MARGERY AND THOMAS TAYLOR FROM WALLSEND SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT OF YORKIE HUGHIE
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Wallsend Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Margery Taylor, born around 1948, and her son Thomas Taylor, born approximately in 1976, both residents of North View, Wallsend NE28 7NF, have been found guilty of failing to care for their elderly dog, Hughie, a 12-year-old Yorkshire terrier. The neglect was so severe that Hughie was discovered in a deplorable state, lying on a soaked sleeping bag filled with blood and urine, with a serious skin condition that had been left untreated for an extended period.
Hughie was rescued from the Taylor family's home, which was described by RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws as extremely filthy. During her visit on February 18, 2022, she reported that the property was cluttered with rotten food in open containers scattered throughout the premises. The inspector recounted that the stench was overwhelming, and she could smell the foul odor of rotting flesh and yeast emanating from the dog, who was found in a distressing state. Hughie was lying on a wet sleeping bag on the sofa, with the underside soaked in blood and urine, indicating he had been in that position for a significant amount of time. The inspector observed that Hughie’s body was almost bald in some areas, with large patches of skin peeling away, revealing the extent of his suffering.
Despite knowing Hughie was unwell, the Taylors failed to seek proper veterinary care. The dog had been taken to the vet in September 2021, where he was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, both bottles of medication, which were still at least half full, were left unused and ignored, further highlighting the neglect.
Both Margery and Thomas Taylor pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Hughie by neglecting his severe skin condition and failing to provide him with a suitable environment that met his needs. The court heard that their neglect had resulted in permanent scars on Hughie’s body, a testament to the severity of his suffering.
The veterinarian who treated Hughie described his recovery as remarkable, noting that his quality of life has significantly improved. The dog now enjoys a life free from pain and mobility restrictions, with a renewed desire to run and play, which serves as a positive sign of his recovery. After spending time at the RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Hughie is currently in foster care and will soon be adopted into a permanent home.
In sentencing, Margery and Thomas Taylor were each fined £234, which included a surcharge. Additionally, the court awarded £2,000 in costs to the RSPCA from central funds. Both individuals are also banned from keeping animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in December 2027. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets in the Wallsend area.
Hughie was rescued from the Taylor family's home, which was described by RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws as extremely filthy. During her visit on February 18, 2022, she reported that the property was cluttered with rotten food in open containers scattered throughout the premises. The inspector recounted that the stench was overwhelming, and she could smell the foul odor of rotting flesh and yeast emanating from the dog, who was found in a distressing state. Hughie was lying on a wet sleeping bag on the sofa, with the underside soaked in blood and urine, indicating he had been in that position for a significant amount of time. The inspector observed that Hughie’s body was almost bald in some areas, with large patches of skin peeling away, revealing the extent of his suffering.
Despite knowing Hughie was unwell, the Taylors failed to seek proper veterinary care. The dog had been taken to the vet in September 2021, where he was prescribed anti-inflammatory medication. However, both bottles of medication, which were still at least half full, were left unused and ignored, further highlighting the neglect.
Both Margery and Thomas Taylor pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Hughie by neglecting his severe skin condition and failing to provide him with a suitable environment that met his needs. The court heard that their neglect had resulted in permanent scars on Hughie’s body, a testament to the severity of his suffering.
The veterinarian who treated Hughie described his recovery as remarkable, noting that his quality of life has significantly improved. The dog now enjoys a life free from pain and mobility restrictions, with a renewed desire to run and play, which serves as a positive sign of his recovery. After spending time at the RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Hughie is currently in foster care and will soon be adopted into a permanent home.
In sentencing, Margery and Thomas Taylor were each fined £234, which included a surcharge. Additionally, the court awarded £2,000 in costs to the RSPCA from central funds. Both individuals are also banned from keeping animals for five years, a restriction that will expire in December 2027. This case highlights the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable pets in the Wallsend area.