SARA AND RICHARD LOCHE FROM GRIMSBY SENTENCED FOR STARVING QUEENIE THE DOG TO DEATH IN EMACIATED CONDITION
| Red Rose Database
Grimsby Animal Abuser
Sara Louise Loche, born on August 6, 1978, and her husband Richard Loche, born on December 11, 1969, both residents of Eleanor Street in Grimsby, faced severe legal consequences after their neglect led to the tragic death of their German Shepherd cross, Queenie. The heartbreaking case drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities and the local community alike.
Queenie, a tan and black female cross-breed, was found in a critically emaciated state that shocked even seasoned animal inspectors. She weighed a mere 7.5 kilograms, which is approximately half of her healthy weight, indicating extreme malnutrition and neglect. The distressing discovery was made when staff at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital on Nelson Street in Grimsby raised the alarm after bringing Queenie in in a collapsed condition. The severity of her condition was such that she was immediately put to sleep to alleviate her suffering.
Inspector Stuart Wainwright of the RSPCA was called to investigate the case. He described Queenie as being in the worst condition he had ever encountered in his career. The dog was in a coma-like state upon arrival at the hospital, and her physical condition was dire. The veterinarian at the Blue Cross, Susan Knox, provided a detailed account of Queenie’s condition, noting that her ribs, shoulder bones, spine, and hip bones were prominently visible. The muscles had wasted away, and there was a severe loss of fat around her vital organs. Her heart rate was alarmingly slow, and she was unable to stand, clearly indicating that her nutritional needs had been grossly neglected.
During subsequent interviews, both Sara and Richard Loche claimed to have been feeding Queenie two or three meals daily. However, their explanations did not align with the physical evidence of extreme starvation. The veterinarian confirmed that there was no underlying illness causing her condition; her suffering was solely due to neglect. With the owners’ consent, Queenie was euthanized to end her pain and suffering.
Following the tragic incident, Humberside Police officers attended the scene, and the RSPCA launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Queenie’s suffering. Inspector Wainwright later described her condition as “the worst I have ever seen in a living dog,” emphasizing the severity of her neglect. The case resulted in legal proceedings against the Loche couple.
In court, Sara Loche was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, a ban from keeping any animals for the rest of her life, and a prohibition on owning pets. Richard Loche received a 12-month community order and was also subjected to a 10-year ban on keeping all pets. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals.
Queenie, a tan and black female cross-breed, was found in a critically emaciated state that shocked even seasoned animal inspectors. She weighed a mere 7.5 kilograms, which is approximately half of her healthy weight, indicating extreme malnutrition and neglect. The distressing discovery was made when staff at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital on Nelson Street in Grimsby raised the alarm after bringing Queenie in in a collapsed condition. The severity of her condition was such that she was immediately put to sleep to alleviate her suffering.
Inspector Stuart Wainwright of the RSPCA was called to investigate the case. He described Queenie as being in the worst condition he had ever encountered in his career. The dog was in a coma-like state upon arrival at the hospital, and her physical condition was dire. The veterinarian at the Blue Cross, Susan Knox, provided a detailed account of Queenie’s condition, noting that her ribs, shoulder bones, spine, and hip bones were prominently visible. The muscles had wasted away, and there was a severe loss of fat around her vital organs. Her heart rate was alarmingly slow, and she was unable to stand, clearly indicating that her nutritional needs had been grossly neglected.
During subsequent interviews, both Sara and Richard Loche claimed to have been feeding Queenie two or three meals daily. However, their explanations did not align with the physical evidence of extreme starvation. The veterinarian confirmed that there was no underlying illness causing her condition; her suffering was solely due to neglect. With the owners’ consent, Queenie was euthanized to end her pain and suffering.
Following the tragic incident, Humberside Police officers attended the scene, and the RSPCA launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Queenie’s suffering. Inspector Wainwright later described her condition as “the worst I have ever seen in a living dog,” emphasizing the severity of her neglect. The case resulted in legal proceedings against the Loche couple.
In court, Sara Loche was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, a ban from keeping any animals for the rest of her life, and a prohibition on owning pets. Richard Loche received a 12-month community order and was also subjected to a 10-year ban on keeping all pets. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the devastating consequences of neglect and cruelty towards animals.