LEVI SWIFT AND BETHANY GREENER HORRIFICALLY STARVE HARTLEPOOL LURCHER

Levi Swift, born circa 2002, of Cornwall Street in Hartlepool, and Bethany Nicole Greener, née Bethany Murray, born on 12 February 1989 and residing on Hutton Avenue in Hartlepool, have been found guilty of causing severe suffering to their pet lurcher over a period of six weeks. The case, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, highlights the neglect and cruelty inflicted upon the innocent animal, Elsie, during the months of October through December 2023.

According to the charges brought forward by the RSPCA, the couple's neglect was ongoing from October 20 until December 1, 2023. During this time, they failed to provide basic necessities such as adequate food and shelter for Elsie, a brindle-colored lurcher. The neglect was so severe that it resulted in her becoming dangerously emaciated, with her condition deteriorating to the point where her life was at serious risk.

The incident came to light when RSPCA Inspector Claire Wilson responded to a distress call from a member of the public on December 1, 2023. The caller reported seeing two dogs left outside the Hartlepool property on Hutton Avenue without any shelter or bedding. One of the dogs was described as being extremely thin, with the caller stating she was