JONATHAN CARTWRIGHT AND KIMBERLEY O’NEILL FROM DARLINGTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Jonathan Cartwright, born around 1995, and Kimberley O’Neill, also known as Kim Morrison and born on 7 January 1988, both from Darlington, County Durham DL3, have been convicted in 2025 for keeping two dogs in deplorable conditions. The dogs were described as "ravenous and thirsty" and were found in a filthy, cluttered garden.

Magistrates heard that RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson visited their address on May 17, 2024, after receiving reports of two malnourished dogs in the rear garden. In her statement to the court, she detailed the scene: “As I went out of the rear door from the kitchen it was obvious the drains were blocked and there was sewage over the flags in the sheltered area at the side of the house. I carefully picked my way into the garden and could see there was scrap metal, rubbish, a bed base, old mattress and other possessions and toys strewn about. There was no clean bedding available for the dogs and their bowls were upturned so they had no food or water available.

Fudge, a male crossbreed with short hair, had all his bones visible with his head appearing very angular. Inspector Wilson described, “I could see his skull, shoulder blades, spine, ribs and pelvic bones, which felt spiky through the skin.” Bella, a female crossbreed with longer fur, showed her spine, ribs, and pelvic bones through her thick coat, with a "very spiky" appearance and a very marked waist.

Cartwright told the officer that a family member had previously taken the dogs to a vet, but he could not recall when or the clinic’s name. The dogs, who were surrendered to the RSPCA by the defendants, were extremely hungry and drank eagerly when offered water at the vet.

Veterinary examination revealed that Fudge, who weighed 13.1kg, should have been over 25kg; Bella weighed 10.5kg and should have been over 18kg. Both dogs were placed on strict feeding plans to prevent refeeding syndrome. By June 18, Fudge’s weight had increased to 20.1kg (44.3 pounds), a 53% gain, and Bella’s weight rose by 54% to 16.15kg (35.6 pounds). Prior to rehoming, the RSPCA arranged for both dogs to be spayed and neutered. Bella also underwent a fractured tooth removal.

The dogs recovered in the care of the RSPCA and were eventually rehomed. Bella received additional veterinary care for her fractured tooth, while Fudge was looked after at a private boarding facility.

Both Cartwright and O’Neill admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Fudge and Bella by failing to provide adequate nutrition between April 16 and May 18, 2024, and also admitted neglecting their animals’ basic needs.

Inspector Wilson commented after sentencing: “Thankfully Bella and Fudge recovered quickly in our care and found loving forever homes. I would urge anyone to think carefully about the ongoing needs of any animal before taking them on and whether they can meet them in the years to come if their circumstances change.”

In sentencing, Cartwright received an 18-month community order, including 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of ‘rehabilitation,’ along with costs of £180 and a £114 victim surcharge. O’Neill was given a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation, plus the same costs and surcharge. Both were also banned from owning animals for 10 years.