Newark: Charlene Latham pleads guilty at Nottingham Magistrates' Court in the case of the near-drowning of Bella the dog in the River Trent at Farndon

A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal in connection with the discovery of Bella the Belgian shepherd dog in the River Trent.

Bella was found submerged up to her neck and weighted down in cold waters.

She was found by dog walkers at Farndon on January 6 and dragged to safety.

Bella was near-drowned and was cared for by the RSPCA, following a discovery that shocked the nation.

Nottingham Magistrates' Court said Charlene Latham, 31, of Newark, but living in Ilfracombe, Devon, pleaded guilty yesterday to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, namely Bella the shepherd dog, by an act, namely by attempting to drown the dog resulting in the animal being immersed in the cold water of the River Trent for a prolonged period, and that she knew, or ought to have known, that the act would have that effect or be likely to do so.

According to the court, Leigh Johnson, 32, denied the same charge, brought under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He was given unconditional bail to return to court on March 8, 2021, when he will be tried.

Latham, who was also released on unconditional bail, is due back in court on the same date.

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