Wife Stabs Estranged Husband After Learning He Euthanized Their Rescue Dogs, Court Hear

A 64-year-old nurse in England has been convicted of wounding with intent after stabbing her estranged husband when she learned he had euthanized their beloved rescue dogs during their separation.

Claire Bridger, of Taverham near Norwich, was cleared of attempted murder but found guilty of the lesser offense following a jury verdict delivered on Jan. 13. The incident occurred on July 17, 2025, amid the breakdown of her nearly 40-year marriage to Keith Bridger.

According to court testimony, Bridger became alarmed when she arrived at her estranged husband’s home and noticed the dogs were not barking. When she asked where they were, Keith told her they had been “put down” because they were too difficult to care for.

Prosecutors said Bridger flew into a rage upon hearing the news. Jurors were told she grabbed a knife from her car and stabbed her husband in the chest and abdomen. During a 999 emergency call played in court, Bridger could be heard shouting, “You killed my dogs!”

Bridger told the jury she experienced a blackout, describing the moment as “an explosion” in her head. She claimed she had no memory of the stabbing itself, saying she “saw red” after learning of the dogs’ deaths.

The couple had separated in April 2025 and were attending mediation sessions. Bridger said she had initially been caring for the two rescue dogs but left them with Keith when she traveled to London to visit family while struggling emotionally with the breakup.

While she was away, the dogs — described in court as having behavioral problems — were cared for by Keith and the couple’s daughters. At one point, one daughter warned Bridger the dogs might be euthanized, but she said she did not believe it would happen.

On the day of the incident, Bridger admitted she had consumed a double gin and tonic before driving to her husband’s home. A psychiatric expert testified that a combination of alcohol and intense emotional distress could have caused temporary amnesia.

Although the jury rejected the attempted murder charge, they accepted that Bridger intended to cause serious harm. She is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20.