SUSAN BOOBYER'S BRIDGWATER DOGS ABUSED IN CRUELTY CASE

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Susan Helen Boobyer, born on December 1, 1970, and residing on Bower Avenue in Bridgwater, has been found guilty of multiple offences related to the mistreatment of her dogs. The investigation revealed that Boobyer kept five dogs confined in cages within her property, providing them with inadequate food, water, and bedding, which led to severe suffering and health issues for the animals.

Boobyer, who was known locally as a backyard breeder, admitted to three separate animal welfare violations concerning her dogs named Rex, Suzie, Foxy, Bella, and Annie. The case came to light after intervention by RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who had repeatedly warned Boobyer to seek veterinary care for her animals. Despite these warnings, it was only after Inspector Daniel persuaded her to allow the dogs to be taken to a veterinarian that any action was taken.

On May 5, 2022, Inspector Daniel managed to convince Boobyer to surrender two of her dogs, Rex and Suzie, to veterinary professionals. Upon arrival at the clinic, Rex was observed to be extremely dehydrated and underweight, with his ribs and bones clearly visible through his skin. The dog was so desperate for water that he jumped into the sink, pressing his nose to the tap and drinking eagerly, followed by three more bowls of water. Suzie, the mother of puppies Annie and Bella, also drank a bowl of water quickly and ate food offered to her. The veterinarian’s examination confirmed that both dogs were suffering from malnutrition and dental disease.

Further veterinary assessments revealed that Rex and Suzie were in a dire state, with their bones protruding and signs of flea allergic dermatitis evident on Suzie’s discolored fur. The condition of the dogs indicated prolonged neglect. The police seized Rex and Suzie, and Boobyer was issued a welfare advice notice, emphasizing the need for her to provide her remaining dogs with proper bedding and constant access to fresh water.

Despite these warnings, a follow-up visit on May 13, 2022, uncovered further neglect. Inspector Daniel found an adult dog named Foxy and two puppies, approximately ten weeks old, confined in a space with multiple piles of feces on the floor. Neither bedding nor water was available for these animals. Boobyer admitted that the dogs had not been taken to a vet but refused to allow the inspector to do so. As a result, police were called, and Foxy along with the puppies were seized. Veterinary examinations revealed that Foxy suffered from significant dental disease, while Bella and Annie were underweight and had healing ulcers on their paw pads, likely caused by exposure to urine, feces, or unsuitable bedding. The puppies were diagnosed with anemia, attributed to parasitic infections.

All five dogs have since been placed in the care of the RSPCA, and arrangements are underway for their rehoming. The case highlights the severity of animal cruelty and neglect, with Boobyer facing legal consequences for her actions.

In sentencing, Boobyer received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to pay costs amounting to £600 and a victim surcharge of £156. Additionally, she has been banned from keeping any animals for a period of 15 years, reflecting the seriousness of her offences and the need to protect vulnerable animals from future harm.