WHITEHAVEN PET OWNER SAMANTHA DEAN AND THOMAS EVANS SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN WHITEHAVEN

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Whitehaven, Samantha Dean and Thomas Evans, both residents of Ashness Close, Mirehouse, faced serious allegations regarding the welfare of their pet dog. The incident, which took place between January 14 and February 16, 2018, revealed a heartbreaking level of neglect that left the dog, later named Georgie, on the brink of death.

According to reports, the dog was found in an extremely emaciated state, with her bones clearly visible through her skin. Veterinarians who examined her described her condition as so dire that they considered euthanasia on welfare grounds. The dog was so weak that her body temperature was dangerously low, and she was unable to stand or move properly. She was subsequently hospitalized and placed on a drip for several days to stabilize her condition.

RSPCA inspector Martyn Fletcher provided a detailed account of the dog's suffering. He stated, “This poor dog was so poorly that vets considered putting her to sleep on welfare grounds. She was collapsed and her temperature was so low they couldn’t get a reading. She was extremely emaciated, with almost all the bones in her little body visible. She was in such a terrible state she needed to be hospitalised, where she was on a drip for several days.”

Further investigation revealed that Dean and Evans had initially contacted a veterinary clinic, claiming that they had found the dog wandering and that she was in a critical condition. However, they falsely stated that the dog was not theirs and that they had discovered her two days earlier, attempting to conceal their responsibility for her neglect.

Thanks to a public appeal for information, the RSPCA received numerous responses, including details linking Dean and Evans to the case. The authorities acted swiftly, and the dog, who was renamed Georgie during her recovery, was placed in foster care. After receiving extensive care and treatment, Georgie made a remarkable recovery and was eventually rehomed to a loving family.

Inspector Fletcher expressed his satisfaction with Georgie’s progress, saying, “She’s doing absolutely brilliantly. I saw her in the summer and she looked like a different dog. Her character is coming out even more now, and she’s become quite mischievous.”

During the court proceedings, both Dean and Evans pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to address the causes of the dog’s weight loss. The court sentenced them to a 20-week community order, which includes a curfew. They were also ordered to pay costs of £425 and a victim surcharge of £85 each. Additionally, they received a seven-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in September 2025.