MARIE AND STEVEN RICHARDS FROM NORTON SENTENCED AFTER DOG LEFT TO SUFFER AMPUTATION

Marie Richards, born around 1968, and her husband Steven Richards, born approximately in 1965, both residents of Triner Place in Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8LE, faced serious consequences after neglecting their pet dog, Charlie. The couple's failure to seek proper veterinary care for their small West Highland terrier cross led to a tragic outcome, as the dog was left with a severely broken leg that ultimately required amputation.

According to reports, the Richards initially claimed that Charlie’s injury was minor, describing it as merely a small bite wound on his leg. However, the reality was far more severe. The RSPCA, after being alerted by a concerned member of the public, intervened to investigate the dog's condition. Upon inspection, it was discovered that Charlie’s femur was completely fractured in two, a level of injury that could not be explained by a simple bite or minor accident.

Inspector Charlotte Melvin, who was involved in the case, explained that the couple admitted to falling on Charlie, which they claimed caused the injury. Despite this, the RSPCA officials noted that the couple stated they lacked the financial means to take the dog to a veterinarian for proper treatment. This explanation was met with skepticism, especially given the severity of the injury.

Further examination revealed that the injury was consistent with being struck by a vehicle, likely a road traffic collision. The injury was at least a week old, indicating that Charlie had been suffering in pain for an extended period. The couple’s account that they had given Charlie paracetamol and believed he was okay because he was still wagging his tail was deemed insufficient and dismissive of the dog's suffering. A veterinarian confirmed that Charlie would have experienced intense pain from such a fracture.

Fortunately, Charlie has since been re-homed and is reported to be very happy now, after receiving the necessary care and attention. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for timely veterinary intervention in cases of injury.

Marie and Steven Richards appeared in court, where they received a 12-month community order. They were also sentenced to perform 100 hours of unpaid work each and were banned from keeping dogs for ten years, with the ban set to expire in November 2026. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting animal welfare and the importance of acting promptly when an animal is in distress.