Animals are killed in suspected arson attack
A Shetland pony is among a number of animals tragically killed in a suspected arson attack which saw flames ravage an allotment site in South Hetton.
Emergency services were called to a fire at the James Street allotments, in South Hetton, on Tuesday, at 9.15pm.
Crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the flames but tragically a Shetland pony and a number of other animals were killed in the blaze.
Officers have now confirmed the fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Shocking pictures show a trail of devastation left at the site as number of allotment buildings were damaged or destroyed in the fire, which is believed to have been set deliberately.
Now they are appealing for anyone with information which could assist with the investigation to come forward and speak to officers.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called by the fire service at 9.15pm on Tuesday (February 23) to a fire at James Street allotments, in South Hetton.
“Sadly, several animals died as a result of the fire, including a Shetland pony.
“Officers are treating the incident as arson, and an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
“Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 456 of February 23. Alternatively, information can be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A woman has been banned from keeping animals for a decade after allowing the condition of four dogs to deteriorate following a bereavement.
Caroline Elizabeth Barker, 43, of Kesteven Square, in Downhill, Sunderland, received the disqualification after admitting one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to her pets over the period of a month.
Discussing the sight which greeted her, RSPCA Inspector Helen Bestwick, who led the 2019 investigation for the animal welfare charity, said: “I found Willow, a tan and white male lurcher-type dog, curled up near the doorstep.
"He was in a very thin body condition with his ribs, hips and spine clearly visible. I could see live fleas and flea dirt in his coat.
"Inside the house in the kitchen I had to use torchlight to see the two Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs, Ben and Flossy, and a Jack Russell
terrier called Missy.
"These dogs were also in thin body condition with their stomachs tucked in and had varying degrees of fur loss.
"I noticed the floor was wet with urine, a crate contained dirty, shredded bedding and there weren't any dog bowls down for the dogs. Police seized the dogs and I took them to a vet for examination.
"The vet confirmed all four dogs were emaciated. They readily ate treats offered to them and were actively looking for food.”
The court was told that Ms Barker had effectively lost focus after the death of a loved one and that harm was caused through incompetence owing to personal circumstances rather than malice.
Barker agreed to sign the animals over after the court hearing, enabling the RSPCA to find them new homes.
All of the dogs have since put on weight since being in the charity’s care.
In addition to the 10-year disqualification from keeping all animals, which she cannot appeal against for five years, Barker was ordered to pay a £162 fine, £500 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.
Inspector Bestwick added after last week’s case at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “Animals are completely reliant on their owners. There is never an excuse to ignore their needs and leave an animal to suffer in the way that these four dogs did.”
Reports about alleged cruelty or animals in distress can be made by ringing the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.