A woman tragically let down her dog, resulting in its death before she placed its body in her garden. Stacey Louise Ince-Stamp’s dog Dougie, a Weimaraner cross, was found deceased at her home in Wrexham. An RSPCA officer discovered the dog’s body wrapped in a blanket next to a shallow grave earlier this year. During a sentencing hearing at Wrexham Magistrates’ Court, it was revealed that Inspector Anthony Joynes found Dougie in a severely emaciated state with visible spine, ribs, and pelvic bones, lacking fat and muscle coverage.
Ince-Stamp suggested that the dog may have consumed rat poison, but a veterinary examination revealed Dougie had a body condition score of one out of nine and weighed 9.7 kilograms, categorising him as severely underweight and emaciated. Despite a post-mortem examination, the cause of death could not be definitively determined. The examination indicated generalised loss of muscular tissue and the presence of various foreign objects in the dog’s stomach, including dry dog kibble, potato wedges, pizza, and other human food leftovers.
The vet’s report highlighted that Dougie’s poor condition was likely due to an inappropriate diet causing hunger, weakness, and severe weight loss. Ince-Stamp, 29, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Welfare Act. She was fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48, and banned from keeping animals for three years. Inspector Joynes expressed sadness over the case, emphasising that Dougie’s suffering could have been prevented, and the dog was let down by his entrusted caregiver.
The judge remarked that the owner’s neglect led to the premature death of Dougie, whose agony remains unanswered. This tragic incident underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of failing to provide adequate care for animals. The court’s decision to penalise the woman and prohibit her from owning animals serves as a reminder of the legal obligations that come with caring for pets and the repercussions of neglect.