MALTBY DOG KILLER STEPHEN NEW SENTENCED AFTER CRUELTY CASE IN ROTHERHAM

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Stephen New, a resident of Maltby, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to two beloved dogs, Bruno and Ruby, who tragically died after being left to starve in a crate. The incident came to light on July 14, 2020, when authorities responded to concerns about the welfare of animals at his residence located at 7 Seymour Road, Maltby, Rotherham S66 7PH.

Police officers, having been alerted by reports of flies at the windows, gained access to New’s home and discovered the lifeless bodies of the two boxers in a small, grimy kitchen. The dogs, aged 2 and 18 months respectively, were found curled up together inside a large training crate. The scene was heartbreaking: the dogs had been left to die in a state of neglect, with their bodies showing signs of decomposition and maggots present, indicating they had been dead for some time.

Veterinary experts examined the scene and confirmed that the dogs had suffered immensely before their deaths. They believed that New had been aware of their deteriorating condition, as they had become noticeably weaker and thinner, yet he failed to intervene or seek help. The vets estimated that the dogs had been left with minimal food and water for up to five days, with only a single bowl of food and water available, which was eventually licked clean. The environment was described as cluttered and unclean, with bags of dog food—some opened, some sealed—scattered around, along with dog toys and leads.

Inspector Vanessa Reid from the RSPCA recounted her findings, stating, “I arrived to find police officers had already been granted access by the owner to find the dead bodies of two boxers in a crate in the kitchen. When I entered the house, I could immediately smell a strong odour of rotting flesh. The house was quite dark, with all blinds closed, and had very little furniture inside.” She further described the scene, noting the presence of jars filled with dog treats, a large bowl of dog food, and a smaller bowl containing remnants of food and faeces. The central feature was the large training crate, which contained the remains of the two dogs, laid together and tucked beside an overturned bowl.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that New was mourning the death of his girlfriend at the time, although he was allegedly involved with a new partner when the dogs died. The court heard that New had struggled emotionally following his previous loss and, as a result, neglected the care of his dogs. Despite witnessing their decline, he did nothing to save them. The veterinary experts concluded that the dogs had been left to suffer for several days, with their suffering compounded by the lack of adequate food and water.

Due to the advanced decomposition, a post-mortem was not possible, but the vets confirmed that the cause of death was starvation and dehydration, and that the dogs endured significant pain and distress. Inspector Reid emphasized the cruelty of the case, stating, “These poor dogs were left to starve to death inside a cage—just metres away from jars full of dog treats and open bags of food.”

In sentencing, Stephen New received a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a fine of £400 to cover costs. Additionally, he was handed a lifetime ban on keeping animals, reflecting the severity of his actions and the importance of animal welfare laws in the UK.