LAURA BAVERSTOCK FROM WELLINGBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG REK

Laura Baverstock, born on December 5, 1981, and residing at 26 High Street, Finedon, Wellingborough NN9 5JN, was convicted in 2022 for her role in the neglect and suffering of her German Shepherd dog, Rek. The case arose after Baverstock dug a grave for her dog, who was dying from unexplained ingestion of antifreeze. Instead of seeking veterinary help, she told her neighbors that Rek was dying and that a hole was being prepared for his burial, while he was still in severe pain. The RSPCA attempted to intervene, but was unable to make contact at her flat.

On August 31, 2022, at the age of 40, Baverstock was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison. The prosecutor described her case as 'one of the worst of its kind.' The court heard that on October 9, 2018, she approached her neighbors asking for assistance in digging a grave for Rek. Her neighbors, who had been hearing Rek barking that day, inquired about his condition. Prosecutor Adam Williams stated: ‘They were told he was not dead but was dying.’

Her neighbors observed Rek as very ill, weak, with droopy eyes, and very unwell. Concerned, they contacted the RSPCA. An officer arrived that day but found nobody at the address; the lights were on, but no one responded, and a calling card was left. The officer saw the dug hole in the backyard but found it empty. The following morning, another officer returned and was informed that Rek had died overnight.

Baverstock claimed that her dog had ingested weedkiller three days earlier and had spoken with a vet she found online, who supposedly reassured her that Rek would be sick but would recover. However, post-mortem examination revealed that Rek died from renal failure caused by antifreeze poisoning. Due to Rek's size, at least two-thirds of a pint of concentrated antifreeze would have been necessary to induce such renal failure. The court noted that there was no evidence explaining how Rek ingested the antifreeze.

Prosecutor Williams emphasized: ‘This is not something typical found in weedkiller or something a dog might stumble across safely in the home or outside.’ The post-mortem also revealed that Rek had underlying heart and lung diseases, and that any reasonable dog owner would have noticed behavioral changes weeks earlier. Williams added: ‘Apart from the antifreeze, there should have been at least a three-week warning that the animal was becoming ill.’

Baverstock was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. She denied the offence but was found guilty after a two-day trial in July 2022. During the proceedings, it was highlighted that she ‘clearly cared a great deal for Rek,’ showing genuine emotion, and that the case had been pending for four years. Her solicitor argued for a community order, but the magistrates imposed an 18-week prison sentence, a lifetime ban on keeping animals, and a minimum period of 10 years before she could reapply to lift the ban.

Magistrate Richard Hawkins stated: ‘There is no question that she caused unnecessary suffering to Rek. It’s really quite appalling what happened.’ He also remarked, ‘It’s really quite appalling what happened,’ as part of the sentencing.

Additional information revealed that Baverstock lives with a partner, and it remains unknown why he was not also charged in relation to animal cruelty. A former neighbor shared her experiences, stating: ‘I reported them multiple times for animal cruelty — I heard them hitting and shouting at the dogs. The previous dog before Rek was kept in a small communal cupboard with no window or warmth, even during snow and freezing temperatures, which I also reported. The RSPCA and dog warden got involved, and then that dog disappeared.’

She further described her ordeal: ‘I had four years of hell living beneath them. Everyone who knows me understands my love for animals, and it was heartbreaking to witness how they treated theirs. We regularly received threats, including knives waved at my children and being chased with a hammer. Finally, we moved to a new house, but they continue to torment the new tenants of our old flat. They are horrendous and evade everyone by not answering any doors.’ She expressed relief that action was taken, saying: ‘I can’t tell you how ecstatic I am that something has finally been done.’