Lancashire couple banned from keeping animals after cruel treatment of elderly dog
Suspended sentence given for putting terrier in canal, leading to her death
A couple from Lancashire has been banned from owning animals for ten years after throwing their elderly dog, Maddie, into the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, where she ultimately died.
Terrence Boyd and Sadie Boyd, from Brierfield, were sentenced to an eight-week suspended custody term, following their guilty plea to two Animal Welfare Act offences.
The incident, witnessed by a member of the public, occurred on 27th August 2025 when the family dog was enclosed in a bin liner and thrown into the canal.
Emergency services, alerted to the distressing scene, rescued Maddie, a terrier type dog, from the water, but she could not survive beyond her stay at the veterinary practice.
The RSPCA prosecution revealed that Maddie was severely malnourished and hypothermic upon examination, suffering from untreated dental disease and multiple puncture wounds.
The Boyd's property was found to be unhygienic, with evidence of malnourished kittens and a neglected corn snake, further leading to their disqualification from animal ownership.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Kelly Nix credited the swift actions of the public, emergency services, and local partners for their roles in attempting to rescue Maddie, despite the heartbreaking outcome.
Inspector Nix reiterated the importance of holding those accountable for egregious acts against animals.
The surviving animals from the Boyd's property were taken into the care of the RSPCA, with efforts underway to find them new homes.
The court required both Terrence and Sadie Boyd to partake in rehabilitation activities and pay a victim surcharge, highlighting the legal consequences associated with improper animal care.