VICTORIA RICHARDS OF REDCAR CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO RABBIT HUGO

Victoria Richards, a woman residing in Tunstall Gardens, Redcar, was found guilty of neglecting and starving her pet rabbit, Hugo, leading to the animal's death. The incident, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, occurred over a prolonged period, during which Richards failed to provide adequate food and water for her pet.

Richards, born around 1981 and a former Navy veteran, admitted to the court that she had neglected Hugo for an extended duration. She acknowledged that her failure to supply sufficient nourishment and hydration contributed directly to the rabbit's suffering and eventual death. The case was brought to light after the RSPCA intervened and discovered Hugo in a deplorable state.

Prosecutor John Ellwood described the scene upon the RSPCA's discovery: Hugo was found lying in a hutch filled with two inches of his own droppings, emaciated and clearly suffering. An empty water bottle was attached to the enclosure, indicating that the rabbit had been deprived of water for some time. Ellwood emphasized that the lack of water exacerbated Hugo's suffering, preventing him from even eating his bedding, which further underscored the severity of the neglect.

During the hearing, Richards' defense lawyer, Paul Watson, highlighted her mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression, and her prior service in the Navy, which she left due to stress. Watson argued that Richards was remorseful and did not intend to harm Hugo. He explained that the rabbit was purchased for her daughter, and Richards believed she was feeding and caring for it properly, unaware of its emaciated condition. Watson also noted that Richards had to research how to care for a rabbit, as her experience was primarily with cats and dogs, of which she owned two.

The magistrates, led by Chairman David Bennett, expressed strong disapproval of animal neglect, stating they viewed the case very seriously. Richards was warned that she was close to being taken into custody but was ultimately sentenced to a 12-month community order. This included a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement, 40 hours of unpaid work, and a financial penalty of £235 in costs. Additionally, she was banned from keeping rabbits for five years, a ban that expired in September 2022.

In the same proceedings, Geoffrey Boon, born in 1976 and residing on Coast Road, Marske, was also charged with similar offenses. Boon pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for trial on 18 October 2017, although the outcome of his case was not reported. The case underscores ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership in the Redcar area.