MARIE EMMETT AND CHRIS LANCASTER FROM ST BUDEAUX SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS
| Red Rose Database
St Budeaux Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Marie Emmett, also known as Marie Harrison, born on March 14, 1987, and Chris Lancaster, born on September 7, 1992, both residents of Kit Hill Crescent, Barne Barton, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1EW, were found responsible for the severe mistreatment of their pet dogs, leading to tragic consequences.
On December 21, 2022, local police officers responded to a distress call at the home of Emmett and Lancaster. Upon arrival, they discovered their two-year-old American bulldog, named Bane, tied up outside the residence. The officers had been alerted after Bane had reportedly killed a four-month-old puppy named Lilo inside the house. The scene inside the home was grim, revealing the extent of neglect that had been inflicted upon the animals.
Photographs posted on social media in July 2021 by Chris Lancaster show a dog that may be Bane, though it has not been confirmed. The condition of Bane at the time of the police visit was appalling. The dog was found to be extremely underweight, with a dirty coat and overgrown claws, indicating a lack of proper care and regular walks. Witness statements from police officers described the environment as deplorable. One officer noted, “It looked like he had been kept in the kitchen. It smelt strongly of urine, and small scratch marks from his claws could be seen all over the floors and walls. It appears the dog was possibly confined in this location.”
The rear yard of the property was equally neglected, covered in dog feces and unkempt. Bane was taken to a veterinary clinic, where the veterinarian diagnosed him with severe dehydration, a foul smell, sticky fur, and urine contamination. The vet also observed scalded areas and sores on his paws, with some necrotic tissue that was not healing. The examination revealed that Bane was emaciated, with his bones and muscle mass clearly visible, weighing only around 20 kilograms—less than half of what a healthy adult American bulldog of his size should weigh, which is typically between 40 and 60 kilograms.
Further investigations and a post-mortem examination confirmed the severity of Bane’s suffering. The vet reported that Bane had ingested rubber flooring, which was found in his stomach, indicating he had been eating non-food items out of desperation. The veterinarian’s report concluded that Bane had been starved for an extended period, with no access to adequate food, and had been suffering for some time. The report stated, “This dog had no access to food and was clearly eating what it could to survive using its basic survival instinct. This, and the lack of fat deposits throughout the entire body system, suggests this dog had been starved for a long time and supports my professional opinion that this dog was suffering and had been for a while.”
Both Marie Emmett and Chris Lancaster were convicted of animal cruelty. They received a sentence of 12 weeks in prison, suspended, meaning they would not serve time unless they committed further offenses. Additionally, they were ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid community work, attend 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay costs of £200 each. A ten-year disqualification order was also imposed, prohibiting them from owning or caring for animals during this period. This disqualification can be appealed after five years.
The case has drawn significant attention in Plymouth, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The tragic case of Bane underscores the need for vigilance and accountability in caring for pets, especially in residential areas like St Budeaux where such neglect was uncovered.
On December 21, 2022, local police officers responded to a distress call at the home of Emmett and Lancaster. Upon arrival, they discovered their two-year-old American bulldog, named Bane, tied up outside the residence. The officers had been alerted after Bane had reportedly killed a four-month-old puppy named Lilo inside the house. The scene inside the home was grim, revealing the extent of neglect that had been inflicted upon the animals.
Photographs posted on social media in July 2021 by Chris Lancaster show a dog that may be Bane, though it has not been confirmed. The condition of Bane at the time of the police visit was appalling. The dog was found to be extremely underweight, with a dirty coat and overgrown claws, indicating a lack of proper care and regular walks. Witness statements from police officers described the environment as deplorable. One officer noted, “It looked like he had been kept in the kitchen. It smelt strongly of urine, and small scratch marks from his claws could be seen all over the floors and walls. It appears the dog was possibly confined in this location.”
The rear yard of the property was equally neglected, covered in dog feces and unkempt. Bane was taken to a veterinary clinic, where the veterinarian diagnosed him with severe dehydration, a foul smell, sticky fur, and urine contamination. The vet also observed scalded areas and sores on his paws, with some necrotic tissue that was not healing. The examination revealed that Bane was emaciated, with his bones and muscle mass clearly visible, weighing only around 20 kilograms—less than half of what a healthy adult American bulldog of his size should weigh, which is typically between 40 and 60 kilograms.
Further investigations and a post-mortem examination confirmed the severity of Bane’s suffering. The vet reported that Bane had ingested rubber flooring, which was found in his stomach, indicating he had been eating non-food items out of desperation. The veterinarian’s report concluded that Bane had been starved for an extended period, with no access to adequate food, and had been suffering for some time. The report stated, “This dog had no access to food and was clearly eating what it could to survive using its basic survival instinct. This, and the lack of fat deposits throughout the entire body system, suggests this dog had been starved for a long time and supports my professional opinion that this dog was suffering and had been for a while.”
Both Marie Emmett and Chris Lancaster were convicted of animal cruelty. They received a sentence of 12 weeks in prison, suspended, meaning they would not serve time unless they committed further offenses. Additionally, they were ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid community work, attend 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and pay costs of £200 each. A ten-year disqualification order was also imposed, prohibiting them from owning or caring for animals during this period. This disqualification can be appealed after five years.
The case has drawn significant attention in Plymouth, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect. The tragic case of Bane underscores the need for vigilance and accountability in caring for pets, especially in residential areas like St Budeaux where such neglect was uncovered.