SUSAN EVANS FROM BOLDON COLLIERY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO GERMAN SHEPHERD SABRE IN TYNE AND WEAR

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the local community of Boldon Colliery, Susan Evans, born on 12 July 1972 and residing at Morris Crescent, was found guilty of neglecting her elderly German Shepherd, Sabre, leading to the dog’s tragic death. The incident unfolded when RSPCA inspectors discovered Sabre in a severely neglected state at Evans’ home in Tyne and Wear, prompting immediate action from veterinary professionals and animal welfare authorities.

Sabre was found to be in a dire condition, suffering from extreme emaciation, with his bones clearly visible through his fur, indicating a prolonged period of starvation and neglect. The dog was also suffering from osteoporosis, a painful condition that would have caused him significant discomfort, along with a bowel disorder that further compromised his health. The inspection revealed crusty, inflamed skin around his eyes, which was red and infected, and multiple patches of hairless, inflamed skin on his body and elbows. These symptoms pointed to a severe neglect that had gone unnoticed or unaddressed for some time.

Following the discovery, Sabre was rushed to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment. The vet’s assessment confirmed that the dog was ‘emaciated’ and suffering from multiple painful ailments. Due to his poor prognosis and the suffering he was enduring, the veterinarian made the difficult decision to euthanize Sabre, citing concerns for his quality of life.

During the court proceedings, Evans was visibly distressed, sobbing uncontrollably as she admitted to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Prosecutor Neil Taylor emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “It was immediately obvious Sabre was suffering.” He further criticized Evans’ failure to seek veterinary care, noting, “The defendant very simply, and you may think callously over a period of time, failed to take Sabre to a vet,” despite the fact that a veterinary surgery was only a ten-minute drive from her home.

In her defense, Geoffrey Michael Forrester argued that the RSPCA’s claims were “unfounded and inappropriate,” asserting that Evans was an animal lover who had fostered numerous animals over the years. He suggested that her failure to take Sabre to the vet was motivated by fear that the dog might be euthanized, claiming, “I’m afraid the reason she hadn’t taken the dog to the vets is she was afraid the vet may have to put the dog to sleep,” which he described as “anything but callous.”

Forrester also highlighted Evans’ mental health struggles, including anxiety, and argued that her current legal situation was a form of “terrific punishment.” He emphasized that her mental health issues contributed to her actions and that the proceedings had caused her significant distress, stating, “It is not her fault she is in the state she is in. No one would want to live the life the way she lives her life with the demons she’s got.”

Ultimately, the court sentenced Evans to an eight-week jail term, suspended for two years, and ordered her to pay £515 in costs and charges. Additionally, she was banned for life from owning or keeping animals, a measure intended to prevent any future neglect or cruelty. This case has sparked widespread concern among animal welfare advocates and residents of Boldon Colliery, highlighting the importance of vigilance and responsibility in caring for vulnerable animals.