Couple avoid jail after caught on CCTV dumping dog in bin bag and throwing it in canal

Terrence Boyd and Sadie Boyd, both 34 and 32 respectively, have escaped immediate imprisonment after admitting multiple animal welfare offences at Burnley Magistrates Court on Wednesday June 24. The couple from Walter Street Brierfield were filmed on CCTV at approximately 9.05am on August 27 last year carrying a black bin bag containing their elderly terrier-type dog, Maddie, towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The shocking incident only emerged when a dog walker witnessed them discard the bag into the water and initially thought it contained clothing. When the bag began moving and Maddie's head emerged, a member of the public rushed into the water in a frantic bid to rescue her. Emergency services were summoned and Maddie was retrieved by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being transported for urgent veterinary care. The dog was microchipped to Sadie Boyd's address, leading to the couple's arrest at their residence later that day.

Officers discovered seven kittens and a corn snake at the property, with all animals seized due to welfare concerns. Although Maddie initially survived, her condition worsened at the veterinary practice. The vet who treated her stated: "On clinical examination Maddie was hypothermic with a temperature of 33.2 C 91.8 F. She was severely malnourished with significant muscle atrophy." Maddie also suffered severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck. Tragically, her condition failed to improve and she was euthanised to prevent further suffering by August 29.

The seven kittens were undernourished and some soaked in urine. Four were hypothermic upon arrival and required warming. The smallest female, weighing merely 735 grams, was unable to stand and on the verge of seizure and was euthanised on welfare grounds.

Each defendant received an eight-week prison sentence suspended for twelve months and were prohibited from keeping animals for ten years after admitting two offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Magistrates heard their property was filthy with substantial accumulations of pet waste and rodents scurrying about the kitchen. During his RSPCA interview, Terrence Boyd largely declined to comment.