Lisa Marie Riddell was banned from keeping animals for 10 years after a Labrador-cross in her care was found dead from starvation and her own Staffie-type dog was discovered severely underweight, covered in faeces and displaying extreme fear.
The case centred on two dogs — Milo, who died after becoming severely emaciated, and Scooby, who survived the initial rescue but was later euthanised after his condition and behavioural distress were assessed.
Riddell admitted three offences under the Animal Welfare Act and was sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in July 2026.
Milo found dead on narrowboat
The investigation began on 15 September 2025, when RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Lydia Andrews attended a narrowboat at Sutton Stop, Coventry, following concerns about neglected dogs.
Once aboard, Andrews was shown the body of Milo, a Labrador-type dog, wrapped in a sheet.
His condition was described as extreme. His ribs, spine and hip bones were clearly visible and a subsequent examination recorded his weight as just 19.4kg.
Milo was given the lowest possible body condition score of 1/9. His death was attributed to starvation.
The court heard that Milo belonged to other people who had entrusted him to Riddell’s care.
Scooby discovered in disused toilet block
The narrowboat itself was described as cluttered and filthy, with an overpowering smell of faeces.
While Andrews was waiting for police assistance, a member of the public told her about a nearby outbuilding — a disused toilet block.
Inside officers discovered Scooby, Riddell’s approximately two-year-old Staffie-type dog.
Scooby was very underweight, with his ribs clearly visible and his abdomen tucked in. There was yellow staining around the lower part of his body and he appeared extremely nervous and withdrawn.
Police removed him and he was taken to the RSPCA’s animal hospital in Birmingham.
Veterinary staff found Scooby was severely underweight and coated in faeces. He weighed only 17kg and was assessed as having a body condition score of 2/9.
His psychological condition was also a serious concern. He was described as extremely fearful and withdrawn.
Despite being rescued, Scooby’s difficulties continued. Following behavioural assessment, it was determined that his distress and resulting behaviour meant he could not safely be rehomed. He was subsequently euthanised.
Riddell admits animal welfare offences
Riddell admitted three Animal Welfare Act offences arising from the treatment of the dogs.
At Birmingham Magistrates’ Court in July 2026, she was given a 12-month community order.
She was also ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 25 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days.
Riddell was ordered to pay £350 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Most significantly, she was disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.
In mitigation, the court was told Riddell was ashamed of what had happened and had been struggling with mental health difficulties, saying that things had “got on top of her”.
RSPCA: Milo’s owners were devastated
Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones said he was pleased justice had been secured for Milo and Scooby.
He said Milo’s owners had been devastated by his death after believing they had left their dog with somebody they could trust.
Reports following the case
Separate reports circulating in June 2026 claimed Riddell remained in possession of another dog and had moved her narrowboat with the assistance of a new partner.
Those reports also alleged she had been attempting to conceal the condition of the animal, with a sighting reported near The Greyhound pub at Sutton Stop.
