Thornton Heath woman banned for 10 years after dog starved to death

Ebony Hoyte-Griffith, 32, of Totton Road in Thornton Heath, was sentenced at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on 24 July for causing unnecessary suffering to her four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Skylar. The dog was euthanised in June last year after being found severely emaciated and unable to stand.

The court heard Hoyte-Griffith failed to provide adequate nutrition or veterinary care for Skylar, who was seized by RSPCA inspector Sandy Barlow under the Animal Welfare Act. The dog’s condition had deteriorated over several months, with veterinary evidence indicating prolonged suffering.

Veterinary evidence of prolonged neglect

A vet described Skylar as having a body condition score of one out of nine, with nearly all muscle mass lost. The dog was dehydrated, vomiting repeatedly, and had multiple infected pressure sores from being unable to move. The vet estimated Skylar had suffered for at least three months, possibly up to six.

Hoyte-Griffith claimed Skylar had eaten well until the day before being taken to the vet and suggested the dog had consumed cavity wall insulation. However, veterinary records showed Skylar had been seen by another vet months earlier, but Hoyte-Griffith did not return for follow-up care despite eligibility for PDSA-funded treatment.

Sentencing and public responsibility

Croydon Magistrates’ Court imposed a 10-year ban on Hoyte-Griffith owning dogs, alongside a 12-month community order, 200 hours of unpaid work, and £614 in costs. The RSPCA reminded pet owners of their legal duty to provide proper nutrition and veterinary care.

Inspector Barlow said the case should serve as a reminder to residents. She added, "For any pet owners struggling, there’s cost of living advice on the RSPCA’s website." The RSPCA encourages reporting of animal welfare concerns to local authorities or their helpline.

What happens next

Hoyte-Griffith’s community order and unpaid work requirements will be overseen by probation services. The 10-year ban on owning dogs is enforceable by law, with breaches potentially leading to further prosecution. Residents concerned about animal welfare in Thornton Heath can contact the RSPCA or local council.