Monthly Archives: March 2017

Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Sidcup, South-East London: Anthony and Lucy O’Donnell

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CONVICTED (2017) | puppy dealers Anthony and Lucy O’Donnell, both born c. 1986, of the Old Maidstone Road Caravan Site, Old Maidstone Road, Sidcup DA14 5BW – sold dying puppies to unsuspecting buyers.

The O’Donnells pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to dogs and for failing to meet the needs of 11 puppies.

Lucy O’Donnell also admitted one offence of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.


The RSPCA became aware of the puppy dealers in December 2015 following a number of calls to the charity’s cruelty line from the public reporting the deaths of puppies they’d bought just days before.

RSPCA inspector Carroll Lamport led an investigation into the dealers. He said: “Twelve people who had bought puppies from the same address got in touch with us to report concerns around the sellers after their dogs fell ill soon after coming home.

“Sadly, of those 12 pups, all but two died.”

The RSPCA mounted an undercover operation with officers posing as a couple buying a pup as a birthday present. They met Lucy O’Donnell at the side of a road and, after a few minutes of questions, handed over cash and walked away with a tiny puppy, which was subsequently rehomed with a loving family.

The RSPCA and local police executed a warrant at the address and discovered around 50 dogs and puppies at the property.

“There was no evidence of anything illegal regarding those dogs, so none were seized from the address on the day,” inspector Lamport said. However, they were able to prosecute in relation to the sick puppies the O’Donnells had sold.

Inspector Lamport added: “It’s heartbreaking to think this couple put money and profits ahead of the welfare of these poor pups and, as a result of failing to establish a disease control programme, and failing to provide appropriate treatment for illness, 10 puppies lost their lives.”

Sentencing: Lucy O’Donnell was jailed for two years and disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years, while husband Anthony was given a five-month jail term and also disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Vet Times
Daily Mail

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Chorley, Lancashire: Christopher Dennett

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CONVICTED (2017) |  Christopher Dennett, born April 1986, of Anderton Crescent, Chorley PR7 8BB – filmed chasing a Dogue de Bordeaux puppy around garden with a plank of wood, causing her to be traumatised and terrified of men

Dog abuser Christopher Dennett from Chorley, Lancashire. Picture; Facebook.

A horrified neighbour caught the attack on video and rang police and sent it to the RSPCA, sparking an investigation.

Unremorseful Dennett, an HGV driver who transports livestock, laughed off the investigation telling RSPCA workers he was trying to train the dog for close-quarters protection for his girlfriend.

The court watched the 47-second video in which the frightened dog is heard barking and seen running away as Dennett swings at her with the wood.

RSPCA Inspector Helen Smith said the one-year-old puppy has been left terrified of men as a result of her treatment. She said: “Mr Dennett showed no remorse when interviewed and didn’t seem to understand what he had done wrong.

“As you can see from the video, Narla is terrified, and has been caused unnecessary suffering, fear and distress.

“She is now terrified of men and although we could find no significant physical harm, emotionally she is not in a good way”.

Narla was not harmed physically during the horrific incident but has suffered emotional damage and nis now terrified of men. Image: RSPCA
Narla was not harmed physically during the horrific incident but has suffered emotional damage and nis now terrified of men

The court heard Dennett was trying to emulate a training video he had seen on Youtube. But Insp Smith said: “He said he was training the dog to protect his partner for when he was away but this is no way to train a dog.

“You can hear the dog growling and then yelping, although it is not clear if Narla was struck in the video.

“Mr Dennett has now signed Narla into the care of the RSPCA and we will look after her and then try to re-home her.”

Dog abuser Christopher Dennett from Chorley, Lancashire. Picture; Facebook.

Dennett admitted one offence under the Animal Welfare Act of causing unnecessary suffering by using threatening or abusive behaviour towards the dog.

Sentence: total of £726 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping dogs for 12 months (expired March 2018).

Lancashire Post

Dogs

Bucksburn, Aberdeen: Agnes McPhee

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CONVICTED (2017) | Agnes McPhee, born c. 1967, of Brimmondside, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 – starved two dogs found scavenging desperately for food

Dog abuser Agnes McPhee from Aberdeen

McPhee admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide Staffordshire bull terrier Kai and rottweiler Bruno with adequate nutrition, which resulted in them losing weight.

The court previously heard Kai had been left so hungry he was “scavenging” for food.

McPhee also failed to seek treatment for their medical ailments which included skin conditions and pressure sores.

One of the dogs abused by Agnes McPhee from Aberdeen
Rottweiler Bruno was sadly put to sleep due to a liver condition

She also exposed Bruno to urine and excrement, failed to provide an adequate resting area and confined him to a vehicle.

The offences took place between January 4 and May 4 2016 at West Tullos Industrial Estate.

Bruno was later put to sleep as it was felt unfair to subject him to treatment due to a liver condition he had, which was not thought to be related to his living conditions.

When the offences came to light Kai was described as being in a “poor condition” and was around 5kg under- weight.

The court heard there had been reports of the dog “scavenging from a bin” and Kai “ravenously ate” anything offered to him by the vet. It was believed he had been underfed for up to six weeks.

Kai, who was given antibiotic treatment, also had a number of skin lesions.

Bruno was seen to be “emaciated” and was thought to be up to 10kg underweight.

The dogs were taken to a SSPCA rehoming centre, which was when it was decided Bruno would be put to sleep.

Sentencing:
Total fines of £500. 10-year disqualification order

Evening Express

Dogs

Birkenhead, Merseyside: Liza Johns and Barry Faulkner

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CONVICTED (2017) | Liza Johns, born c. 1975, and Barry Faulkner, born 13/12/1967, of Harcourt Street, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 4JA – failed to seek treatment for their pet dogs’ severe skin condition

Dog abusers Barry Faulkner and Liza Johns

Faulkner and Johns pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to two collie dogs, named Custard and Tippy, by failing to provide veterinary treatment.

The court heard that the RSPCA were alerted by concerned members of the public who had seen the dogs with large amounts of fur missing.

Both Custard and Tippy were left with a severe skin condition
Both Custard and Tippy were left with a severe skin condition

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “When I went round to their house, the first thing that struck me was that there was a very strong smell of yeast infection in the air. Both dogs were nibbling themselves to the point that Custard managed to rip open a sore on her body.

“They were both clearly very itchy and uncomfortable and the smell really was overpowering. I took them to a vet, where they were diagnosed with having mange. It is hard to say how long they were like this for, but they should have been taken to a vet at the earliest opportunity.

“By law we have a duty to care for our pets and veterinary treatment is not something which should be ignored.”

Both Custard and Tippy were left with a severe skin condition

Inspector Joynes added that the dogs have “come a long way” since arriving in the RSPCA’s care.

He added: “They have dramatically improved, but still have a way to go.

Liza Johns and partner Barry Faulkner from Birkenhead have been banned from keeping dogs for 5 years
Tippy has come a long way since coming into the RSPCA’s care

“Most importantly they’re no longer in great discomfort as they were when we rescued them, which has allowed their individual personalities to come out. Rather than being obsessed with chewing and scratching themselves, they are now really friendly, inquisitive and playful dogs.”

Sentencing:  12-month community order. Faulkner was ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £620 in costs. Johns was ordered to do 60 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £455 in costs. Both were banned from keeping dogs for five years (expired March 2022).

Liverpool Echo

Dogs

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire: Brenda Bateman

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CONVICTED (2017) Brenda Bateman, born 25/11/1973, of Charles Street, Milford Haven SA73 2AE – subjected an elderly collie-cross dog called Jess to horrendous levels of neglect; Jess sadly put to sleep

Animal abuser: Brenda Bateman from Milford Haven, Wales. Picture: Facebook

Bateman admitted two animal welfare offences at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

Brenda Bateman's neglected dog. Picture: RSPCA

Magistrates heard she failed to seek veterinary care for the collie-cross dog called Jess, who had a severe chronic skin condition and arthritis, causing the animal to suffer unnecessarily.

Brenda Bateman's neglected dog. Picture: RSPCA

Bateman also admitted failing to trim the dog’s overgrown nails, which led to problems with the way she walked.

Jess was later put to sleep due to her health problems.

Brenda Bateman's neglected dog. Picture: RSPCA

Speaking after the case RSPCA Cymru inspector Keith Hogben said: “The level of neglect experienced by this poor dog was horrendous.

“Jess had a severe chronic skin condition and overgrown nails, which impacted how she walked. It’s so sad that the neglect she endured sadly meant she lost her life.

It is critical that people remember they have very clear legal responsibilities towards their animals. RSPCA Cymru will continue to fight for justice for dogs like this poor collie-cross, in all corners of Wales”.

Sentence: £300 in costs, £220 fine and £30 victim surcharge; banned from keeping animals for seven years (expires March 2024).

ITV News

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

Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria: John Hall

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CONVICTED (2017) | John Alexander Hall, born c. 1997, of Low White Close, Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4AW – struck a tiny dog on the neck, killing him

Dog killer John Hall from Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, UK. Also pictured is his victim Oscar
Evil brute John Hall killed the tiny dog pictured after hitting him with force

Hall admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a Yorkshire terrier cross, called Oscar.

RSPCA prosecutor, Mr Steven Marsh, told the court that the then 19-year-old had been walking Oscar for his owner and he hit the dog with such force that he fatally injured the dog.

John Hall

The Barrow court heard that the blunt force trauma caused by Hall had fractured Oscar’s vertebrae and the animal, belonging to an ex partner of Hall’s, had died from his injury.

The incident happened in Barrow on November 15, 2016 and the RSPCA brought the prosecution to court.

The court hearing was told that Hall suffers from clinical depression.

Defence solicitor, Mr Trystan Roberts, said that Hall is remorseful for his actions and he had pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity. The defendant also had no previous convictions.

Sentencing:
16-week prison term, suspended for 12 months. 12-week curfew; total of £415 costs and charges. Disqualified for five years from keeping animals (expired March 2022).

The Mail 13/03/2017
The Mail 14/03/2017

Dogs

Wallasey, Merseyside: Christine Daly

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CONVICTED (2017) | Christine Daly, born c. 1957, of Selby Street, Wallasey, Wirral CH45 7LN – kept her elderly pet dog in squalid conditions surrounded in rubbish and his own faeces

Elderly Timothy was left in agony by his owner Christine Daley with a tumour on his face and surrounded in rubbish and his own faeces
Elderly Timothy was left in agony by his owner Christine Daly with a tumour on his face and surrounded in rubbish and his own faeces

Wirral Magistrates Court heard that 16-year-old collie Timmy, who had a facial tumour the size of an orange, was rescued by fire crews who forced entry into the house in Selby Street, Wallasey following concerns by neighbours about living conditions.

Elderly Timmy was kept in appalling conditions by his owner Christine Daly

They found Timmy lying on a sofa in the living room, which was strewn with rubbish, faeces and mouldy food and there was a strong smell of ammonia. Firefighters contacted the RSPCA

Timmy’s owner Christine Daly was interviewed and pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to  Timmy by failing to provide veterinary treatment to the tumour, and failing to providing him with a suitable living environment, between October 1 and October 25, 2016.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes told the Globe: “The fire crew could smell something very strong and unpleasant through the letterbox and were concerned that there was a dead body in the house, so they gained entry with the police.

“That’s when they found Timmy, so they contacted us.

“The house was in squalor – every room was full of faeces.

“It was very hard to not stand in faeces as the carpet was full of it.

“It was one of the worst environments I have been in.

“The ammonia smell from the urine was very strong and there was mouldy food and rubbish on the floor.

“There was no evidence to suggest someone had been living there – there was no food in the fridge and there was no electricity.

“Timmy was essentially using the house as his kennel and as his toilet.

Dog abuser Christine Daley of Wallasey, Merseyside
Timmy after his rescue

He continued: “Additionally, there were flies all over the house.

“It was a wonder that Timmy wasn’t suffering from flystrike too, which happens when flies lay their eggs on an animal’s flesh, with a wound like that on his face.

“If he hadn’t have been found when he was, we could have been dealing with a dog on the brink of death, or even the body of a dog.

“I went home that night quite upset and shocked, just thinking about what Timmy went through.

“He is an elderly dog and should have been relaxing on a sofa in a lovely home, not living as he was, in a lonely, dirty environment.”

Commenting on Timmy’s new life, Inspector Joynes continued: “He had so many hurdles to overcome.

“He had to have a series of tests to determine if the tumour was attached to any bones, or if it had spread elsewhere.

“Luckily, these tests came back as negative so it was something which could be surgically removed safely.

“He survived the operation, however due to the size of the tumour which had been removed, he was in some discomfort for a few weeks afterwards – but he has overcome that and now he is living such a nice life.

“It makes all the bad thoughts from that day worth it.

“Timmy is now living with a vet on a farm in Cheshire and he is having such a lovely life.

“There is a genuinely happy ending to such a sad case”.

Sentencing:
Six-week prison sentence, suspended for six months. Costs of £1,075. Banned from keeping all animals for 10 years (expires March 2027).

Wirral Globe
Liverpool Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham: Yvette Dove

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CONVICTED (2017) | Yvette Dove, born 26/10/1986, of Felley Avenue, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottingham NG17 9FS – left her Dogue de Bordeaux to starve to death

Photo of dog killer Yvette Dove
Heartless single mother Yvette Dove from Kirkby-in-Ashfield left her pet dog to starve to death

Single mother-of-four Dove’s pet Dogue de Bordeaux, Buster, was found dead four months after the RSPCA offered to find him a new home when worries surfaced and an officer paid a visit.

No further details are available online.

Sentence: one year’s probation; five-year ban on keeping animals (expired March 2022).

[Nottingham Post article removed]

Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, poaching, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

County Durham Poaching Ring: Liam Barker, John Fenwick, Conor Goodfellow, Josh Lee

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CONVICTED (2017) |  Liam Paul Barker, born 16/08/1994, from Spennymoor, John Thomas Fenwick, born 15/03/1994, from St Helen Auckland, Conor William Goodfellow (aka Conor Hughes), born c. 1995, from West Auckland, and Joshua Adam Lee, born c. 1997, from St Helen Auckland – convicted of poaching offences

Photo shows convicted poachers Joshua Lee, Conor Goodfellow, John Tom Fenwick all of Co Durham
These three men plus Liam Paul Barker (photo wanted) were found guilty of poaching in Richmondshire , North Yorkshire

Joshua Adam Lee, Conor William Goodfellow, John Tom Fenwick plus Liam Paul Barker were convicted of poaching offences and ordered to pay more than £700 in total, thanks to vigilance from a member of the public.

Liam Barker
Liam Barker

On October 10 2016, a silver Subaru Forester car was spotted around the Richmond area of North Yorkshire and was eventually seen by a witness in Patrick Brompton, near Leyburn. The witness noticed men poaching with dogs on private land.

Officers stopped four men who were all interviewed and reported for summons for daytime poaching offences.

John Thomas Fenwick from St Helen Auckland
John Thomas Fenwick from St Helen Auckland

On February 3, 2017, the four men all pleaded guilty to daytime poaching at Northallerton Magistrates Court.

Conor Goodfellow (left) from West Auckland and Joshua Lee from St Helen Auckland
Conor Goodfellow (left) from West Auckland and Joshua Lee from St Helen Auckland

Goodfellow was ordered to pay fines, a victim surcharge and costs of £155. Barker, Lee and Fenwick were each ordered to pay fines, a victim surcharge and costs of £198.

Wildlife crime officer PC Mark Wood, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a good result and we are grateful that a witness came forward and reported this to the police.

John Thomas Fenwick (left) and Joshua Lee
John Thomas Fenwick (left) and Joshua Lee

“It shows that people do not like the idea of hares being destroyed by dogs in this way, and local farmers don’t appreciate people trespassing over their land to do it. We will continue to deal robustly with crimes of this nature, and I urge anyone to report incidents like this to the police.”

Northern Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Lifers

Portadown, County Armagh: Jennifer Wilson

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CONVICTED (2017) | Jennifer Wilson, born c. 1971, of Churchill Park, Portadown BT62 1EX – for neglect and starvation of two German Shepherds

Shadow, the German Shepherd neglected and starved by cruel Jennifer Wilson of Portadown, Northern Ireland
Shadow at the time of seizure from his cruel owner Jennifer Wilson

Jennifer Wilson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and to failing to care for nine-month-old Shadow and his mother .

Shadow was so malnourished that he struggled to get up from the floor when Animal Welfare Officers arrived at the property. His mother was also very underweight

The case arose from an animal welfare complaint received by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in March 2016 about the condition of dogs kept by Wilson.

The dogs were removed from the property and brought into the care of the council.

Shadow, the German Shepherd neglected and starved by cruel Jennifer Wilson of Portadown, Northern Ireland. He has now recovered
Shadow made a full recovery in the care of German Shepherd RRR

Shadow recovered in the care of rescue German Shepherd RRR and rehomed. His mother also made a full recovery and was rehomed via the council.

Sentencing: fined £350 and ordered to pay £969 costs to the council. Lifetime disqualification from keeping any animals.

Belfast Telegraph
ArmaghI