LESLEY DUKE FROM GOSPORT BANNED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN HEATWAVE INCIDENT
| Red Rose Database
Gosport Animal Abuser
Lesley Marieanne Duke, a resident of St Johns Square in Gosport, was involved in a distressing case of animal cruelty that drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations. In 2017, Duke was found responsible for causing severe suffering to her elderly German shepherd, a dog affectionately known as Kitty Karna, which ultimately led to the animal's tragic death.
The incident unfolded on a hot day in May 2017, when members of the public in Brockenhurst Road, Gosport, noticed the visibly distressed dog. Kitty Karna was suffering from burns on her paws after walking over the scorching pavement, with temperatures reaching approximately 25 degrees Celsius. Witnesses observed the dog struggling, bleeding from her injured paws, and eventually collapsing from heat exhaustion. Despite her initial recovery, the dog’s condition worsened, revealing kidney failure, which necessitated her humane euthanasia.
Lesley Duke admitted to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog. The case was brought to the attention of the RSPCA, who responded swiftly to the scene. Inspector Jenny Ride, who led the investigation, praised the members of the public who intervened to help the suffering animal. She explained, “Kitty had been walked excessively in extremely hot weather through the streets which caused her paws to bleed before she finally collapsed of heat exhaustion. Thankfully the kind people who saw her suffering rushed to her aid and took her to the vets where she was treated and deemed to be suffering.”
Inspector Ride also issued advice to pet owners, emphasizing the importance of exercising dogs during cooler parts of the day. She stated, “During hot weather, the RSPCA advise people to walk your dog in the morning or evening when it will not burn on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke, and to be alert for signs of burned pads or other heat-related health issues. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, so walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening can help mitigate risks associated with high temperatures.”
As a consequence of her actions, Lesley Duke was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 in court costs. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a restriction that expired in September 2022. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially during extreme weather conditions, and serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who neglect animal welfare.
The incident unfolded on a hot day in May 2017, when members of the public in Brockenhurst Road, Gosport, noticed the visibly distressed dog. Kitty Karna was suffering from burns on her paws after walking over the scorching pavement, with temperatures reaching approximately 25 degrees Celsius. Witnesses observed the dog struggling, bleeding from her injured paws, and eventually collapsing from heat exhaustion. Despite her initial recovery, the dog’s condition worsened, revealing kidney failure, which necessitated her humane euthanasia.
Lesley Duke admitted to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog. The case was brought to the attention of the RSPCA, who responded swiftly to the scene. Inspector Jenny Ride, who led the investigation, praised the members of the public who intervened to help the suffering animal. She explained, “Kitty had been walked excessively in extremely hot weather through the streets which caused her paws to bleed before she finally collapsed of heat exhaustion. Thankfully the kind people who saw her suffering rushed to her aid and took her to the vets where she was treated and deemed to be suffering.”
Inspector Ride also issued advice to pet owners, emphasizing the importance of exercising dogs during cooler parts of the day. She stated, “During hot weather, the RSPCA advise people to walk your dog in the morning or evening when it will not burn on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke, and to be alert for signs of burned pads or other heat-related health issues. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, so walking your dog early in the morning or later in the evening can help mitigate risks associated with high temperatures.”
As a consequence of her actions, Lesley Duke was sentenced to 80 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £50 in court costs. Additionally, she was banned from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a restriction that expired in September 2022. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership, especially during extreme weather conditions, and serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who neglect animal welfare.