LILY TODD FROM HARTLEPOOL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PET RABBIT IN BIZARRE INCIDENT

Lily Todd, a resident of Rydal Street in Hartlepool, was convicted of animal cruelty in connection with a disturbing incident involving her pet rabbit, Twinkle. The incident occurred in her garden and drew the attention of local neighbors and animal welfare authorities alike.

On the evening of Friday, March 30, 2012, a heated argument took place between Lily Todd and her teenage daughter around 8:30 pm. Following the dispute, Todd retrieved her pet rabbit, Twinkle, and engaged in a shocking act of violence aimed at the defenseless animal. Witnesses reported that Todd began kicking Twinkle around the garden in an apparent attempt to get her daughter’s attention, demanding that her daughter return inside the house. The rabbit, clearly distressed, ran away from the scene.

Fortunately, a vigilant neighbor intervened, picking up the frightened rabbit and taking her to his home for safety. Despite this intervention, Todd continued her search for Twinkle. The neighbor, concerned about the welfare of the animal, warned Todd that her actions were unacceptable. According to prosecutor John Ellwood, Todd responded by claiming that kicking the rabbit was the only way she could get her daughter to listen. The neighbor, however, pointed out that the rabbit was innocent and not at fault.

In a further disturbing turn, Todd reportedly picked up Twinkle and threw her at the neighbor, telling him that he should just have the rabbit. This aggressive act prompted the neighbor to contact the RSPCA, who responded swiftly to the scene. The organization’s inspectors collected Twinkle and transported her to a veterinary clinic for examination.

Veterinary assessments revealed that Twinkle had suffered five fractured ribs—two on the right side and three on the left—injuries consistent with being kicked or thrown. The rabbit was treated and eventually recovered from her injuries. She was later rehomed to a caring new owner.

During her police interview, Lily Todd admitted to losing her temper but denied intentionally kicking her rabbit. Despite her denial, the court found her guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The magistrates praised the RSPCA for their diligent work and emphasized the severity of the attack, describing it as 'awful.'

RSPCA inspector Kristina Raine expressed her satisfaction with the conviction and sentencing, highlighting the cruelty inflicted upon such a small and vulnerable creature. She noted that the injuries, confirmed by X-ray evidence, could only have resulted from kicking or throwing the animal. Raine also emphasized the importance of witness testimonies in securing the conviction and reiterated the organization’s stance on banning individuals from keeping animals if they pose a risk to their welfare.

As part of her sentence, Lily Todd received a 12-month community order with supervision requirements. She was also ordered to pay £500 in costs to the RSPCA. Additionally, she was subjected to a five-year ban on keeping animals, which expired in October 2017. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and ensure that offenders are held accountable for their actions.