Samantha Vaughan from Bishopstoke Sentenced for Animal Cruelty in Eastleigh

 |  Red Rose Database

Bishopstoke Animal Abuser
Samantha Vaughan, also known as Samantha King, born on May 16, 1984, and residing at 33 Sedgwick Road in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh, has been convicted of severe animal neglect. The court proceedings revealed that Vaughan had starved her pet, a pocket bully dog named Blue, to the point where the animal lost half of its body weight and was unable to stand or even raise its paw.

According to testimonies presented during the trial, Vaughan’s dog had been unwell for a significant period, with its health deteriorating markedly over time. When Vaughan finally decided to take Blue to a veterinarian, the vet was unable to get the dog to stand or even lift its paw, indicating the extent of the neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animal.

Prosecutor Sarah Wheadon from the RSPCA emphasized that Vaughan’s prolonged neglect had caused Blue considerable pain and suffering. The court heard that Vaughan, who previously worked as a care worker, had failed in her duty to care for her pet properly. She lives with her husband, Carl Vaughan, and their adult daughters.

Vaughan pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a charge that underscores the seriousness of her actions. The court also noted that Vaughan had been involved in backyard breeding activities, attempting to sell puppies via Facebook, which further raised concerns about her treatment of animals.

During sentencing, Deputy District Judge Andrew Teate addressed Vaughan directly, stating, “If she can’t care for an animal, then how could she care for an individual? The dog is your dog. It is your responsibility. If you weren’t in a position to care for the dog, you shouldn’t have had it and should have handed it over to the RSPCA.”

The court acknowledged that Vaughan was experiencing difficulties with her physical and mental health at the time, along with financial struggles, which may have contributed to her neglectful behavior.

Fortunately, Blue has made a full recovery under the care of the RSPCA.

As part of her sentence, Vaughan received a 12-month community order with 15 days of rehabilitation activities, a fine of £120, and a surcharge of £114. Additionally, she is banned from owning dogs for five years, with the ban set to expire in July 2029. The case was reported by the Daily Echo.
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