A brother and sister who allowed a neglected Cane Corso puppy to slowly starve to death in their home have avoided jail, triggering widespread outrage.
Sasha Jackson, 23, and Aiden Sherwood, 22, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Welfare Act. They received suspended sentences at Great Yarmouth Magistrates’ Court, with Sherwood sentenced to 20 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work. Jackson received a 15-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, and must undergo mental health treatment. Both were also banned from keeping animals indefinitely and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge each.
Horrific Discovery in Filthy Home
Norfolk Police forced entry into the property in Gorleston on November 27, 2023, following a tip-off from a concerned individual. Inside, officers found the emaciated body of Biggie, a nine-month-old Cane Corso, sprawled on the living room floor amid children’s toys, rubbish, and dog excrement.
RSPCA Inspector Ben Kirby, who investigated the case, described the scene: “I could see dog excrement littered all over the floors among piles of rubbish, children’s toys, and personal effects. The kitchen looked as though it had been ransacked, and I could barely see the floor.”
Biggie’s body was found between a sofa and a table, lying as though he had fallen asleep. “In the 16 years I’ve been an Inspector, he was one of the thinnest animals I’ve ever seen,” Kirby said. He also noted muddy paw prints on the patio doors, suggesting the dog had tried desperately to escape.
Post-Mortem Findings
A veterinary post-mortem concluded Biggie endured weeks or months of suffering before his death. The report stated he “would have experienced fear and distress as he slowly starved to death.” It confirmed that Biggie had been confined alone for prolonged periods with no access to food or water. The only items found at the home were empty bowls and torn packaging.
The court heard that Jackson, who was listed as Biggie’s owner via microchip records, and Sherwood failed to provide any care or supervision, resulting in the dog’s slow and painful demise.
Public Outcry Over Sentencing
Following the court’s decision, social media users expressed outrage over the leniency of the punishment. One user wrote, “Absolutely sickening that the courts failed again,” while another commented, “What sort of sentencing is that? This world makes me sick.”
Under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, both defendants admitted knowing or being aware that their failure to care for Biggie would likely cause unnecessary suffering. Despite this, they avoided immediate imprisonment.
Legal Consequences
Along with their suspended sentences and bans from keeping animals, Jackson and Sherwood were held accountable for allowing Biggie to starve in inhumane conditions. However, many argue that the punishment does not fit the severity of their crime.
A Norfolk Police spokeswoman confirmed, “Officers attended and forced entry to the property where they discovered a deceased dog.”
The case has reignited calls for stricter animal cruelty penalties, as campaigners push for harsher consequences for those responsible for severe neglect and abuse.
I totally agree that the sentencing did not fit the crime.
I am up in arms at what happened.
They should be jailed for a longer time period, and have done to them, what they did to this defenseless animal.
It is outrageous, to hear of things like that.
Our world is upside down.
Both brother and sister should have been sent to jail for life. How dare they pretend that they cared about their innocent puppy and didn’t bother to feed him or give him water. I agree with whoever said that the laws need to be strengthen so killers of innocent animas like this one get the correct justice–life in jail without prole. Thank you.