LEE KIERNAN AND RUTH LANE FROM NORTH SHIELDS JAILED IN NEWCASTLE FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

Lee Kiernan, born 28 July 1987, and Ruth Lane, born 25 July 1985, formerly residents of North Shields and as of July 2021 living together on Welbeck Road, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3AA, were convicted in 2019 of severe neglect and food deprivation of a husky puppy and a cat.

The couple’s neglect was revealed when RSPCA officers rescued a ten-month-old husky named Missy and a white tabby cat called Cuddles from their home. Inside, officers discovered piled-up old food on the floor so high that it hindered their entry. Upon opening the door, the puppy, starved and hungry, rushed out of her cage to scavenge leftovers.

Missy was found in a shocking state—skin and bones—evidence of the extreme neglect she endured. The investigation described the home as smelling overwhelmingly of urine and faeces, with at least twenty flies swarming around the room. Prosecutor Stewart Haywood noted, “The smell was described by RSPCA officers as putrid.”

The pets were found in a state of extreme suffering, with Missy lying in faeces and her coat stained, suffering from starvation and dehydration. The rescue operation was chaotic, with the couple refusing responsibility and initially denying ownership of the animals. Kiernan even claimed he was merely a dog walker.

Over the subsequent months, Kiernan and Lane gave the RSPCA the runaround, refusing to accept ownership and making excuses. It wasn't until they faced charges that they admitted to three counts each of animal neglect, after accumulating a £1,200 costs bill for the charity. Despite this, they were described as being of no fixed address and facing financial hardship, making even transportation expenses like a bus to Bedlington difficult.

Lane has a previous conviction for neglecting another dog. Defense solicitor Nigel Body argued they were “the very last people who should be jailed,” claiming they were impressionable, unable to cope, and clearly in need of help rather than custody. “A period of custody, I don’t see how that would help them in any way,” he said. “It is a regrettable incident, an awful incident. But these people need help. They are a couple in need of intervention by authorities. They are unsuitable for custody.”

Both defendants pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of Cuddles and Missy, and causing needless suffering to the dog. The court sentenced each to 24 weeks in jail, with no mention of a ban on owning animals.

This case was reported by ChronicleLive and the Daily Mail.