Sylvia Woodward sentenced for dog neglect and starvation

SYLVIA WOODWARD SENTENCED FOR DOG NEGLECT AND STARVATION

Sylvia Woodward, a 70-year-old woman, was found guilty of neglecting two young German Shepherd dogs, Merlin and Sam.

She claimed that the dogs had disappeared and were later discovered by others in a severely malnourished state.

Woodward confessed to the RSPCA that Sam had died from starvation, and she had buried his body in her backyard at Victoria Bungalows in Burythorpe.

The court was informed that RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer James Dack visited her property on December 5 last year, following photographs that showed the dogs in poor condition within her garden.

The next day, Woodward responded by saying the dogs had gone missing a few months earlier and were returned to her by a member of the public.

She described the dogs as being in a poor state upon their return.

When the officer revisited, Woodward brought out Merlin, who was visibly emaciated, with a body condition score of about 1.5 out of 9, displaying no body fat and signs of prolonged neglect and malnutrition.

A veterinarian noted that Merlin was suffering from mistreatment, with ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones clearly visible, and he also had health concerns such as dehydration, possible rickets, and a heart murmur.

During her interview, Woodward admitted to the death of Sam from starvation and stated she had buried him in her garden.

At York Magistrates Court, she pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act violation, received a 12-week suspension of her prison sentence, and was prohibited from keeping animals indefinitely.

Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £154.

Merlin, after being rescued by the RSPCA, was eventually humanely put to sleep due to his worsening condition.