Home / Crime and Justice / Couple Jailed for Dumping Dog in Canal
Couple Jailed for Dumping Dog in Canal
30 Jun
Summary
- Couple tossed elderly dog, Maddie, into canal in a bin bag.
- Maddie, the dog, had to be euthanized due to deteriorated condition.
- Couple banned from keeping animals for 10 years.
Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, have been banned from keeping animals for a decade after being convicted of animal cruelty. The couple were seen on CCTV on August 27 of last year, carrying a bin bag containing their elderly terrier-type dog, Maddie, towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Brierfield, Lancashire.
Witnesses reported seeing the couple throw the bag containing Maddie into the canal. A dog walker attempted to save Maddie when her head emerged from the water. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service later recovered the dog, who was taken for urgent veterinary care.
Maddie, found hypothermic and severely malnourished, ultimately succumbed to her deteriorating condition and was euthanized on August 29. The couple's home was found to be unsanitary, with evidence of widespread pet faeces and mice.
Seven kittens and a corn snake were also removed from the property. The kittens were malnourished and hypothermic, with one requiring euthanasia. The couple pleaded guilty to animal welfare offenses and received an eight-week suspended sentence for 12 months.
They were ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and pay a victim surcharge. The RSPCA chief inspector commended the community's support for Maddie and expressed hope that the couple's accountability would bring some comfort.
