A dog, once left for dead and described as the “worst pet case in 15 years,” has made a remarkable transformation, going from a skeletal, suffering animal to a happy, healthy companion. This incredible turnaround followed the conviction of her former owners for extreme animal cruelty.
Kerry Patterson and Reece Milburn, a couple from Blyth, Northumberland, were found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to their dog, Tiggy.
They had claimed to have found the three-year-old dog abandoned, but investigators quickly determined that she had been starved and mistreated under their care. When animal welfare officers arrived at their home, they were shocked by Tiggy’s condition.
She was emaciated, her ribs visible through her skin, and she was nearly furless. The dog also suffered from severe dehydration, rashes, and a dust mite infestation, and was so weak she could barely stand.
The heartbreaking images of Tiggy, found just before Christmas 2019, triggered a public outcry. Northumberland County Council launched an investigation, and numerous tips led them back to Patterson and Milburn.
The couple admitted in court to inflicting unnecessary suffering on Tiggy and failing to properly care for their other dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Enzo, who also suffered from skin disease and mites.
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The court sentenced Patterson and Milburn to 12 weeks in prison and banned them from owning animals for life. They were also ordered to pay victim fees.
A council spokesperson described the case as “one of the most appalling and high-profile examples of animal cruelty the county has ever seen.” They emphasized the dedication of the animal welfare team in pursuing justice for Tiggy and other abused animals.
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Thankfully, Tiggy’s story has a happy ending. Thanks to the dedicated care of the Berwick Animal Rescue Centre, she has made a full recovery.
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Now living in a loving new home, she is described as “an image of health and happiness,” enjoying life with her new dog friends and even a new name. Enzo, the couple’s other dog, is still awaiting a permanent home in a
