A WOMAN has received a suspended prison sentence and been banned for keeping animals for 15 years after a cat and a dog died in her care in Newquay.

Ellen Gibson, aged 24, of Ropery Close, Kilham, Driffield has been given a 23-week prison sentence, suspended for two years at Bodmin Magistrates Court, after she was found to be responsible for two animals which died at Trekenning Tourist Park between December 2024 and April 2025.

The former professional dog walker changed her plea to guilty on charges of causing a Labrador known as Chance and a cat known as Casper to suffer unnecessarily and permitting it to happen or failing to prevent another person causing the animals to suffer.

She also pleaded guilty to, together with Jordan Wood, causing unnecessary suffering to Chance by failing to provide prompt and effective treatment veterinary care for his head injuries. She was ordered to have treatment for her mental health, to pay £1,000 costs and a £154 surcharge.

Wood, aged 25, was jailed for 18 months and banned from keeping animals for life when he was sentenced last month.

Labrador‑type dog Chance and cat Casper suffered months of brutal, repetitive violence at the hands of Jordan Wood, culminating in catastrophic injuries that led to their deaths.

Wood, aged 25, formerly of Trekenning Tourist Park, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences.

The RSPCA began an investigation after concerns were raised by a vet about the welfare of their pets and the nature of their injuries in April last year when Chance was taken to a vet with various injuries.

The vet alerted the RSPCA who visited the address and Chance was seized by police and placed into RSPCA care.

He was taken for further veterinary examinations which found that Chance sustained multiple traumatic head, throat, and spinal injuries over several months. He also had his whiskers burned off.

A member of staff fostered him to ensure he had stability, safety and comfort while the investigation progressed.

Despite weeks of dedicated care, Chance had suffered internal injuries that were not initially detectable. Unknown to the team and the attending vets, he had a crushed trachea and fractured hyoid bone caused by strangulation.

His damaged trachea suddenly collapsed while running in the field at the centre, causing respiratory failure and death.

Unbeknownst to the RSPCA, Gibson later acquired another animal, Casper. A plan was put in place to have him removed as soon as it was discovered. Before this could happen, Gibson posted on social media that Casper had died.

Casper’s body had already been sent for cremation, but the RSPCA were able to intercept it in time. He had suffered catastrophic chest trauma, multiple rib fractures across three timelines, severe head injuries, blindness, and organ damage. Both animals died as a result of the violence inflicted upon them.

RSPCA Inspector Jack Alderson said: “The cruelty inflicted upon innocent animals like Chance and Casper is an unforgivable betrayal of trust. Every living creature deserves a life free from suffering and filled with compassion."