SHIVAUN BEST FROM LIMAVADY SENTENCED FOR STARVING SPRINGER SPANIEL TO DEATH

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Limavady, Shivaun Dorothea Best, also known by her alias Shivaun Turner, was convicted in 2014 for the heinous act of neglecting and starving a springer spaniel to death. Best, born on August 17, 1979, and residing at Greystone Park in Limavady with the postcode BT49 0EG, became the focus of a serious animal cruelty investigation that uncovered appalling conditions and deliberate neglect.

The case was initiated when an animal welfare officer was dispatched to Best’s property in December 2012 following a complaint from a concerned member of the public. The complainant reported that a dog had been left outside in the cold, without access to food or water, raising immediate concerns about the animal’s welfare. Upon arrival, the officer discovered a dead springer spaniel confined within a kennel located at the rear of the property. The scene was distressing, with the officer noting that a blue bin had been tipped over, its contents scattered across the yard, and the kennel itself was cluttered with bottles and pieces of cardboard.

The deceased dog was found with its spine and ribs visibly protruding through its skin, a clear sign of severe malnutrition. A post-mortem examination was conducted, revealing that the animal had succumbed to starvation. The investigation uncovered that the dog had been dead for more than five days at the time of discovery. The dog's weight was recorded at a mere 6 kilograms, a stark contrast to the healthy weight range of 20 to 25 kilograms for a dog of its breed and size.

Further evidence presented in court included the discovery of aluminium foil inside the dog’s stomach, indicating that the animal had been scavenging the contents of the blue bin in an attempt to find sustenance. During the proceedings, Best claimed that the dog belonged to her daughter and insisted that she bore no responsibility for its welfare. However, the court found her claims unconvincing given the evidence of neglect and suffering.

District Judge Liam McNally described the case as ‘absolutely appalling’ after viewing graphic images of the deceased animal. He remarked that it was evident the dog had been starved to death and accused Best of being fully aware of the suffering inflicted upon the animal. The judge stated, “You must have been aware of the suffering that dog was undergoing.”

In sentencing, Judge McNally noted that if Best had pleaded not guilty, he would have considered sending her to prison for two months. He emphasized the severity of the case, describing it as one of the worst he had encountered. To prevent any future cruelty, the judge imposed a ban on Best from keeping or being responsible for any animals for a period of ten years, which was set to expire in April 2024.

The final sentence included a four-month imprisonment term, suspended for three years, alongside the ten-year ban on animal ownership. This case has served as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglecting vulnerable creatures in the Limavady area.