NATHAN SINNITT'S CRUELTY IN WALLSEND: DOG MISTY'S TRAGIC END AFTER CANNABIS INHALATION

Nathan Sinnitt, a resident of Wallsend, was involved in a heartbreaking case of animal cruelty that culminated in the tragic death of his pet dog, Misty. Born on March 17, 1989, Sinnitt, who lived at 26 Victoria Avenue in Wallsend with the postcode NE28 8SD, was found to have neglected his dog for an extended period, choosing to mask her pain with second-hand cannabis smoke rather than seeking proper veterinary care.

Police conducted a raid on Sinnitt’s residence on August 12, 2019, which was linked to suspicions of a cannabis farm operating at the property. During the search, officers discovered Misty, a mastiff-type dog, in a state that raised immediate concern. The dog was observed to be calm but severely impaired, unable to stand or walk properly. The officers noted her unsteady gait and difficulty in supporting her weight, with her back legs showing signs of uncoordinated movement. Misty’s condition was so dire that she fell multiple times when attempting to get up.

Following the police intervention, RSPCA officers were called to the scene. They took Misty to a veterinary clinic for urgent assessment. The veterinarian reported that Misty was suffering from pressure sores and exhibited signs of excessive licking of her skin, indicating ongoing discomfort and distress. The vet also observed that Misty appeared calm initially, which was attributed to the effects of cannabis inhalation. However, these effects had worn off by the next day, revealing the full extent of her suffering. Misty’s condition had deteriorated significantly, and she was in such severe pain that the veterinarian concluded the humane course of action was to euthanize her.

It was revealed during court proceedings that Sinnitt had not taken Misty to a vet for over eight months, despite her mobility issues. Instead, he chose to ignore her needs, possibly influenced by his involvement in illegal cannabis activities. Sinnitt and his partner admitted that Misty had not been walked or left the house during this period, further highlighting neglect. The court was informed that Sinnitt was eligible for treatment at the PDSA and lived merely 200 yards from a veterinary clinic, yet he failed to seek help for his dog.

Prosecutor Stewart Haywood described the police raid and subsequent findings, emphasizing the severity of Misty’s suffering. He explained that the presence of cannabis likely masked her pain initially, delaying recognition of her condition. The veterinarian’s assessment confirmed that Misty endured prolonged and significant suffering over several months, ultimately leading to her death. The court heard that Sinnitt had failed to appear at his initial court hearing but later surrendered himself and attended for sentencing.

During the trial, Sinnitt’s defense argued that he did not intend to be cruel and that his failure to seek veterinary care was not deliberate. His lawyer pointed out that Sinnitt had not been prosecuted for any cannabis recovered from his home and questioned the relevance of the cannabis inhalation in relation to Misty’s suffering. The defense also stated that Sinnitt was deeply ashamed and upset, as the dog was initially bought to help with his mental health issues.

In sentencing, Sinnitt received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was banned from keeping animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in November 2024. The case also involved Sinnitt’s partner, who failed to attend court and against whom a warrant for arrest remains outstanding. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty, especially in cases involving prolonged suffering and preventable pain.