Woman Who Stabbed Adopted Sheepdog to Death Avoids Jail After Citing PTSD and Bipolar Disorder

A 33-year-old woman who stabbed her adopted dog to death with a carving knife has avoided prison after telling a court that the animal’s behaviour had aggravated her mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and bipolar disorder.

Victoria Lodge, from Bournemouth, Dorset, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty over the death of Celine, a Macedonian sheepdog she adopted in January 2024.

She was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court, where Judge Jonathan Fuller imposed a two-year community order with probation supervision instead of a custodial sentence.

Lodge was also banned indefinitely from keeping any animals.

Social Media Posts Revealed Hostility Towards Dog

The court heard that Lodge began struggling to cope with Celine approximately three months after adopting her.

She subsequently expressed her frustration on social media, writing that she hated the dog, wanted her gone and describing her as ‘demon spawn’.

The 33-year-old also contacted a charity helpline and threatened to harm either herself or the animal.

The call prompted paramedics to visit her home.

During their visit, Lodge told the emergency workers that she had PTSD and bipolar disorder, claiming Celine’s behaviour had triggered her conditions.

One of the paramedics offered to contact the RSPCA on her behalf to arrange assistance for the dog.

However, when the paramedic contacted her the following day with an update, Lodge was reportedly hysterical and screaming. She then informed him that she had stabbed Celine.

Paramedics Found Injured Dog Lying in Pool of Blood

Prosecutor Jade Philippou told the court that Lodge attacked Celine on April 15, 2024, using a large carving knife to stab her in the abdomen.

When paramedics and police officers arrived at the property, they found the living room destroyed, with a trail of blood leading to the injured dog.

Celine was still breathing, with her eyes open, when emergency workers found her.

However, Lodge had not sought veterinary assistance following the attack.

Paramedics carried the injured animal to their ambulance and used haemostatic gauze to pack the wound.

The dog reportedly groaned during the treatment.

The emergency workers asked Lodge whether she wanted to accompany them to the animal hospital, but she refused, telling them to ‘get the f*** out of my house’.

Despite the paramedics’ efforts, Celine later died.

Woman Announced Dog’s Death on Social Media

The prosecution told the court that Lodge failed to take appropriate steps to obtain medical assistance for Celine, leaving the animal in severe distress for several hours.

According to the prosecutor, Lodge spent time cleaning some of the blood from her property while the injured dog continued to suffer.

After the attack, she returned to social media to announce that Celine was dead.

She also contacted the rehoming shelter that had previously arranged to take the dog, informing them that its services were no longer required.

Defence Highlights Mental Health Difficulties

Defence barrister Laura Deuxberry told the court that Lodge’s social media posts were ‘clearly a cry for help’, drawing attention to her mental health difficulties.

A psychiatric assessment found no evidence that Lodge had experienced dissociation or psychosis when she stabbed Celine.

However, the report indicated that she was likely experiencing difficulties with emotional regulation and impulsivity.

Deuxberry also told the court that her client was now more stable and had established a support network to help her move forward.

Lodge had additionally surrendered her two cats to the RSPCA and did not oppose being permanently prohibited from keeping animals.

Judge Describes Attack as Extremely Cruel

During sentencing, Judge Jonathan Fuller said the attack would ordinarily be considered an exceptionally cruel act, while acknowledging the explanation presented concerning Lodge’s mental state.

He told her that she had taken a large carving knife and driven it through Celine’s body, perforating one of the dog’s lungs.

The judge added that veterinary examinations later identified bruising caused by the force of the knife as it passed through the animal’s body.

He reminded Lodge that she had a choice in how she responded to the situation, telling her that even in difficult circumstances, she could have stepped away and sought another way to deal with the problem.

Judge Fuller concluded that the public interest would be better served through a two-year community order and probation supervision rather than imprisonment.

Animal Welfare Charity Calls for Lifetime Ban

Following the sentencing, Elisa Allen of animal welfare organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) condemned the attack and said the permanent prohibition on keeping or associating with animals was necessary.

She said: ‘Stabbing any living being is an appalling act of cruelty, and a lifetime ban on keeping or otherwise associating with animals is essential, but it cannot be the only response to such a horrific act of violence.’

Celine Was a Macedonian Sheepdog

Celine belonged to the Macedonian sheepdog breed, a large and muscular working dog traditionally bred to protect livestock from predators, including bears and wolves, in mountainous regions.

The breed is generally known for its loyalty and affectionate nature towards its owners.

However, Macedonian sheepdogs are intelligent and independent animals that can be difficult to train.

They are not generally recommended for inexperienced or first-time dog owners because of their size, temperament and demanding training requirements.