A North Yorkshire woman has been banned indefinitely from keeping animals after her eight-month-old puppy, Joey, was found dead in a squalid crate outside her home. The court heard that Joey, a Chihuahua/Shih Tzu cross, suffered “severe and prolonged” starvation, causing her death.
Dazie Howe, 25, of Goldsborough, near Harrogate, received an 18-month community order, including 25 days of rehabilitation activity, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. She pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Tragic Discovery
RSPCA Inspector Rowena Proctor discovered Joey’s emaciated body on February 18, 2024, after receiving reports of a deceased dog. The puppy was found in a crate covered with a Christmas blanket, surrounded by faeces and urine in Howe’s garden.
Inspector Proctor described the scene as “extremely unpleasant,” noting the overpowering smell and Joey’s visible skeletal frame. A scan of the dog’s microchip confirmed Joey’s identity and Howe as her owner.
Howe initially denied ownership of the dog, claiming Joey had been euthanized by a vet or had died of a seizure. However, evidence contradicted these claims.
Post-Mortem Findings
A post-mortem examination revealed Joey’s death was caused by prolonged starvation. Her stomach was empty, and her intestines contained minimal digesta, contradicting Howe’s claims of feeding her the morning she died. A veterinary expert confirmed Joey’s suffering lasted at least a month, characterized by hunger pains, abdominal cramps, and eventual organ failure.
“This case reflects the heartbreaking neglect that Joey endured, which was entirely preventable,” the vet said.
Changing Stories
Throughout the investigation, Howe provided inconsistent accounts. Initially claiming Joey’s death was unrelated to her, she later said the dog had a seizure. Photographs from the breeder showed Joey as a healthy, lively puppy with a shiny coat before her decline.
Court Sentencing and Reaction
At York Magistrates’ Court, Howe was disqualified from keeping animals indefinitely, with a minimum period of 10 years before she can appeal the ban. The magistrates emphasized the severity of Joey’s suffering and Howe’s negligence.
Inspector Proctor described the case as “extremely upsetting,” stating: “Joey was a tiny dog who required very little care to thrive. Instead, she was locked away and denied even the most basic necessities.”
