The Ilkeston Animal and Child Abuser, Claire Dziubek, 38, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 – left three starving dogs to rot in the same garden that her children played in.
Dziubek, a mother of two, confessed to accusations of cruelty concerning a 10-year-old white terrier-type dog named Bindi, a six-month-old black whippet named Teddy, and a female Staffy-type dog named Gipsy.
On April 10, 2024, the RSPCA responded to Claire Dziubek’s residence following reports of welfare issues concerning the dogs present.
In a witness statement provided to the court, Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Nicola Riley said she wasn’t able to access the property, but was able to view the dogs in the garden, where she first saw Bindi.
She said: “I could clearly see its whole rib cage protruding and its hip bones were pronounced. It did not bark or jump up at all, even when it saw us looking and talking to it, it had no energy and was not bright or alert and its fur looked like it had mud matted into it.”
She then saw Gypsy, who appeared to be more active but still did not jump or bark in her presence, although her “ribs were very clearly outlined”.
A third dog – Teddy – was under a trampoline and “was very nervous and did not want to come out”.
ARO Riley said: “When it did emerge, I was taken back by how thin the dog was. It had no energy, was very lethargic and was moving very slowly. All the vertebrae along its back were prominent, both hip bones were protruding, all its ribs were prominent and protruding, and the bones on its legs were also clearly defined.”
The dogs were seized and taken to a vet for a health check.
Bindi was given a body condition score of one out of five denoting emaciation. She also had a high grade systolic heart murmur.
The vet said in their report that Bindi was emaciated, with a clearly visible spine and ribs despite her medium length hair – and it was obvious she had no subcutaneous fat and very little palpable muscle.
Puppy Teddy was also given a body score of one out of five. He was also emaciated, with virtually no musculature. His spine, ribs and shoulder blades were clearly visible.
Gypsy was given a body score of 1.5 out of five and was also said to be visibly underweight, with clearly visible ribs, shoulder blades and spine.
The court heard that the following day Bindi was unexpectedly found stretched out and deceased, having passed some faeces, at the back of her kennel.
Teddy, who was signed over into the care of the RSPCA, has now been happily rehomed. In January 2025, Gypsy was taken into the care of the RSPCA.
Following sentencing, RSPCA Chief Inspector Susie Micallef said: “We urge any pet owners who are struggling to please seek help. Don’t bury your head in the sand and leave conditions untreated and for them to become worse. There is help out there and we urge you to seek this before it’s too late.
“Sadly Bindi wasn’t able to be saved, but we are so pleased that Teddy recovered well and has found a forever home and Gypsy has also made a good recovery.”
Claire Dziubek was sentenced to just a 17-week custodial, suspended for 12 months; 15 days of ‘rehab’; £500 costs and £154 victim surcharge. She is disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years.
BUT, she keeps her children and there are no charges for child endangerment, child abuse, or the like, even though the children played on the trampoline under which the dogs went to slowly die. She is supported by her family, friends, and neighbours who did nothing to help the dogs.
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