MILLY TURNHAM'S BRUTAL ATTACK ON PUPPY IN NORTH LONDON SPARKS OUTRAGE

Milly Beth Turnham, born on July 1, 2000, and residing at 12 Durants Road, Ponders End, Enfield EN3 7AW, has been convicted of a disturbing act of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike.

In a case that drew significant attention, Turnham was filmed repeatedly assaulting a defenseless puppy using a riding crop. The footage, which was captured at an address in Bridgwater, Somerset, shows a distressing scene where she violently throws a six-month-old collie puppy named Shelby into a room from shoulder height before subjecting her to a prolonged and brutal attack.

The video, uploaded onto Facebook by Turnham’s partner in April 2022, was subsequently shared with the RSPCA, prompting an investigation into her conduct. The footage vividly depicts the puppy cowering in fear, clearly overwhelmed by the violence inflicted upon her. Veterinarian Dr. David Martin, who reviewed the video, described the incident as exhibiting an extreme level of violence. He stated, “The video shows an extreme level of violence. Shelby recovered in the RSPCA’s care and has since been rehomed.”

Dr. Martin further explained that the physical injuries inflicted on Shelby were severe, including significant bruising and possibly more serious trauma, caused by both being thrown and hit repeatedly with the riding crop. He emphasized that such behavior is unjustifiable and that modern dog training relies on positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment. The veterinarian highlighted the psychological toll on Shelby, noting that the trauma from the attack would likely have long-term implications for her health and well-being, necessitating behavioral support in the future.

Turnham admitted to an animal welfare offense related to the attack on Shelby and also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a second dog, a husky cross named Joker. The second dog was found to be severely malnourished due to Turnham’s failure to provide proper nutrition. Joker had already been rehomed before the RSPCA’s intervention, but the court was informed of the neglect.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel condemned Turnham’s actions, describing the violence as “appalling and totally unnecessary.” She recounted the distressing scene of Shelby trapped in a corner, unable to escape as she was repeatedly beaten with a weapon. Inspector Daniel called the footage “truly sickening” and expressed her heartbreak at witnessing such fear and suffering.

Following her conviction, Turnham was sentenced at Highbury Magistrates’ Court, with the case transferred from Taunton Magistrates’ Court after her relocation to Enfield. She received a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, along with a requirement to complete 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity. Additionally, she was banned from keeping animals for ten years, although she has the right to appeal after five years, with the ban set to expire in October 2033.

Thanks to the efforts of the RSPCA, Shelby was rescued from her abusive environment and has since been placed in a loving new home. Joker, the malnourished husky cross, was rehomed prior to the investigation, highlighting the importance of animal welfare vigilance in North London and beyond.