REBECCA ANDERSON FROM CHATHAM CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG MAJOR

Rebecca Anderson, born in 2003 and residing on Kings Road in Chatham, was found guilty in 2025 of severe animal cruelty that resulted in the prolonged suffering and eventual death of her dog, Major.

Major, a dog suffering from a malignant bone tumor, was left untreated by Anderson, who failed to seek veterinary assistance despite clear signs of distress. Over a period of at least four weeks, Major endured significant pain, difficulty breathing, and trouble eating, all of which could have been alleviated with proper medical care.

Concerns about Major’s welfare prompted the RSPCA to visit Anderson’s property in March and April of 2024. However, efforts to contact her were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to messages left by investigators. The situation worsened when a witness discovered a deceased dog at her residence, which was described as resembling 'a bag of bones.'

Subsequent post-mortem examinations confirmed that Major had succumbed to complications related to his untreated tumor. Veterinary experts who examined the dog described his condition as extremely poor, noting that he weighed approximately half of what is typical for his breed. The diagnosis revealed terminal bone cancer, specifically osteosarcoma, which is a highly aggressive form of cancer affecting bones. Experts emphasized that Major’s condition was visibly severe and that any reasonable observer would recognize the need for urgent veterinary intervention.

Veterinary professionals stated that Major should have been provided with palliative care, including anti-inflammatory medications and opioid painkillers, to ease his suffering. The failure to seek such treatment resulted in unnecessary pain and distress for the dog.

Inspector Kirsten Ormerod commented on the case, saying, “Following the post-mortem, the pathologist said that due to a lack of veterinary treatment, the bone tumour in Major’s chest led to him experiencing unnecessary suffering for a period of at least four weeks before he died. They concluded that if Major had been taken to a vet and diagnosed properly, there would have been the option to humanely euthanise him or to initiate palliative treatment to alleviate his pain.”

As a consequence of her actions, Rebecca Anderson was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended, and she faces an unspecified ban on keeping animals in the future. The case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglecting animal welfare.