KERRI LINDO FROM MIDDLESBROUGH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG BUSTER

Kerri Frances Lindo, born on June 30, 1988, and residing at 22 Leven Street in Middlesbrough, has been convicted of a heinous act of animal cruelty involving the neglect and starvation of a dog named Buster. The tragic discovery was made when authorities found Buster’s emaciated body wrapped in a duvet cover inside a wheelie bin, a grim testament to the suffering endured by the animal.

Police investigation led them to Lindo’s property on Orwell Street, where they uncovered disturbing evidence of neglect. Inside her home, they found an identical duvet pattern on a bed, linking her directly to the scene. The dog had been kept outside in the backyard during the harsh winter months, a period when exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal for unprotected animals. The yard was in a deplorable state, littered with rubbish and faeces, and the dog’s bowls contained only rainwater, indicating a complete lack of proper care and nourishment.

Further inquiries revealed that Lindo, who is also known to be a convicted Class A drug dealer, showed little remorse during her police interview. She admitted that Buster had appeared “skinnyish and then got diarrhoea” approximately four months prior to his death. Despite her claim of purchasing worming tablets, she admitted that no veterinary treatment had been sought for the dog’s condition. A post-mortem examination confirmed that Buster’s death was caused by malnutrition, with no underlying medical issues identified. The report indicated that Buster had not received adequate nutrition for at least a month, and the freezing outdoor conditions would have significantly hastened his demise.

In court, Lindo was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months. She was also ordered to complete a 12-month supervision period through probation, perform 120 hours of unpaid community work, and pay costs of £200 along with an £80 victim surcharge. Additionally, she received a lifetime ban on owning animals, although she has the right to appeal this restriction after 10 years. The case highlights the severe consequences of animal cruelty and the importance of animal welfare laws in Middlesbrough and beyond.