Cruel pet owner avoids jail after leaving her pets to die of starvation

Kimberley Black's property in Newcastle contained the remains of three dogs, one cat and one snake which were discovered by police during a visit.

The animals were already dead when inspectors visited apart from one cat which was still alive but was suffering from malnutrition and a flee infection, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

The RSPCA launched an investigation and Black, 42, told officers that she took ownership of one of the dogs from a late relative and the cats from her daughter.

Mr Recorder Toby Hedworth told her: "Whatever the problems, this sort of behaviour is horrible."

Mr Hedworth added: "You have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to six offences of animal cruelty committed during a two-month period at the end of 2023 when you caused suffering to two cats, three dogs and one corn snake, all of which save for one cat sadly died.

"I have carefully listened to the extremely distressing account of what the RSPCA found when they first went to your former home which you had by then had moved out of."

Recorder Hedworth sentenced Black, of Eastgarth, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, to 16 months in prison suspended for one year. She pleaded guilty to six offences of the animal cruelty act.

Prosecutor Kate Barnes told the court: "On the 12th of December 2023 police were called to Eastgarth in Newbiggin Hall at the request of Newcastle Council.

"They had concerns of the occupant of the address due to a report of thousands of flies at the property.

"When police went there they looked in the window of the property and saw a cat described as being in obvious distress.

"Therefore, entry was forced into the property.

"Inside was a smell of decaying flesh and although no human remains (were found), multiple animal corpses were discovered."

Ms Barnes said two Bull Terrier type dogs were dead alongside an older Shi Tzu-type breed.

There was also the deceased cat and corn snake. Ms Barnes said the remains were described by officers as being "mummified."

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The surviving cat was found with blood on its face but after successful veterinary treatment it has since been rehomed.

The court heard Black had moved out of the property at the time when the animals were found. Black was also banned from keeping animals for ten years and was ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days.

Fiona Lamb, defending, said the sentence could be suspended. The court also heard Black had experienced troubles with drugs.

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