CONVICTION OF KELLY UTTING AND DANIEL KILTY FOR DOG NEGLECT IN LOWESTOFT

Kelly Utting, born around 1987, and Daniel Kilty, born October 1982, residents of 2 Magnolia Court, Lowestoft NR32 2SF, were convicted in 2025 of neglecting their miniature dachshund, Duggy, leading to the dog's death by starvation.

In December 2023, a concerned family member brought the suffering dog to a veterinarian. Sadly, Duggy was beyond saving and was immediately euthanized. The RSPCA launched an investigation, which led them to Utting and Kilty's home in Lowestoft.

The couple, who are parents to six children, did not attend their court hearing and were found guilty in their absence of failing to meet the needs of their dog.

An expert veterinarian reported that Duggy had suffered significantly due to his emaciated state, stating, "Suffering will have been experienced by this animal via mechanisms of weakness, fatigue, general malaise, exercise intolerance and eventual collapse. In my opinion the needs of Duggy have not been met to the extent required by good practice due to the persons responsible for the welfare of this animal failing to seek prompt veterinary advice regarding his sub-optimal bodily condition, thereby failing to protect him from suffering."

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Emily Astillbery remarked, "When I started the investigation I was sent photos and a video of poor Duggy and he was one of the thinnest dogs that I have ever seen. Every rib and vertebra is clearly prominent and his hips and pelvic bones are protruding beneath his skin. It was heartbreaking to see a dog in such an emaciated condition and this weight loss would not have occurred overnight."

In sentencing, Utting and Kilty were fined £1,100, ordered to pay £1,081 in costs and a victim surcharge of £440. They received a ten-year ban on owning any animals, which will expire in February 2035.