MARY CAMPBELL AND RYAN GERRY FROM THROCKLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Mary Agnes Campbell, born on June 15, 1975, and her son Ryan Paul James Gerry, born on December 21, 1997, both residents of Hallow Drive in Throckley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 9PW, faced a tragic case of animal cruelty that drew significant attention from local authorities and animal welfare organizations. The two were found guilty of allowing their two-year-old Border collie, named Skye, to suffer a prolonged and agonizing death through starvation.

According to court records, both Campbell and Gerry admitted to neglecting their pet, acknowledging that they had failed to provide the necessary care and nutrition that Skye desperately needed. Despite their claims of attempting to feed her and seeking veterinary assistance, evidence presented in court painted a different picture. The pair, who both have learning difficulties and mental health issues, maintained that they had made efforts to care for Skye, but the reality was far more grim.

In January 2019, the RSPCA was called to their residence in Throckley after Skye had already died. The inspectors arrived to find the dog’s body in a state of extreme emaciation. An autopsy confirmed that Skye had succumbed due to a severe lack of nutrition. Inspector Smith, who responded to the scene, described the heartbreaking sight of Skye’s remains. He recounted that the dog was wrapped in a blanket featuring a pug image, which he unwrapped to reveal a dog in an advanced state of starvation. Skye’s eyes were sunken, her bones protruded visibly through her skin, and she had a pressure sore on her right hip.

Carrying her body to the vehicle was an emotionally distressing task for the inspector, who noted how light Skye’s corpse was, underscoring the severity of her condition. Further investigations at the property uncovered stains of fecal matter on the kitchen floor, where the couple claimed Skye had been kept. The pair insisted they had been trying to obtain blood tests for Skye and that they had been feeding her, but the veterinary practice they referenced, PDSA, stated they had not seen the dog since 2017, despite appointments being scheduled and then canceled or missed.

Additional post-mortem examinations supported the conclusion that Skye’s death was primarily caused by insufficient nutrition. A second examination, commissioned by the defense, suggested there might have been an underlying cause for her condition, but due to the advanced decomposition, it could not be definitively determined. Nonetheless, both reports agreed that starvation was the most likely cause of her death.

During the court proceedings, Ruth Foster, representing Campbell and Gerry, highlighted their mental health and learning difficulties, including anxiety and depression, which she argued impaired their ability to care for Skye properly. Foster emphasized that the case was distressing for all involved, especially the defendants, who expressed remorse and acknowledged their failings. She noted that both had believed they were feeding Skye adequately and that they thought the other was responsible for her care on some occasions.

In sentencing, both Campbell and Gerry received 12-week custodial sentences, suspended for one year. They were also ordered to pay a total of £315 in costs and charges. Furthermore, the court imposed a ban on both individuals from owning or caring for animals for a period of ten years, which will expire in September 2029. The case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the devastating consequences of neglect, especially when compounded by mental health challenges.