SUSAN AND DAVID MORRIS CONVICTED IN GRIMSBY FOR ANIMAL ABUSE CASE

Susan Morris, born around 1965, and her husband David Morris, born circa 1968, both residents of Southland Court, Grimsby DN37 9LL, were convicted in 2019 for neglecting their nine-year-old male Shih-Tzu named Fifi. The couple left Fifi to suffer from severe fleas, matted fur, and skin and eye issues. Despite denying three charges of causing unnecessary suffering, they were found guilty after a trial. The court heard that Fifi's matted coat likely prevented him from scratching properly, causing him significant pain. It was estimated that fleas had infested the dog for two years. The Morris couple admitted they could not afford veterinary treatment and consequently allowed Fifi to endure his suffering. The neglected pet was diagnosed with multiple ailments, including a severe flea infestation, infected skin, dry eye condition, and severely matted fur. Tragically, Fifi was later euthanized due to another health complication. Prosecutor Gordon Holt, representing the RSPCA, told magistrates that an inspector visited the Morris household on January 27, 2018, and examined Fifi. Holt stated, "There was clear evidence that there was suffering to this animal and it had been ongoing for some time." Fifi was subsequently taken to the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby, where a veterinarian shaved him entirely to remove the matted fur. The vet remarked, "I have never seen a flea infection that was so bad. Fleas were visible on every part of his body," and believed Fifi had endured unnecessary suffering. Six months later, Fifi was put down due to suspected nervous system issues. David Morris explained that he found Fifi as a stray on the street and had cared for him for about six or seven years, asserting, "I rescued him off the street. I feel we rescued Fifi from certain death that day." He admitted he was not cruel but possibly naïve, saying, "I am bereft if my dog has suffered." Susan Morris claimed she did not notice the severity of Fifi’s skin and eye problems, though she acknowledged bathing him for fleas sometimes. Defense barrister Hywel Davies argued there were no signs of discomfort or suffering, stating, "They were not to know. Nothing there warrants a trip to the vet." David Morris, who is a trained nurse, testified he found Fifi as a stray and hesitated to seek veterinary help because he feared the dog might be microchipped and taken back to a place he believed had treated the dog cruelly. He insisted he never saw signs of eye or skin problems and claimed, "I never noticed any problems. I didn’t think it was causing him any discomfort." Morris added, "We used every flea product available and the fleas seemed to reduce, and he didn’t seem bothered—he just seemed a happy little dog." He maintained there was no reason to believe Fifi was suffering at any point, stating, "If he had been suffering, we would have taken him to a vet immediately." Susan Morris also defended her care, saying, "He was just fine. I bathed him regularly and treated the fleas twice or thrice weekly, and he was just like a normal dog. He wasn’t suffering at all." In sentencing, David Morris received a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work, while Susan Morris was given an electronic curfew for 20 weeks. Both were ordered to pay £335 in costs and charges each. Additionally, they were banned indefinitely from keeping animals in the future.