WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Terrence and Sadie Boyd were caught on CCTV carrying their elderly dog Maddie in a bin bag before throwing her into a Lancashire canal – the couple pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences and the dog was later put to sleep
A couple who were filmed on CCTV carrying a bin bag containing their elderly dog before hurling her into a canal have escaped prison after pleading guilty to multiple animal welfare charges.
Terrence Boyd and his wife Sadie Boyd were recorded on camera strolling along Walter Street, Brierfield, carrying a black bag at approximately 9.05am on August 27 last year.
Additional footage revealed the duo making their way towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal before returning moments later – after Maddie, an aged terrier-type dog, had been abandoned in the water inside the bag.
The shocking incident only emerged after a dog walker witnessed the couple hurl the bag into the canal and initially thought it contained clothing.
However, when the bag started to move and Maddie’s head emerged, a member of the public dashed into the water in a frantic bid to rescue her.
Emergency services were summoned and Maddie was retrieved from the canal by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being rushed for immediate veterinary care by police.
The dog was microchipped to Sadie Boyd’s address and the pair were detained at their residence later that day.
They were also discovered to have seven kittens and a corn snake at the premises, with police seizing the animals due to welfare concerns.
While Maddie survived, her health declined at a veterinary practice in the following days and she was tragically euthanised to prevent further suffering, reports Lancs Live.
At Burnley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (June 24), Terrence Boyd, 34, and Sadie Boyd, 32, both of Walter Street, Brierfield, were each handed eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
They were also prohibited from keeping animals for 10 years after admitting to two charges under the Animal Welfare Act concerning Maddie, the kittens and the snake.
Magistrates heard the property was filthy with enormous heaps of pet excrement visible upstairs and mice scurrying about the kitchen.
In her written statement to the court, the veterinarian who cared for Maddie stated: “On clinical examination, Maddie was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C (91.8°F). She was severely malnourished, with significant muscle atrophy.”
The vet explained that Maddie also suffered from severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck.
Tragically, her condition failed to improve despite treatment, and by August 29 she seemed to be genuinely struggling to walk and beginning to exhibit more unusual neurological symptoms.
The court heard that the veterinarians caring for her made the heartbreaking decision to euthanise her to prevent further suffering. All seven kittens taken from the property were undernourished and some were soaked in urine.
Four of them were hypothermic upon arrival and required warming up. The tiniest female, weighing just 735 grams (26oz), was lying motionless and on the verge of having a seizure and was euthanised by the vet on welfare grounds.
During his RSPCA interview, Terrence Boyd stated he had largely no comment to offer and suggested there could be “hundreds of people” wandering about wearing dark clothing and sporting beards in similar attire.
Sadie Boyd similarly declined to comment and refuted being present at the canal that morning or possessing the kittens.
Both defendants were instructed to undertake 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days and pay a victim surcharge of £154 each. They will be unable to seek termination of their disqualification order for five years.
Following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Nix commented: “What happened to Maddie was horrifying and this incident was understandably the cause of great distress to people who were at the scene, the emergency services and the wider local community.
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came together and showed nothing but kindness towards Maddie. This includes members of the public who intervened, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance at the scene, Lancashire Police for ensuring Maddie and other animals received urgent veterinary treatment, and businesses and residents who provided the RSPCA with invaluable CCTV footage.
“It was heartbreaking that Maddie’s condition deteriorated and she ultimately could not be saved. I hope people will take some small comfort in the fact that those responsible for this shocking incident were able to be held to account for their actions and will not be able to keep animals for the foreseeable future.”
A corn snake, found cold and living in an enclosure without heating or appropriate lighting at the couple’s property, was handed over to an exotic specialist. The RSPCA rehomed the surviving kittens.
Other pets belonging to Terrence and Sadie Boyd, including adult cats not involved in any of the offences, were also taken into the charity’s care for rehoming.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.