LIAM REDDEN and DAISY DUNN – NORTH SHEILDS

❌LIAM REDDEN and DAISY DUNN – NORTH SHEILDS❌

Liam Redden, aka Liam McCartney, and Daisy Dunn both aged 24 and from North Shields, Tyne and Wear – starved and neglected their two dogs for at least three months.

RSPCA Inspector Helen Bestwick went to the couple’s home with police on 17 January 2025 following a tip-off. They were shown into the living room by Dunn where they saw a male Presa Canario type dog named Enzo.

In her written statement to the court the Inspector said: “I was shocked at how thin Enzo was. I could easily see his ribs, hips and spine. He had no muscle on him and his head was concave. He was wearing a tan collar which was hanging loosely around his neck.

“I asked if I could see the second dog who I was advised was in the kitchen as they needed to be kept separate. I saw a male grey and white husky who I was told was called Fen. I noticed his coat was tatty and I could easily feel his hips and ribs. His waist was also noticeably tucked in.

“There were two empty dog bowls and no water available. There was a dirty blanket in the corner which the dog appeared to have been lying on, but no bed, along with faeces by the door.”

Dunn confirmed she and her partner Redden owned Enzo and Fen and that neither of them were receiving veterinary treatment. She was told by Inspector Bestwick that both dogs needed to see a vet urgently and they were seized by the police officer.

Enzo was described as emaciated by the vet and given a body condition score of one out of nine. He had severe muscle wastage and weighed 26.5kg – an ideal weight for an adult male Presa Canario is around 50kg.

One month later, in private kennels, he had put on ten per cent of his body weight, and by mid August this had increased to 44.4kg.

Fen was severely underweight and given a body condition score of two out of nine. He had overgrown nails and weighed 20.2kg with an ideal weight likely being over 25kg. By mid August he was just under 30kg.

A vet estimated they had been starved for at least three months.

The defendants told the Inspector there was nothing wrong with the dogs and they were both being fed. Redden also said a vet had stated that Enzo had “a fast metabolism.”

They both pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Enzo is now being cared for by the RSPCA Felledge Animal and Equine Centrelnear Chester-le-Street. He is receiving ongoing care and training and will be available for rehoming in due course – please keep an eye on the centre’s website.

Fen is being looked after by the RSPCA Northumberland West branch. He is doing well and will also be available for adoption via their website in the near future.

Speaking after sentencing inspector Bestwick said: The suffering Enzo and Fen endured was prolonged, preventable and deeply distressing. No animal should have to endure this.

“With the right care they made a full recovery, and after many months in kennels they were finally signed over by the defendants which means we can now legally rehome them. They can finally look forward to new homes and bright futures.”

each was fined £120 and ordered to pay costs of £200 and a £48 victim surcharge. TWO-year ban.