KERRY PATERSON AND REECE MILBURN FROM BLYTH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE INVOLVING TIGGY AND ENZO

Kerry Paterson, born 24 May 1986, and Reece Milburn, born circa 1991, residents of 3 Weardale Avenue in Blyth, Northumberland, have been convicted of severe animal cruelty charges related to the neglect and starvation of a dog named Tiggy, as well as the mistreatment of their Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Enzo. The disturbing case has drawn significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations.

According to court reports, Paterson and Milburn falsely claimed to have discovered Tiggy, a lurcher, abandoned and in dire condition by the side of a road in Blyth. They reported this to the local council, prompting an official visit to their home. However, the visiting officer was appalled by the state of the animal, describing it as the worst case of animal neglect he had encountered in his 15 years of service. The officer found Tiggy in a deplorable condition, with every bone in her body protruding, nearly hairless, severely dehydrated, suffering from dermatitis, skin infections, and infested with mites.

At the time, Tiggy weighed less than half her ideal weight, with her body temperature dangerously low. She was so weak that she could not stand or walk. The dog was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic, where she received intensive treatment. Over the course of six weeks, with proper care, a specialized diet, and constant supervision at Berwick Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK), Tiggy made a remarkable recovery, gaining nearly 10 kilograms and returning to health.

Meanwhile, her owner’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Enzo, was also seized during the investigation. Enzo was found to be suffering from a similar skin condition and mite infestation, indicating ongoing neglect. The authorities launched an appeal for information about Tiggy’s origins, hoping to locate her rightful owners and understand how she ended up abandoned in Blyth. However, subsequent investigations revealed that Paterson and Milburn had lied about finding Tiggy and had actually been caring for her for several months prior to the rescue.

On December 3, 2019, the defendants contacted the Northumberland County Council, claiming they had taken in a stray dog abandoned in Blyth. An appointment was scheduled for an officer to visit their residence the following day. When the officer arrived, he was met by Paterson and Milburn, who led him into their living room where Tiggy was found curled up. The officer initially thought the dog had died due to her emaciated state. She was almost hairless, with every bone visible, and unable to stand or walk. The officer described the scene as the worst he had seen in his career.

Further examination at the vet confirmed Tiggy’s dire condition: she weighed only 10.85 kilograms, had a low body temperature, and was suffering from severe skin issues and mite infestation. Thanks to the dedicated care at BARK, Tiggy gradually regained her health, eventually making a full recovery.

In addition to Tiggy, Enzo was also taken into custody. He was suffering from skin problems and mites, indicating neglect. An appeal for information about Tiggy was issued on December 18, 2019, which led to numerous calls and emails. Many of these communications revealed that Paterson and Milburn had owned Tiggy all along, contradicting their initial claims of finding her abandoned.

Legal proceedings showed that the pair had received Tiggy from an acquaintance several months prior and had failed to provide her with proper care. The court heard that their neglect was partly influenced by personal grief, as both defendants were dealing with the loss of a friend or relative. Their defense attorney, Mark Harrison, acknowledged their remorse, stating that they were ashamed of their actions and found it difficult to face the images of Tiggy’s suffering. He emphasized that they did not intentionally harm the animals but had neglected their responsibilities.

Ultimately, both Paterson and Milburn pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. They also admitted to failing to ensure the welfare of Enzo. As a result, they were sentenced to 12 weeks in jail and received lifetime bans from owning or caring for animals. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect in the Blyth community.