Karmactive Staff
Former County Durham GP Banned From Keeping Pets for Two Years After Four Animals Were Signed Over to RSPCA
A former GP has been banned from keeping cats and dogs for two years after four animals were signed over to the RSPCA from a home in Hutton Henry, County Durham. Nicola Stirk was sentenced at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, where the court heard that Stirk had suffered mental health problems.
Stirk received a 15-month community order and must pay £1,014 in costs and surcharges. RSPCA Inspector Rowena Proctor visited the home on February 3, 2026, and described a passageway littered with faeces and rubbish, and floors covered in rubbish, faeces and urine. The four animals were signed over to the RSPCA: two cats, Charlie and Maddy, and two dogs, Mabel the Doberman and Anya the Borzoi. Mabel and Anya were taken to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre. Anya needed months of rehabilitation.
Stirk admitted failing to meet the animals’ needs and failing to provide a suitable environment.
The RSPCA had warned Stirk when conditions first began to deteriorate. A follow-up visit showed some improvement, and Stirk said cleaners were being arranged. Further concerns were later raised that the situation had worsened. For another recent RSPCA case, see our Birmingham cat report. For RSPCA rescues in Wales, see our RSPCA Cymru report.
What happened to the dogs and cats removed from Nicola Stirk’s County Durham home?
The four animals were signed over to the RSPCA. The two cats, Charlie and Maddy, were rehomed. Mabel and Anya were taken to the RSPCA’s Felledge Animal Centre. Mabel has been rehomed, and Anya needed months of rehabilitation.
The two-year ban and the 15-month community order conclude the sentencing. Anyone worried about an animal’s welfare can contact the RSPCA.
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