEDY FROM WHEATLEY HILL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN DARK SHED

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Wheatley Hill, Durham, John Bainbridge and Donna Kennedy, both residents of Luke Terrace, were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a defenseless animal. The incident involved the tragic death of an unidentifiable male lurcher, whose body was discovered locked inside a dark, filthy garden shed on their property.

Authorities from the RSPCA responded to reports of animal neglect and cruelty, leading to a heartbreaking discovery. The dog’s emaciated body was found confined within the shed, which had been deliberately sealed with a concrete slab placed against the door to prevent any chance of escape. The shed was in a deplorable state, with filth and neglect evident throughout the space.

John Bainbridge and Donna Kennedy, who share responsibility for their four children, were charged and convicted of failing to provide the dog with basic necessities such as adequate food and water. Their neglect resulted in the animal’s death, and they were also found guilty of neglecting to seek veterinary care for the dog’s pressure sores, which further contributed to his suffering.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Gent described the scene: “RSPCA inspector Aislynn Balderstone found this poor dog, emaciated in a filthy garden shed with no food or water. The saddest of sights: the starved dog was found dead inside the shed.”

He added, “There was a concrete slab blocking the shed door preventing it from opening. Kennedy claimed not to have known the slab was there, even though the front of the shed was only a few feet away from the kitchen window where she washed up daily.”

An examination by a veterinarian revealed that the dog weighed just 12.1kg, significantly under the ideal weight of 18kg for its breed and size. The physical condition of the dog indicated severe neglect, and the mental suffering endured must have been immense, especially considering he died alone in the dark.

Chief Inspector Gent expressed hope that the court proceedings would serve as some form of justice for the suffering animal: “The physical and mental suffering this dog endured must have been enormous as he died alone in the dark. We hope by bringing this matter to court we have achieved some sort of justice for him.”

In sentencing, John Bainbridge and Donna Kennedy received 18 weeks of imprisonment, suspended for two years. They were also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, adhere to a six-month curfew order, and pay costs of £425 each. Additionally, they are subject to a lifetime ban on keeping any animals, ensuring they cannot repeat such neglect in the future.