Tag Archives: South East England

South East England

Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Portswood, Southampton: Seyed Alavizadeh

May 17, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | backyard bully breeder Seyed Hussain Alavizadeh, born April 1983, of Laburnum Road, Southampton SO16 3LE – cropped the ears of multiple dogs “for show”.

RSPCA prosecution of extreme bully breeder Seyed Hussain Alavizadeh from Southampton, who subjected seven dogs to ear cropping. — Seyed Alavizadeh with wife Jade and Ice Berg, one of the dogs involved in the prosecution

Unscrupulous extreme breeder Seyed Alavizadeh, who traded under the name TTB Bully Camp, was prosecuted for cropping the ears of seven American bullies – namely Bora, RZA, Mr T or Tank, Nala, Ice Berg, Ghost and Mooncake – between December 28, 2021 and March 18, 2022. Some of the dogs were part of the same litter.

The company director was caught when the RSPCA, assisted by the police, intervened and brought a case against him.

During interview he claimed that he didn’t own at least one of the dogs.

While not prosecuted, Seyed Alavizadeh’s brother Arman Alavizadeh has a similar breeding operation called Defined Bullz and shared ownership of dogs is a common tactic for remaining under the radar of the authorities.

Alavizadeh later pleaded guilty to seven counts of carrying out a prohibited procedure on a protected animal.

Prosecutor Joel Wootten said the procedure would cause the dog’s ears to become “inflamed and painful”, adding that it would result in “significant suffering”.

“It affects their communication with both humans and other dogs for the rest of their lives”, he added.

Alavizadeh claimed that when he first bought a dog his or her ears had already been cropped in America where the procedure is legal.

He said that American Bullies can compete in special shows, similar to Crufts, adding: “People do it (crop ears) for show. People do it because they like the look of it.”

Judge Brian Forster KC said that the dog’s ears had been cropped “for show” and that this had been “unnecessary” and caused the animal’s “significant pain”.

“Though it can be carried out in certain countries it can’t be carried out in this country.

“In each case it was deliberate and it was done in each case knowing that the law did not allow the procedure to be carried out.

“It was done for the purpose of show.”

Mitigating, Andrew Houston told the court his client is remorseful and has no relevant convictions.

He added that “there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation” and that he is a primary carer for his relatives who would be affected if he went to prison.

Alavizadeh was not ordered to make any contribution towards costs of £12,820.82 after pleading financial difficulty.

Sentencing | 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months; 100 hours of unpaid work; £156 surcharge. Five year ban from owning or participating in the keeping of a dog (expires May 2029).

Daily Echo

Animal Torture, Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Chatham, Kent: Thabiso Giyo

May 15, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Thabiso Luzuko Giyo, born July 1994, currently of High Street, Chatham, but with links to Tottenham Hale, London, and Edinburgh in Scotland – for the systematic torture of a pug puppy.

RSPCA prosecution of evil sadistic dog abuser Thabiso Luzuko Giyo a South African national currently of Chatham, Kent but with links to Tottenham Hale, London, and Edinburgh in Scotland - who systematically tortured a pug puppy called Capri.

The tiny seven-month-old pug, called Capri, was discovered with severe burns to her face, mouth and tongue after Giyo doused her with boiling water. She had also suffered trauma to her head. In addition, X-rays showed that she had a fracture to her right leg and healed pelvic fractures from older injuries.

The puppy was first taken to a vets in Chatham with swelling to her head believed to have been caused by trauma. A few weeks later she was back at the vets, this time with burns and injuries to her face, mouth and tongue. The RSPCA was then alerted.

The vet said in a witness statement: “Capri presented with massive burns over her face and nek. Her tongue was swollen to three times its size and sloughing.

“The substance she had been burned with also affected her left eye”.

In a court statement RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who investigated for the animal charity, said Capri’s owner claimed to have left her in the care of flatmate Giyo for around four hours while she went out shopping.

Inspector Ormerod added: “She stated that on her return at 6:30pm Capri had a sore face.

“She stated Giyo had wiped Capri’s face with an exfoliating glove but quite quickly Capri’s face started to swell and she was struggling to breathe so she took Capri to the emergency vet.

“She had red, open wounds to her face, nose and around her mouth. Her tongue appeared very swollen and she was not able to close her mouth due to her swollen tongue.

“She was also audibly breathing loudly and appeared lame on her back right leg and was very reluctant to put weight on it.”

Capri’s owner told Inspector Ormerod she’d informed police and had asked Giyo to leave the property, but was able to provide a contact telephone number for him.

The vet’s witness statement added: “Nobody was willing to tell us what substance Capri had been burned with. [Giyo] said he gave her a bath and used an exfoliating glove on her which didn’t add up to the severity of the injuries she presented with.

“While she was under anaesthetic for an endoscopy, she was also x-rayed. The x-rays showed a fracture of the right [leg]. The x-rays also showed healed pelvic fractures from older injuries.”

Speaking about Capri’s first stint in hospital, the vet said: “She was really calm and relaxed around females but shrank away and trembled in the presence of a male vet.

“She was absolutely terrified of males in hospital to the point where only females could handle her without stressing her out.”

When a feeding tube was fitted to help the puppy, it was later suggested that the burns had been caused by boiling water.

Two weeks after she was first admitted, Capri began eating on her own and her injuries started to improve.

In January 2023, she had surgery for her leg fracture and was moved to an RSPCA rehoming centre to recover.

She was later adopted by one of the vet nurses who saved her life.

In court Giyo, an inspiring rapper who came to the UK from Pretoria in South Africa, pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Giyo, who according to his LinkedIn profile works in network support for internet service provider Trooli, told the court that Capri’s injuries had been caused accidentally and denied having intentionally harmed the puppy,

Sentencing | 22 weeks in prison, suspended for two years; £800 in costs and £154 victim surcharge. THREE-year ban on keeping any animals (expires May 2027).

ITV News
KentOnline

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Eastbourne, East Sussex: Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne

April 24, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Sophie Charlotte Singer, born April 1982, and Keith Byrne, born 27 April 1984, of 3 Beauchamp Court, 3 Wilmington Gardens, Eastbourne BN21 4PB – left their 14-year-old boxer dog to die while they swanned off on holiday to Center Parcs.

RSPCA prosecution of cruel couple Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne from Eastbourne, who left their elderly pet dog to die while they went on holiday — Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne, who left their boxer dog to starve, were given a suspended prison sentence after the judge heard they have seven children

The heartless couple refused to accept their elderly pet, known as Bentley, was suffering before they abandoned him at home in January 2022.

One of their neighbours raised the alarm in their absence, after entering the home through a broken front door to find Bentley at the foot of the stairs the day after they left.

His breathing was ‘rapid and shallow’, and the neighbour thought he was dying.

Bentley was ‘barely alive’ when an RSPCA inspector entered their home through an unlocked door the next day.

He was covered in scabs and weighed just 12.5kg – less than half the weight of an average boxer.

He had been so hungry, he turned to eating food wrappers and a felt pen found in his stomach. His claws were so overgrown they’d become talons.

Bentley was in such a poor state, police told the RSPCA inspector to remove him despite not legally being allowed to.

Judge Christine Laing KC, who said she has never owned a dog, said: ‘I find this case really extraordinary.

‘Even as a non dog owner, I would have seen instantly that this dog was in a terrible state.’

She added: ‘He would not have been able to move without being in agony.

‘The ribs showing through his skin you could not have failed to miss.

‘He had scabs and inflammation on his skin you could not have failed to miss.’

He had prominent ribs, hips and spine. His eyes were sunken and his claws were curling over.

The RSPCA did their best to save him, but Bentley died overnight after suffering months of neglect.

When contacted by the RSPCA through information found on Bentley’s chip, long distance lorry driver Byrne told them Bentley had not seen a vet for a year.

Singer said they put his condition down to old age and tiredness, claiming she believed he wouldn’t have come home if they had taken him to a vet.

The pair tried convincing the court they had left Bentley – their pet of seven years – in the care of a family friend, but the judge rejected this claim.

Judge Laing said: ‘You insist on continuing to persist with this bizarre story.

‘The dog had clearly been suffering for a very substantial period of time and you decided to swan off on holiday.

‘I’m not even convinced you had somebody to look after it or that this person even existed.

‘The animal was clearly starving. There was no food in its stomach.

‘It really is appalling behaviour. I am at a loss.

‘Both of you talk about it as if it was a beloved family pet.

‘What an example you are showing to your children about what love is.’
Singer and Byrne were convicted in their absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure his welfare.

Criticising their avoidance of court, the judge said: ‘There is no mitigation to be found.

‘I’m quite satisfied you have gone to considerable efforts to avoid the whole court process.’

The judge told them they would likely have had to serve time behind bars if they were not the parents of seven children.

Sentencing |
Singer: six month prison term, suspended for two years.; 200 hours of unpaid work.
Byrne: nine month prison term, suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work.
£350 costs each.
FIVE-year ban (expires April 2029).

Sussex World
The Mirror
Metro

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Totton, Southampton: Carrie Hansford

April 21, 2024 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Carrie Hansford aka Carrie Matthews, born c. 1980, of Wickham Court, Totton, Southampton SO40 3GJ – caused a 10-year-old dog “unimaginable suffering” after leaving him to starve to death in an abandoned flat.

RSPCA prosecution of Southampton woman Carrie Hansford, who moved out of her home leaving behind her dog to starve to death — Heartless Carrie Hansford left her dog behind to die after moving in with a new boyfriend

Hansford left Staffy Rocky alone in her property on Junction Road, Southampton, after she moved in with a new boyfriend.

The court heard she saw Rocky the day after he died – December 17, 2022 – but left him there to rot.

Eventually a dog warden found Rocky’s emaciated body surrounded by his own faeces.

A statement from an expert vet witness said: “In the kitchen area there were hundreds of faeces deposits.

“There were also a number of household items on the floor along with a deceased male brindle-and-white Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog. The dog was wearing a slack collar and the bony prominences were easily observed.”

The court heard that Rocky had died from starvation and dehydration. He weighed less than 7kg.

The vet’s statement explained the amount of faeces in the kitchen was consistent with Rocky having had access to food and water on a regular basis for a prolonged period.

It added: “However, at some point this must have stopped, and a lack of access to food caused Rocky to lose weight and arrive at an emaciated bodily condition.

“More importantly, at some point in time Rocky’s access to water must have also stopped, resulting in dehydration and death.

“In addition, Rocky would have been spending long periods of time in social isolation. As a social species, this would have affected the mental health of this animal.”

Hansford pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between 7th August 2022 and 7th December 2022.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Mark Knight, the dog warden who discovered Rocky’s remains said it was one of the most distressing cases of animal abuse in his career.

The former veterinary nurse added: “It is clear the owner intended to leave the dog to die. She easily could have gotten assistance and help and that would’ve given the dog a chance.

“He had no chance being locked behind a door with no food or water.

“There were ripped packages, ripped everything, everywhere. The dog had been searching for food and trying to find a way to survive.

“As an animal warden, I am there for the welfare of animals. I felt raw emotion at that time.”

Mark described the punishment meted out to Hansford as “quite shocking”.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Dogs are completely reliant on their owners and to not provide for their needs is a breach of the law.

“Providing food, water and a suitable living environment are essential elements of that care.

“The vet highlighted that Rocky had been left without food and water for a prolonged period of time and the suffering Rocky endured as a result is unimaginable.”

Sentencing | four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months; 100 hours of unpaid work. A FIVE-year ban on keeping animals.

Daily Mail
ITV News
Daily Echo

Dogs, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Gravesend, North West Kent: Javel Pilgrim

April 19, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Javel Pilgrim, born 14 November 1999, of Saint Gregory’s Crescent, Gravesend, but with links to the Hackney and Barking areas of London – caught on camera abusing his pet dog.

RSPCA prosecution of violent dog abuser Javel Pilgrim, previously of Barking London and now Gravesend in Kent.

Pilgram, who according to his LinkedIn profile works as a “program development professional”, admitted the physical abuse and neglect of his pet dog, Tessa, in a case brought by the RSPCA.

The incident, which took place on January 25, 2023, saw Pilgrim, who at the time lived on Maybury Road, Barking, lift Tessa up before hurling her from height onto the ground.

A vet who viewed the video after it was reported to the RSPCA commented: “The person does not drop the dog by accident but throws it with intent and force enough to propel it a considerable distance from him.”

“The clip shows him positioning the dog behind him to enable him to throw the dog effectively. The energy required in my opinion and experience in handling dogs, was very large to throw the dog the distance seen, and the intent was to harm the dog.

“There is no sign … that the dog was trying to bite the person, or that the man was acting in self-defence. He is not seen attending to the dog immediately afterwards, suggesting that he failed to prevent further suffering by not checking for injuries.”

When RSPCA animal rescue officer Bryan Taylor visited Pilgrim, he discovered Tessa living in the garden. She was removed from the property with consent and taken for a veterinary examination on January 26, 2023.

The vet found her to be underweight at 15.9kg, scoring three out of nine on the body condition scale. She had sustained injuries, staining, and calluses on her lower limbs, as well as fractured teeth.

A vet stated: “This injury could have occurred when the owner threw her onto the ground- it is common for injuries to the carpus (wrist) to be caused by falling from a height. The graze on her carpus could have occurred at the same time.”

“The damage to Tessa’s teeth could also have occurred when she was thrown.

“We treated Tessa with a painkiller and a diet plan to help her gain weight.

“On February 2, her weight had increased to 16.7kg. Her cough resolved with this treatment and she is not showing any signs of lameness.”

“We also noted that while Tessa was very well behaved with female members of staff she showed signs of fear aggression (e.g. lunging when cornered) with some of our male staff members- suggesting that her previous mistreatment has made her fearful of men”.

Speaking about the case, RSPCA inspector Shahnaz Ahmad, who was in charge of the investigation for the animal welfare charity, commented: “Pilgrim inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on Tessa. There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order, with 15 days of “rehabilitation”; £80 fine and £114 victim surcharge. Indefinite ban.

London Post
EssexLive

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Chatham, Kent: Simon Moynes

April 14, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Simon Moynes, born c. 1985, of 26 Pimpernel Way, Chatham ME5 0SF – left his elderly dog to suffer with an “oozing”, grapefruit-sized tumour and other ailments.

RSPCA prosecution of Chatham man Simon Moynes, who left his elderly pet dog, Cassie, to suffer with multiple ailments including tumours.

The RSPCA was called to Moynes’ address in January 2023 to investigate reports of concern about a dog with fleas and bad skin.

There they found Cassie in a subdued state, covered in urine stains, underweight and with a huge tumour.

An inspector said: “I immediately noted a strong smell of urine and infection coming from Cassie.”

“She appeared extremely lethargic and subdued.

“Moynes placed Cassie on the floor in front of me and I could see she was extremely underweight with her ribs clearly visible. She had fur loss across her mid to lower back and down her back legs and I could see urine staining on her back legs. She also appeared to be dripping urine involuntarily.

“She had evidence of flea dirt and fleas on her back. Cassie was able to stand for a few seconds before she laid down in front of me and appeared extremely weak on her legs.

“On her front left leg around her elbow she had a large mass that I noted was about the size of a grapefruit that was open, ulcerated, oozing pus and blood and smelt extremely strong of infection.

“I also noted a small mass on her abdomen that was also open, ulcerated and oozing pus and blood.”

Moynes then told the inspector that Cassie had not seen a vet since before 2020. He claimed he couldn’t get an appointment during the Covid lockdown, the RSPCA said.

The defendant agreed to let the inspector take Cassie to the vet for treatment – where it was decided that the most humane option would be to put her to sleep.

In a witness statement, the vet said: “The period of suffering is likely to have been 18 months and this could have been reduced if veterinary advice was sought sooner.

“Both masses would have caused severe pain and suffering for Cassie. There was rotting tissue in both masses which had caused severe infection.

“Due to her anaemia she was extremely lethargic and had shortness of breath upon presentation.

“Cassie would have been suffering with anaemia for up to six months as a result of her untreated condition. Due to her emaciation and muscle wastage, she could barely stand and couldn’t walk where she was so lethargic, weak and in a suffering state.

“Her tumours were so large that they were inoperable, and would have had to involve removal of the entire front leg to adequately remove the tumour. In a severely compromised, anaemic and hypotensive dog this would not have been possible as she would not have survived the anaesthetic.”

In mitigation, Moynes said he had “mental health issues”. He is said to have shown significant remorse and accepted that Cassie should have been taken to a vet.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work and 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. A 10-year ban applicable to all animals.

KentLive
KentOnline

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Stanhope, Kent: Edith Nixon

March 21, 2024 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | illegal dog breeder Edith Nishanthy Nixon of Monkton Close, Stanhope, Ashford TN23 5ET – neglected multiple puppies in her care, leading to many dying through malnourishment.

Local authority prosecution of illegal dog breeder and dog abuser Edith Nishanty Nixon from Stanhope, Ashford, Kent.

Nixon was prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for illegally breeding dogs. The case was brought by Ashford Borough Council.

She was responsible for breeding at least 10 litters of Pomeranian pups between 2020 and 2022 without holding an animal activity licence for dog breeding.

She advertised her dogs through social media and also placed adverts on classified site Freeads.

After receiving a complaint from a buyer of one of the dogs, the council carried out an investigation.

Nixon admitted that a number of puppies had died due to a lack of milk, and demonstrated a lack of basic care or knowledge which could have prevented the suffering and deaths of the pups.

She failed to act promptly when the pups were first noted to be subdued and lethargic, with a lack of understanding of how to tell if pups were dehydrated.

There was also no process in place to monitor the pups’ healthy growth and food intake through regular weighing.

On 13 March 2024, Nixon pleaded guilty to the offences at Folkestone Magistrates Court.

Cllr Liz Wright, Cabinet Member for Communities and Health, said: “This case sends out a clear message that the council will not tolerate the flouting of licensing laws that regulate this sector.

“The checks, inspections, and monitoring associated with licensing help to ensure that premises are suitable for dog breeding, that the licensee is competent, and that the welfare of the dogs and pups is not compromised through the breeding activity.

“It also acts to give buyers confidence that the pets they purchase come from a reputable breeder, who is subject to routine and unannounced inspection.”

Speaking after the court case, RSPCA Kent Chief Inspector Nick Wheelhouse said: “Puppies have become a valuable commodity and, unfortunately, that has attracted people who want to exploit them in order to make profit.

“Sadly, some breeders do not prioritise the health and welfare of their dogs, and unsuspecting members of the public unknowingly buy puppies who are sick.

“We’d urge anyone who is thinking of getting a dog to consider taking on a rescue instead of buying a puppy. Anyone who is looking for a puppy can use The Puppy Contract to help them buy a happy, healthy dog.”

Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid work; costs of £2,701.50 and victim surcharge of £114. No mention of a ban.

ITV News
Kent Online

Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Stanwell, Surrey: Riley Leigh-Shaw

February 17, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife persecutor and backyard breeder Riley Jay Ronald Leigh-Shaw, born 16 April 2001, of Southern Cottages, Horton Road, near Stanwell, Staines-upon-Thames TW19 6AG – kept two lurchers, a Patterdale terrier and a Jack Russell in dilapidated and filthy outdoor cages.

CPS prosecution of dog abuser and wildlife killer Riley Leigh Shaw from Stanwell, Surrey — Riley Leigh-Shaw, an animal abuser from the Spelthorne district of Surrey.

Surrey Police officers found the four dogs after conducting a warrant at an address in Stanwell on May 11, 2023. The animals, who all appeared neglected and malnourished, were kept in dilapidated wooden cages within the garden of the property.

The dogs were seized under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and taken to a vets for assessment. At least one of them needed urgent medical treatment.

In court, Leigh-Shaw pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and four counts of keeping the dogs in unsuitable conditions.

Investigating Officer PC Duncan MacKenzie said; “This was a shocking case where the dogs were kept in appalling conditions. Fortunately, the dogs have all now been placed in loving homes and will be able to live as they should.

“If you think someone is mistreating or neglecting animals in their care, please make sure to report it to us.”

Sentencing | 75 days in prison. Ten-year ban on owning animals.

Surrey Police
SurreyLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers

Ramsgate, Kent: Tim Springett

February 4, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder and conman Timothy Ronald Springett, born October 1973, with a last known address of Whinfell Avenue, Ramsgate CT11 0QE – kept a Russian terrier in conditions that exposed him to the elements and allowed his fur to become severely matted and full of dirt and faeces.

Animal abuser and conman Tim Springett from Ramsgate, Kent — Convicted fraudster Tim Springett repeatedly ignores the RSPCA’s advice to groom his dog and failed to provide him with a sheltered sleeping area.

Following an RSPCA investigation former company director Tim Springett, who was jailed for four years in 2015 for serious tax fraud and money laundering offences, was found to be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in relation to the dog, called Barney. This states that owners must protect the animal from suffering by grooming regularly, and provide the animal with a safe and hygienic environment.

Ramsgate man Tim Springett's dog Barney was found carrying 8kg of matted fur but is now unrecognisable after being rescued by the RSPCA — The weight of filth in Barney’s coat affected his mobility

Police seized Barney at Springett’s home, after finding him wandering in the garden clambering over mess and smelling of faeces.

The Russian Terrier was found to have been carrying an extra 21% of its body weight from the excess hair. The RSPCA shaved 7.8kg of matted fur, with staff suspecting it was a result of the dog being left to sleep outside, with no shelter or dry areas.

Persistent liar Springett told RSPCA inspectors that he believed the breed did not need clipping.

In court he pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences.

In a witness statement, investigating RSPCA Inspector Tina Nash said Barney was: “extremely matted, with big clumps of fur hanging off of him that appeared to be full of dirt or faeces and tightly bound to areas around his back”

Describing how the pet’s poor odour made her feel ill, Tina said: “The dog did not smell very nice and made me want to wretch.

“The environment was very untidy with lots of stuff everywhere and very dirty.

“I went into the back garden which was covered in faeces and very dirty.

“There were no dry areas for the dog.”

The vet who shaved Barney said: “The dog had been made to support a coat weighing approximately 21% of his body weight as he moved around. The weight of this coat would have risen considerably when the dog was wet. I am in no doubt that this would cause the animal physical stress as he moved.

“It is my professional opinion, based on the information provided to me, that the person responsible for the care of the dog had failed to provide the dog with a sheltered sleeping area with bedding. The person had also failed to groom the dog over many months and, as a consequence, had left him in a position where he was likely to suffer.”

During mitigation, Springett said that he loves dogs and has experience working with them, and claimed his ill-health was behind the issues.

Barney has been transformed after months of care by the RSPCA. Currently in private boarding, he will be made available for rehoming soon.

Sentencing | 12-month community order. Five year ban applicable to all animals (expires February 2029).

National World
Daily Mail
Kent Online

Additional Information

In 2015 Kimberley White, founder of The Retreat Animal Rescue, was given a conditional discharge after admitting illegally receiving 10 “malnourished” dogs from Tim Springett after he was arrested for fraud.

Kimberley pleaded guilty to handling three German and Belgian Shepherd dogs and seven puppies, all of whom were microchipped to Springett.

The court heard that while in custody Springett had asked his estranged wife to arrange care for the dogs, who were housed at his home in Whinfell Avenue, Ramsgate.

On his release from custody Springett discovered the dogs were missing and initially thought they had been seized by a landlord in lieu of non-payment of rent. But neighbours confirmed they had seen a van bearing the logo of The Retreat and a complaint was made to the police.

Kimberley’s lawyer told the court her client had spent £5,000 of her own money caring for the dogs, who she said were seriously malnourished.

She said: “Many of the puppies were close to death and she had wanted to care for them. She has now learned a harsh lesson.

“But she is a person who lives, breathes and sleeps her work looking after dogs. She made no money out of placing the animals. Her objective was to find them good and loving homes”.

The lawyer added that after some of the animals were later returned to Springett and after his jailing were given to the RSPCA and later put down.

The presiding judge, Heather Norton, gave Kimberley a conditional discharge and questioned whether her prosecution was in the public interest.

Kent Online

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Kidlington, Oxfordshire: Daniel Bayley

January 29, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Daniel Bayley, born c. 1981, formerly of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, but now no fixed abode – caught hitting his pet dog and dragging him by the collar.

Bayley pleaded guilty to hitting the dog, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Bailey, and intentionally sitting on him.

He was also seen dragging the dog by his collar.

It was ordered the dog was removed from Bayley, now of no fixed abode, and he was banned from owning an animal for five years.

He was also fined £200. There were court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £80.

Oxford Mail

UK Animal Cruelty Files