SUZANNE AND MARK BUNYARD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN DOVER REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Suzanne Dorling Bunyard, born on February 23, 1971, and her husband Mark Bunyard, born on March 27, 1960, both residents of Boston Close in Dover, have been found guilty of severe cruelty towards their pet dogs. The couple’s neglectful actions spanned over several years, leading to the suffering and deterioration of their animals' health and well-being.

According to court reports, Suzanne and Mark Bunyard were convicted in 2013 of keeping a dog confined in a deplorable and filthy cage for more than five years, as well as allowing another dog to roam freely in their squalid residence. Their property, located in Dover, was described as dilapidated and unhygienic, reflecting the neglect that the animals endured.

The RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe, who investigated the case, expressed her outrage at the conditions in which the dogs were kept. She stated, “I am disgusted to think that Jasper, the dog in the cage, had led a life of misery for more than five years.” She further explained that there was no justification for such treatment, emphasizing that both dogs had received no veterinary care and had suffered significantly from neglect. The dog named Spike, an elderly Jack Russell, was found to be riddled with fleas and was allowed to wander freely in the filthy environment, while Jasper was confined in a cage that was so dirty and cramped that he was emaciated and covered in sores on his legs.

Jasper’s condition was so dire that he required extensive treatment and care to recover from his ordeal. Fortunately, after intervention, he has since begun to recover from the years of suffering inflicted upon him. The case highlighted the severity of the neglect and the importance of animal welfare laws.

During court proceedings, both Suzanne and Mark Bunyard pleaded guilty to charges of failing to meet the basic needs of their two Jack Russell terriers. The court sentenced them to a total of 21 weeks in jail, though this sentence was suspended for 12 months, meaning they would not serve time unless they committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, they were ordered to pay costs exceeding £1,071. As part of their punishment, both individuals were disqualified from keeping any animals for the rest of their lives, effectively banning them from owning or caring for pets in the future.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the ongoing need for vigilance against animal cruelty in communities like Dover.