RICHARD CURTIS AND CLAIRE FRADGLEY FROM DENTON BURN SENTENCED FOR STARVING BOA CONSTRICTOR TO DEATH IN NEWCASTLE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Richard Curtis and Claire Fradgley, both residents of Loweswater Road in Denton Burn, Newcastle upon Tyne, have been found guilty of causing the death of their pet boa constrictor through neglect and starvation. The incident came to light after an RSPCA inspector discovered the lifeless snake in a cold, poorly maintained tank at the couple’s rented home.

According to the post-mortem examination conducted by veterinary experts, starvation was identified as the sole cause of death for the snake. The findings confirmed that the reptile had suffered immensely due to the neglect of its owners. RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws publicly stated, “Curtis and Fradgley admitted that they knew the snake was thin, but they didn’t do anything about it. This snake suffered and died as a result.”

Initially, both Curtis and Fradgley denied any wrongdoing, despite evidence suggesting that the snake had been suffering for more than two months during the previous winter. The couple’s denial persisted until just before their scheduled trial at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, when they both entered guilty pleas to four charges. These charges included causing unnecessary suffering to the animal and failing to ensure the snake’s proper welfare.

Their neglect was uncovered when their former landlord, who owns a property on Newburn Road in Newcastle, found the snake in their old residence. An RSPCA officer was called to investigate and discovered that the snake was kept in a vivarium that lacked basic heating equipment, such as a heat lamp, which is essential for the health and well-being of reptiles.

As a result of their actions, magistrates have imposed strict penalties on the couple. Both Curtis and Fradgley, who are parents to three boys, have been banned from keeping reptiles for life. Curtis was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £865, while Fradgley received fines and costs amounting to £700. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of animal cruelty cases and the importance of responsible pet ownership in the Newcastle area.