Two volunteer dog rescue workers have been cleared of animal theft charges after their case was dropped due to police allegedly perverting the course of justice.
Sally Turzanski, 28, and Ruth Sanderson-Dredge, 31, who run Breeds In Need to provide temporary care for dogs, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a cockerpoo called Athena.
The charges were brought in October after the dog allegedly wasn’t brought back to the owner as had been agreed.
The pair were also accused of spaying and microchipping an animal without the consent of the owner.
Sally Turzanski, 28, and Ruth Sanderson-Dredge , 31, who run Breeds In Need to provide temporary care for dogs, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a cockerpoo called Athena
After being released on bail from Lincoln Magistrates Court, Sally, from Lincoln, and Ruth, from Welton, were barred from possessing or being involved in keeping, caring or rehoming animals not registered to them.
But the bail conditions were removed a week later, after a district judge described them as 'draconian' and 'over the top'.
Sally told The Lincolnite that police had 'invaded' her home three times in unsuccessful searches for evidence.
Sally told The Lincolnite that police had 'invaded' her home three times in unsuccessful searches for evidence
The case has now been discontinued after Lincolnshire Police allegedly perverted the course of justice by taking a dog from their rescue and returning it to the owner without approval.
Ruth said: 'I’ve never been in any trouble before and suffer badly with anxiety.
'I have become scared when I see police cars or officers, and this truly saddens me as they’re who we should be able to turn to in times of crisis. My mental health has suffered hugely.'
The women are now looking at taking legal action against the force over the way they were treated in the case.
The women are now looking at taking legal action against Lincolnshire Police over the way they were treated in the case
In a fundraising message where they have set a goal of raising £5,000 for the challenge, Sally said: 'Ruth and I were arrested and charged with theft, criminal damage and handling stolen goods.
We believe that the actions of the police were unlawful as none of the above is true. We have therefore instructed our solicitors to request a judicial review.'
Lincolnshire Police have been contacted for comment.