SHANON DAVIDSON'S HORRIFIC CRUELTY IN SOUTH SHIELDS: DOG LEFT TO STARVE AND DIE IN CAGE

In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of South Shields, Shanon Davidson, born on 13 November 1999 and residing at Hatfield Square, NE33 2RD, was found guilty of heinous animal cruelty involving a young dog. The incident, which took place in her home, involved the tragic neglect and subsequent death of a bloodhound/foxhound crossbreed named Milo.

RSPCA investigators, responding to neighbors' complaints about a foul smell and a fly infestation emanating from Davidson’s residence, conducted a thorough inspection. Their efforts revealed the horrifying remains of Milo, which were riddled with maggots, indicating a prolonged period of neglect. The dog’s body was discovered inside a cage, with no food or water available, and the condition of the remains suggested that Milo had been left to die a slow and agonizing death.

Further investigation uncovered that Davidson had traveled to Reading for a job opportunity while Milo was already dead in his cage. The authorities confirmed that the dog was only about one year old, essentially a puppy, and entirely dependent on her for basic needs such as nourishment, hydration, and veterinary care. Despite this, she failed in her duty to care for Milo properly.

During the court proceedings at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Zoe Passfield described Milo’s death as “truly appalling” and expressed her outrage at the circumstances. She stated, “I accept that at the time of these offenses you were struggling with your mental health and felt helpless and that the harm you caused Milo was not intentional or callous. However, he was a 12-month-old dog, essentially a puppy, and was completely dependent on you for food, water and veterinary care. You have not met these requirements.”

Judge Passfield also condemned Davidson’s actions after Milo’s death, highlighting that she had walked away and left the deceased dog in the cage until neighbors intervened and called the RSPCA. She described this behavior as “truly horrific” and noted the lasting impact it had on the experienced officers who discovered Milo’s remains.

Prosecutor Alex Bousfield explained that during a visit in March 2022, RSPCA staff had asked Davidson to surrender Milo to their care, but she refused. At that time, Milo was found to be in good health, but confined indoors in a cage with no access to food or water. Bousfield emphasized that the discovery of the dead dog, with maggots present, indicated a neglect that spanned several weeks. He pointed out that flies typically lay maggots after about six weeks, contradicting Davidson’s claim that Milo had died three weeks earlier. Evidence suggested that she had left Milo unattended while she went on leisure or other trips, and that food might have been placed in the cage after the dog had already died.

Davidson pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and neglecting her duty to ensure Milo’s welfare. Her defense attorney, Tim Gregory, argued that Davidson did not intentionally cause Milo’s suffering and was going through her own personal crisis at the time. Gregory stated, “I don’t think this is a case that can be said to be groundless. It was a relatively short time. She was supposed to give up the dog in March, but she thought she could handle it.”

In sentencing, Davidson received a 14-month jail sentence, which was suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to complete 25 days of rehabilitation, pay court costs amounting to £1,080, and was banned from owning any animals for a period of 15 years. The case has left a lasting impression on the community and highlights the importance of animal welfare and responsibility.