Cambridge woman disqualified from keeping animals for life after puppy starved to death
Davina Carla Wallace, 29, from Woodhurst - was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her puppy, which was found dead from starvation
Last updated 16th Sep 2024
A woman from Cambridge has been banned from keeping animals for life after her puppy was found dead from starvation.
Davina Carla Wallace, aged 29, from St Ives Road, Woodhurst, in Huntingdon, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on 3 September. She was sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to her puppy, Ruby, after failing to provide adequate nutrition. Wallace had previously pleaded guilty to the offence under the Animal Welfare Act.
Wallace was sentenced to an 18-month community order, including 20 rehabilitation activity days, and fined ÂŁ120. She was also ordered to pay a ÂŁ114 victim surcharge. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping animals for life, with no option to appeal for three years.
The RSPCA became aware of concerns regarding Ruby’s welfare and attempted to visit Wallace’s home. On 19 November, Wallace responded to an RSPCA calling card left at her address and informed an officer that her dog was unwell, she was unable to cope, and she wished to sign the dog over.
In a witness statement, RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jack Curran recalled, “In my conversation with her, she stated she had not yet checked on the puppy but that it was very unwell. She checked on the dog while I was on the phone and said it was not moving. She then stated she didn’t know if the dog was still alive. I asked if she could get the dog to a vet, and she said she couldn’t.”
Upon arriving at the property, ARO Curran discovered Ruby deceased in a crate. His statement described the scene: “The dog was in a crate in the lounge/kitchen area of the caravan. There was no food or water in the crate. The blanket inside was very dirty, and there was a large build-up of faeces in and around the crate. The puppy was severely emaciated, with visible ribs, spine, and hip bones, and had discharge around its eyes.”
Wallace informed Curran that the puppy was called Ruby but was unsure of its age or breed, claiming a friend had given her the dog four weeks earlier.
Ruby’s body was taken to a vet for examination, where it was determined she had died within 24 hours of being found. RSPCA Inspector Dean Astilberry led the subsequent investigation.
The post-mortem examination revealed the puppy was estimated to be between three and four months old and was severely emaciated. A vet involved in the case stated, “The post-mortem examination showed severe emaciation consistent with starvation, and the presence of mild pneumonia and enteritis that may have contributed to the emaciation.”
The court heard that Wallace had been experiencing mental health difficulties and was receiving support from a social worker. In mitigation, it was stated that she had not been taking her medication at the time and was not looking after herself or her dog, but she has since resumed her medication and is receiving additional support in sheltered accommodation.