NICOLA POPPLETON FROM STOCKTON-ON-TEES CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO DOG WITH CIGARETTE BURNS IN HARTINGTON ROAD

Nicola Poppleton, a resident of Stockton-on-Tees, was found guilty in 2019 of severe neglect and cruelty towards her pet dog, a cross-breed terrier named Buster. The case drew significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the injuries inflicted upon the animal and the circumstances surrounding her neglect.

Poppleton, born on March 26, 1981, and residing at Bridge House on Bridge Road in Stockton-on-Tees, was reported to have been consuming large quantities of cider—up to eight liters daily—while her dog suffered from serious health issues. Buster was discovered with multiple injuries, including skin lesions that appeared to be cigarette burns, a severe ear infection, and a jaw muscle condition that severely limited his ability to open his mouth.

The discovery was made by an RSPCA inspector who found Buster in a flat located on Hartington Road, situated in the heart of Stockton. At the same time, Poppleton was observed outside the premises, engaged in a fight with a group of individuals, reportedly in a drunken state. The inspector attempted to speak with her at length but was unable to do so because Poppleton was involved in the altercation.

Eventually, after further interactions, Poppleton permitted the RSPCA to take custody of Buster. The dog was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for examination. Veterinarians estimated that Buster had been suffering for approximately three months, with injuries consistent with cigarette burns and other signs of prolonged neglect. The vet noted that Buster was unable to fully open his mouth, which hindered his ability to regulate his body temperature properly. Despite receiving treatment, including painkillers, Buster could only open his mouth about three centimeters.

In addition to the burns, Buster was diagnosed with an ear infection, and the injuries suggested deliberate harm, although it was not conclusively determined whether the cigarette burns were inflicted intentionally or accidentally. The court heard that Poppleton had accepted ownership of Buster and claimed she was unaware of his suffering. A probation report revealed that her alcohol consumption rendered her too intoxicated to notice her dog’s condition, despite her professed love for the animal.

During the court proceedings, Neil Douglas, representing Poppleton, acknowledged her inability to care for Buster at the time, attributing her neglect to her alcohol misuse. He described her as a woman of good character who had previously looked after her dog reasonably well for several years but had been overwhelmed by her drinking problem, which had severely impacted her capacity to care for herself and her pet.

In sentencing, Poppleton received a 12-month community order that included an alcohol rehabilitation requirement. She was also ordered to pay £480 in court costs and was banned from owning animals for five years, with the ban set to expire in September 2024. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of neglect compounded by substance abuse, and it served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership in Stockton-on-Tees.