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A ferret owner who punched her pet before throwing it on the ground has been banned from keeping animals for at least two years.



Natalie Dendry was warned by a judge that this was her “last chance” to avoid prison as she was sentenced for the animal attack.



The 39-year-old had denied causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and being drunk and disorderly but was found guilty

by magistrates.



The ferret, named Posh Spice, was thrown into the air by Dendry who repeatedly punched it. When the ferret tried to escape, she

caught it and attacked it again.



During the trial, Newcastle Magistrates’ Court heard that a driver who was travelling along Armstrong Road in Benwell saw a woman at the side

of the road with a furry object.





The animal squirmed away but Dendry grabbed it and punched it again with a clenched fist.

The police were called and PC Lewis Calboutin attended the scene just before 2pm on May 31.



The officer told the court: “I was asked to attend in relation to an intoxicated female who may have a pet that she was treating badly.

“I saw a female sitting on the grass verge on the side of Armstrong Road.



“She immediately appeared to me to be intoxicated. She had a pet ferret called Posh Spice. It was lying in the sun and it appeared

dehydrated. It was hot, it was panting and seemed lethargic.”

(Image: Newcastle Journal)





Dendry was taken home in the police vehicle to Colston Street in Benwell but as they reached her address she vomited in the van.



“We asked her to step out of the vehicle,” said PC Calboutin.

“She started shouting and swearing at me and my colleague.



“She then dropped her ferret from a standard height to the floor.”



Dendry was then arrested but that was not the end to her offending.

Laura Croft, prosecuting, said: “She was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. It was at the police station where she assaulted Sergeant

Nicholson.



“He describes her as making threats and described this as a deliberate attack.”



Dendry hit Sgt Nicholson on his right forearm and was ordered to pay him £50 compensation.



Ms Croft added that the ferret was “currently being cared for” after being placed in an animal shelter.



Dendry admitted the assault on a police officer and also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to court bail for an earlier hearing.



She was given an unlimited ban on keeping animals which lasts for at least two years, after which she would need to apply to a court to

have the ban lifted.



She was also given a 12 month community order to work with probation on her drug and alcohol issues and ordered to pay £250 costs and a £50 fine.



Janice Hall, defending, said that Dendry was previously sectioned as a result of her ill mental health and now has carers.



Ms Hall said: “They ensure that she is taking her medication. They also help with her money and provide her with general assistance.



“She struggles looking after herself, she’s not in a position to give appropriate care for an animal.”



North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard that Dendry had kept ferrets for a number of years but after Posh Spice was removed she no longer

had any pets.



District Judge Kate Meek said: “You caused unnecessary suffering to a ferret whether you meant to or not. More to the point you carried on

doing so.



“I accept there are a range of issues and a custodial sentence would simply delay that work being undertaken.”



She added: “Ms Dendry this is really your last chance. Let’s hope it works.”