The Boyds pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and breaching animal welfare legislation..
On August 27, 2025, a dog walker saw the pair throw a bin liner into Leeds and Liverpool Canal and was told it contained clothes.
However, the bag began to move before a dog’s head emerged, prompting a member of the public to enter the water in an attempt to save the stricken pet.
Emergency services were called, and the distressed dog, named Maddie, was pulled from the canal by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service before being taken to a veterinary practice.
In evidence presented to the court, the vet who treated Maddie said she was hypothermic, with a temperature of 33.2°C, and was “severely malnourished” with significant muscle loss.
She was also found to have severe dental disease and multiple puncture wounds to her neck.
Maddie’s condition failed to improve and, two days later, she began to struggle to walk and developed neurological symptoms. A decision was made to put her to sleep on welfare grounds.
The RSPCA investigation uncovered poor conditions at the couple’s home.
Seven kittens were removed from the property, all of whom were underweight, with some described as urine-soaked. Four were hypothermic and required warming.
One kitten, weighing just 735 grams, was in such a poor condition he had to be euthanised.
The house was described as unsanitary, with large amounts of animal faeces and mice present in the kitchen.
CCTV gathered by the RSPCA showed the Boyds carrying a black bag along Walter Street at around 9.05am before heading towards the canal. Footage later showed them leaving the area and running away.
During interview, both defendants largely gave no comment replies, with Sadie Boyd denying being at the canal that morning.
Speaking after the case, RSPCA Chief Inspector Kelly Nix said: “What happened to Maddie was horrifying, and this incident was understandably the cause of great distress to people who were at the scene, the emergency services and the wider local community.
“It was heartbreaking that Maddie’s condition deteriorated and she ultimately could not be saved.”
A corn snake found at the address, who had been kept without heating or suitable lighting, was taken into specialist care. The surviving kittens have since been rehomed.
Sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months. Disqualified from owning or keeping animals for a period of 10 years (expires June 2036).