A couple in Northumberland, England, has been sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to their Lurcher puppy, Tiggy. The case, described by an animal protection officer as the worst he’d seen in his career, sparked outrage and highlighted the importance of animal welfare.
Tiggy, once abandoned and called the worst case in 15 years, is now a beautiful dog
A grim discovery and public appeal
In December 2019, Kerry Patterson (35) and Reece Milburn (30) from Blyth claimed to have found a sickly three-year-old Tiggy abandoned on the roadside. They reported the dog to the local council, unaware of the tragic consequences their actions would set in motion.
An animal protection officer visited the couple’s home and found Tiggy in a deplorable state. The dog was emaciated, with almost no fur, protruding ribs, and severe dehydration. Plagued by rashes and a mite infestation, Tiggy was so weak she couldn’t even stand.
Days before Christmas, Northumberland County Council launched a public appeal to find Tiggy’s owners, hoping to get her the medical attention she desperately needed. The appeal, accompanied by heartbreaking photos of Tiggy’s condition, went viral and garnered widespread public concern.
A grim discovery and public appeal
Unmasking the culprits and bringing justice
The council received a flood of responses following the public appeal, with many pointing towards Patterson and Milburn as Tiggy’s true owners. Confronted with the evidence, the couple finally came clean.
In March 2021, after nearly two years of investigation, Patterson and Milburn appeared in court. They pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, Tiggy, and neglecting their other dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The court sentenced them to a 12-week prison term, a lifetime ban on owning animals, and a victim cost of £120 each.
“This was one of the most heinous and high-profile acts of animal cruelty our county has ever seen,” stated Philip Soderquest, a representative for the council. He commended the tireless efforts of the animal welfare team in investigating such cases and ensuring accountability.
Unmasking the culprits and bringing justice
A happy ending for Tiggy, hope for Enzo
Thankfully, Tiggy’s story has a happy ending. Thanks to the dedicated staff at the Berwick Animal Rescue Center, she recovered from her ordeal. She found a loving new home, canine companions, and even a new name. Today, she embodies the picture of health and happiness.
A happy ending for Tiggy, hope for Enzo
However, the story doesn’t end there. The couple’s other dog, Enzo, who was also neglected, remains in kennels and awaits a permanent, loving home.
