KIRSTY GILBERT FROM NORTH SHIELDS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPY IN COLLINGWOOD

Kirsty Gilbert, a resident of North Shields, was convicted in 2024 of severe animal cruelty involving her eight-month-old puppy, Tia, a bull breed, in her home on Aldwych Drive, Collingwood. The case drew attention after reports of neglect prompted an investigation by the RSPCA, revealing disturbing conditions that the young dog had endured for at least two months.

On February 25, 2024, an RSPCA inspector visited Gilbert’s address following multiple complaints about the welfare of Tia. During the inspection, Gilbert claimed that her puppy had been to the vet in December and produced paperwork dated from October. She was issued a warning notice, instructing her to contact her veterinarian promptly to arrange an appointment for Tia, either that day or the following. Gilbert agreed to this plan.

However, subsequent inquiries uncovered that Gilbert had not kept her appointment as promised. A phone call to the veterinary practice on February 29 revealed she had scheduled the visit for the following week, outside the timeframe specified in the warning notice. This failure to act further indicated neglect of the animal’s health needs.

Later that day, Inspector Helen Bestwick, accompanied by police officers, revisited Gilbert’s home for a follow-up. In her court statement, Inspector Bestwick described her observations: Gilbert insisted there was nothing wrong with Tia, claiming she was not thin and was fed once a day with a tin of dog food. Yet, the inspector immediately noted the puppy’s poor physical condition, with ribs and spine visibly protruding. Tia’s fur was patchy, with hair loss on her tail and all four paws, which also bore scabs. The dog’s coat was stained with urine, especially on her feet, stomach, chest, and chin, and she emitted a strong ammonia smell. Gilbert confirmed her ownership but admitted that Tia had not been to the vet as advised.

It was explained to Gilbert that she had failed to comply with the warning notice within the specified period. Consequently, the police seized Tia, who was then taken to a veterinarian for examination. The dog was subsequently placed in a private boarding facility, where she quickly gained weight and showed signs of recovery.

The veterinarian’s report detailed the extent of Tia’s suffering. The vet noted her coat was stained yellow, and she had a foul smell of urine. Her nails were overgrown and unclean, with one broken nail on her front leg that had become infected. Large patches of hair loss and scabs over her bony areas were also observed. Despite her poor condition, the vet confirmed that Tia was otherwise healthy and capable of eating well, with no underlying disease explaining her malnourished state. The significant weight gain during her stay in kennels—an increase of 0.6kg in just one week—was evidence that her poor growth was due to starvation, which had likely persisted for at least two months.

The court was informed that Tia’s suffering was entirely preventable through proper nutrition and care. Her recovery was seen as a testament to her resilience, and she was set to be rehomed once fully healed.

In her absence, Gilbert was found guilty of three charges related to animal cruelty. During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that she had been suffering from mental health issues and that she now recognized her inability to properly care for animals. The court imposed a 12-month community order, including 12 days of rehabilitation and a six-month mental health treatment requirement. Additionally, Gilbert was fined £40 and ordered to pay £200 in costs. She was also disqualified from owning dogs for six years, a ban that will expire in November 2030.

This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, especially in cases involving vulnerable animals like Tia in North Shields and Collingwood.