LEANN FALLOW'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN MIDDLESBROUGH: SERBIAN MASTIFFS SUFFER IN UNIMAGINABLE CONDITIONS

Leanne Fallow, a woman from Middlesbrough, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty in 2017 after neglecting her Serbian Mastiffs to the point of extreme suffering. Born on September 22, 1977, Fallow, who resided at The Greenway in Middlesbrough TS3 9NF, was known to many as an 'animal lover,' a claim that starkly contrasted with her actions.

Her neglect came to light after a distressing photograph was posted on Facebook, prompting animal welfare officials to visit her home. What they discovered was heartbreaking: three Serbian Mastiffs in a state of utter neglect, suffering from mange and skin infections so severe that their fur had fallen out, leaving their skin exposed and inflamed. The dogs were in such pain that they resorted to biting their own flesh in an attempt to alleviate their discomfort.

John Ellwood, representing the RSPCA in court, explained that two veterinarians had certified the animals' suffering. The dogs exhibited signs of secondary bacterial infections caused by incessant scratching and biting. One of the puppies was described as being in particularly dire condition, with open sores, crusty patches on its face, and swollen, inflamed paws. The inspector who examined the animals expressed grave concern over the conditions in which they were kept.

During the proceedings at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that the mother dog, Sheba, was underweight and, along with her puppies, was suffering from an untreated, severe skin condition. The prosecution argued that Fallow had used Sheba to breed multiple puppies, a process Mr. Ellwood described as “highly suspicious.”

Fallow claimed she was unaware of how her dog became pregnant or who the father was. She also stated that she had given away several puppies to strangers before the investigation began. However, evidence presented in court suggested otherwise. The RSPCA indicated that Fallow had been involved in breeding the dogs with the apparent intention of selling them. This was corroborated by a Facebook photograph showing Sheba in her outhouse alongside a large male Serbian Mastiff with mutilated ears, a common practice in the breed to make them appear more aggressive, often achieved with Stanley knives.

One of the puppies was rescued by Glynn Dack, who had noticed the puppy’s terrible condition and took it home in August to nurse it back to health. Despite his efforts, Fallow later came to retrieve the puppy. Concerned by the ongoing neglect, Dack reported the situation to the RSPCA, which, along with reports from other sources including a Middlesbrough Council officer, led to police seizing the animals. The animals have since recovered from their ordeal.

Fallow admitted to four charges of causing unnecessary suffering, with the court noting that her actions amounted to prolonged neglect carried out for commercial gain. She was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for a year, and ordered to pay costs of £250, along with £180 in veterinary expenses and a £115 fine. Additionally, a deprivation order was issued for her family dog, Sheba, and she was banned from keeping animals for five years, a ban that expired in February 2022.