NIKKI BIRD FROM HORFIELD BRISTOL SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO PUPPIES COCO AND RUBY

Nikki Chanel Bird, a resident of Filton Avenue in the Horfield area of Bristol, was found guilty of neglecting two puppies, leading to tragic consequences for one and serious injury to the other. Her failure to seek veterinary care for the animals resulted in the death of one puppy and severe suffering for the other, prompting a criminal prosecution by the RSPCA.

In January 2018, Bird initially brought Coco, one of the puppies, to a veterinary clinic. The injuries observed at that time were believed to have occurred weeks or even months earlier. Bird claimed that Coco had fallen through a gap in a staircase, which was used as her explanation for the injuries. However, the extent of Coco’s injuries was severe enough that, after assessment, veterinary professionals concluded that the damage was too extensive to treat effectively. As a result, Coco was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.

Two months following the incident with Coco, Bird returned to the same veterinary clinic with Ruby, a collie. Ruby also exhibited injuries that appeared to be historical, and Bird again provided the same explanation—that Ruby had fallen through a staircase gap. Fortunately, Ruby received appropriate medical treatment, and her condition improved sufficiently for her to be adopted into a new home. Despite her recovery, the case drew the attention of animal welfare authorities, leading the RSPCA to initiate legal proceedings against Bird.

Bird, a mother of two children—who have since been removed from her care—pleaded guilty to three charges related to her neglect of the puppies. The charges included failing to take adequate steps to prevent the animals from suffering traumatic injuries and not protecting them from pain. Specifically, she was accused of causing unnecessary suffering to Coco by neglecting to seek prompt veterinary treatment for her injuries, which ultimately led to her death.

In court, magistrates sentenced Bird to a 16-week custodial sentence for each of the three offences, with all sentences suspended for two years. Additionally, she was ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning she will serve only the longest period of imprisonment. Bird was also ordered to pay £450 in costs. Furthermore, she was disqualified from owning any animals, except for budgerigars and fish, for the rest of her life. This ban is non-appealable for ten years, ensuring she cannot legally keep animals during that period.

The case highlights the serious consequences of animal neglect and the importance of timely veterinary intervention to prevent suffering and death. The Bristol Post covered the story, emphasizing the need for responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of animal welfare laws in the Bristol area.