James Burge and Bethany Silverthorne, from Harehills, Leeds, received an indefinite ban on keeping animals and a 26‑week suspended jail sentence after neglecting their dog Finn and cat Luna.
Finn died in filthy, unsuitable conditions after going without food for at least 48–57 hours.
Luna was found underweight, hungry and suffering from fur loss.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.
Offender Overview
Name: James Burge
Born: circa 1992
Age at Conviction: 34
Last Known Address: Bellbrooke Place, Harehills, Leeds LS9 6AR
Occupation: Not stated
Previous Convictions: Not stated
Additional Information: Responsible for providing for a young family; mitigation referenced bereavement and benefits being stopped.
Name: Bethany Jade Silverthorne (aka Beth Burge)
Born: circa 2000
Age at Conviction: 26
Last Known Address: Bellbrooke Place, Harehills, Leeds LS9 6AR Occupation: Not stated
Previous Convictions: Not stated
Additional Information: Mitigation referenced lack of wider family support and mental health issues.
Incident Details
On 24 October 2025, RSPCA officers attended a property on Stanley Road, Leeds, alongside police, after the body of a “brindle shepherd‑type dog” named Finn was discovered.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer James Metcalfe found Finn’s body in a basement. The dog appeared underweight, with dried faeces on the floor and an empty bowl nearby.
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A vet later described the conditions shown in photographs: the space was unsuitable for animal housing, with a soiled, damp floor, decomposing faeces, and no bedding or proper flooring. Finn was in thin body condition, with protruding ribs, a marked tummy tuck, and poor muscle mass, especially in the hindlimbs.
A pathologist concluded that Finn had not eaten for at least 48–57 hours before death.
Following Finn’s death, RSPCA Inspector Hannah Williams visited the defendants’ premises several times. On 16 January, she found an underweight, unchipped cat outside, with thinning fur. Unable to locate an owner, she took the cat — later confirmed to be the defendants’ pet Luna — to the RSPCA Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.
Luna was very underweight, with bright pink gums likely due to stress, a thin coat with scabbing, and weighed 2.48kg. She ate ravenously during examination. Within two days of receiving proper care, Luna gained 200g, demonstrating that her poor condition was due to malnutrition/underfeeding.
The RSPCA had previously attempted welfare interventions. In June 2025, officers advised the couple to seek veterinary care. By July 2025, Finn had received treatment for fur loss and fleas, and Luna appeared bright and in normal condition. However, their welfare deteriorated drastically afterwards.
Animal Victims
- Finn — Brindle shepherd‑type dog; severely underweight; died after going without food for 48–57 hours; found in filthy, unsuitable conditions.
- Luna — Cat; underweight, hungry, thinning coat, scabbing; gained weight rapidly once fed appropriately; now in RSPCA care.
Sentence
Court: Kirklees Magistrates’ Court
Date: 30 July 2026
Penalty:
- Indefinite ban on keeping animals (cannot contest for 10 years)
- 26‑week jail sentence, suspended for two years
- £100 costs each
- £154 victim surcharge each
- 250 hours unpaid work (Burge only)Mitigation:
- Burge: bereavement, benefits stopped, responsibility for young family
- Silverthorne: lack of family support, mental health issues
RSPCA Statement
Inspector Hannah Williams said:
“This was a very upsetting case to investigate, especially as Finn’s condition had begun to improve in 2025, but sadly deteriorated drastically with heartbreaking consequences. We want to prevent other animals going through the suffering that he did.”
She urged anyone struggling with vet costs to seek help early rather than delay.