CONVICTED (2017) | Liam Smith, born c. 1994, of Tuckers Road, Loughborough LE11 – dragged a puppy on a lead through a cemetery, stripping the skin off his paws, before attacking him
Liam Smith
Liam Smith was seen by staff at a cemetery in Leicester Road, Loughborough, swearing at 16-week-old American bulldog Cash as he dragged him yelping and screaming along the road.
They intervened and were sworn at by Smith.
American bulldog puppy Cash was subjected to cruel treatment at the hands of Liam Smith
Later a woman walking her own dog tried to grab the puppy and then called the police..
Members of the public stopped Smith from boarding a bus with the puppy while they waited for the officers to arrive.
Smith was taken into custody and told police he had just tripped over the dog and that he had been in a hurry to go home because he had to go shopping.
He was later charged with subjecting an animal to unnecessary physical violence, which he denied, but was later found guilty in his absence.
Kevin McCole, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said the two cemetery workers saw the dog “crying and yelping”.
He said: “The defendant had a small child riding a bike on stabilisers and he was dragging the dog behind while effing and blinding at it because it wasn’t walking.
“It was rolling over and screaming. He stopped and he kicked and punched it.
“It tried to get away through some railings and he pulled it back.”
Mr McCole said one of the cemetery workers told Smith: “If I see you touch that dog again I’m going to call the police. If you don’t want the dog give it to me.
Mr McCole said Smith just swore at the man. A woman who was walking her dog then tried to take the bulldog’s lead off Smith and when she failed to do that, she called the police.
After Smith’s arrest, the dog was taken to the vet and found to have skin ripped from his paws, damage to his claws and a spinal injury.
Deputy District Judge described the offence as “extremely unpleasant” adding that it feel “into the highest culpability” in terms of the pain and suffering caused to the puppy.
Sentencing: 12-week jail sentence suspended for 12 months; 100 hours of unpaid work; 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Total of £615 costs and charges. Banned from keeping any pets for five years (expired April 2022).
CONVICTED (2017) | farmhand Owen Nichol, born c. 1998, of Buckland Road, Taunton TA2 8EW – caught on camera kicking and punching cows and calves
Owen Nichol admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The thug’s actions were filmed by the campaign group Animal Equality at Pyrland Farm in Taunton in December 2016.
He is seen throwing one calf away from its mother and kicking and stamping on a calf seven times.
During a four-minute clip, Nichol is seen kicking and punching a cow that had just given birth, as well as slamming a gate on it.
The RSPCA launched an investigation after being shown the footage.
Chairman of the magistrates Dr Peter Reed told Nichol his behaviour was “absolutely unacceptable”.
He said the offences passed the custody threshold but Nichol would be given a suspended sentence because of his age and lack of previous convictions and circumstances at the time.
Dr Toni Shephard, from Animal Equality UK, said the organisation was “extremely disappointed” Nichol had not been sent to prison for the “disgusting attacks on vulnerable cows and calves”.
“Anything less than a custodial sentence is a wholly inadequate punishment for these disturbing acts of cruelty,” she said.
Sentencing: 12-week prison sentence, suspended for one year. Banned from keeping or working with animals for two years. (expired April 2019).
CONVICTED (2017) | Simon Walton, born 21 March 1990, of Broom Terrace, Crook DL15 9LG – broke his pet cat’s leg in a fit of rage
Walton kicked the tabby called Tom across the room and into a door frame after the animal disturbed him sleeping.
The court heard that Walton, who has a history of drug abuse, had taken Diazepam and smoked cannabis the previous evening. Kevin Campbell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said the cat annoyed the sleeping defendant causing him to “lash out” with his foot.
Following a report from his stepfather, who noticed the pet was dragging his hind leg, the eight-month-old feline was seen by a vet.
Magistrates were told the cat was in extreme pain and had to have surgery on what was described by the vet as a “life-long injury”.
Mr Campbell said the vet found “the injury was consistent with the cat having been thrown at or kicked at the wall with force”.
Peter Hamill, mitigating, said Walton was remorseful and shocked by his behaviour. He added the defendant had consumed drugs the night before and his actions were not deliberate but “reckless”.
Walton pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the protected animal.
Sentencing: £300 costs. Three-year disqualification order (expired April 2020).
CONVICTED (2017) | Christopher Thomas Galloway, born May 1958, of Dalmore Way, Irvine KA11 2BT – kicked four dogs on three separate occasions in just seven weeks; assaulted two dog-walkers and racially abused a third
Christopher Galloway pictured during his court appearance
Retired accountant and father-of-eight Christopher Galloway was convicted of animal cruelty. He was also found guilty of assaulting an elderly man and a young mother, as well as racially abusing a nurse whom he wrongly thought was Asian.
Passing sentence, Sheriff David Hall told Galloway his behaviour had been “quite bizarre,” telling him he “should’ve known better”.
Despite initially denying the charges, Galloway apologised for his actions in court, saying “with hindsight” he may “have overreacted”.
Following a three-hour trial in March 2017, Galloway was found guilty of nine of 12 charges against him. He was found not-guilty of three others.
One of his victims is to be compensated £300 after Galloway chipped her tooth when he punched her, cutting her lip and leaving her face bruised.
Heather Hargreaves and sister Pamela Cox told court during trial how, on February 13, 2017, two of their three dogs had been kicked by Galloway.
Puppy Bruno was attacked by Christopher Galloway
Upon confronting him about hitting their dogs – including a Jack Russell puppy – Galloway punched Ms Hargreaves on the face whilst holding the handle of his extension lead.
Court heard that the 35-year-old required dental treatment. Her sister Pamela managed to get a picture of Galloway and reported the matter to the police “immediately”. He was arrested later that day.
In court he said: “I was trying to get away when she was coming after me trying to get a picture. I thought to myself, ‘I can’t believe this has happening again, this is the third time in just six or seven weeks’.
But Tash, my dog, was in danger. He wasn’t in mortal danger this time like it was the first time. The two of them were in my face, shouting and swearing.”
The victims caught Galloway on camera
Galloway claimed that he ‘may have’ put his hands up in defence, holding his extension lead, which he now thought is likely to have hit Ms Hargreaves.
He added: “I wouldn’t hit a woman, but I now believe I probably have done that by accident, and I’m so sorry about that.”
Defending, Mr Murray said Galloway accepted the way he had dealt with a “number of situations over the last 12 months” was “wholly unacceptable”.
He also said that Galloway had relinquished ownership of his dog Tash, rehoming him to someone in Stirling.
Sheriff Hall said: “The ramifications of your behaviour have caused difficulties to your immediate family and extended family, but you’re the author of your own path.”
Sentence: one-year supervision order; 150 hours’ unpaid work; £300 compensation to the assault victim.
CONVICTED (2017) | Gordon Davey, born c. 1987, of Sherbrooke Road, Rosyth, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 – failed to seek treatment for his elderly pet dog who was suffering from skin infections, ear infections and overgrown claws
Davey admitted that between June 1 and August 31 2016 at his then home in Islay Road, Dunfermline, being a person responsible for a dog, he caused it unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care and attention for the animal.
Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “The dog involved is called Ozzy. It’s a 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull terrier type dog.”
She said animal welfare officers attended the accused’s address regarding reports of dog neglect. Ozzy was found to have scabs and his underside was bald due to a skin condition.
Elderly Staffy Ozzy was in severe discomfort after his owner failed to get him much needed medical treatment
He was reluctant to stand up even with the encouragement of treats because of the condition of his paws.
Ozzy was taken to a vet where he was examined and it was felt the suffering had been unnecessary. However, the prognosis for recovery was good, the depute added.
When questioned, Davey said he tried using baby oil on Ozzy’s skin condition.
Solicitor James Moncrieff said at the time of the incident Davey had been living with his partner and their seven children.
“He was unable to work after injuring his hand and was not earning money,” he said.
“He had no funds to take it to the vet. He had the dog since it was a pup and is very remorseful for how far things got. He took his eye off the ball.”
Scottish SPCA Inspector Nicola Liddell said: “Upon entering the property, it was immediately apparent that Ozzy – a black and white Staffordshire bull terrier – was in a very poor neglected state.
“He was suffering from a chronic skin condition affecting his body, limbs, and face.
“His coat and skin was covered in scabs resulting in hair loss to his paws and underside, with weeping pustules and scabs on the exposed skin.
“Both ears had internal scabs and thick discharge around his ear canals.
“Ozzy’s claws were grossly overgrown, curving round towards his pads and he was very reluctant to stand even with encouragement and treats.
“Further veterinary examination confirmed that Ozzy had been suffering for a considerable length of time, with it estimated that the claw growth would have taken at least nine months.”
Sentencing: 180 hours of unpaid work. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expired April 2022).
#MostEvil | Jamie Lee Weir, born 26/09/1995, most recently of Home Farm Road, Birkenhead – tortured a dog by hanging him by his collar, stabbing him and burning him alive
Jamie Weir
Weir pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Staffy cross Jack, resulting in the dog’s death. In an interview Weir admitted he had carried out the horrific attack, which included Jack being hung from his collar on a coat hook, as “he had never liked the dog.”
The court heard that the RSPCA received a report of a half-buried dog in a garden in Corbyn Street, Wallasey, on November 18, 2015, which led to Inspector Anthony Joynes going round to the property to investigate.
Weir with girlfriend Laura Hurst
Inspector Joynes said: “The dog, who belonged to Jamie’s then-girlfriend’s mum [Lisa Hurst, who was convicted separately of failing to prevent her dog from being tortured and killed] went for a post-mortem examination and it showed that there were horrific injuries to his body indicating he had been subject to sustained attacks and torture.
Staffy Jack was buried in the garden after being tortured to death
“Weir admitted to beating him with a stick and hanging him from his collar on a coat hook on the wall, where he was then stabbed numerous times.
“It is likely that the dog was dying, but was still alive.
“He was then taken out into the garden and set on fire before being hastily buried.”
Laura Hurst pictured outside court. She was also charged in relation to Jack’s death as she is believed to have been present, but the outcome of the case against her was never published online.
Jack’s blood was found on walls in the house, on a radiator and by a door.
Inspector Joynes said: “It is sickening to think what Jack went through – it is completely stomach-churning.
“He was tormented and tortured to death in the worst imaginable way.
“There was no way Jack could have escaped from this horrific act of cruelty – he stood no chance. Jack would have been terrified and in so much pain.
“It is absolutely horrific what he went through and it still sickens me today.”
Sentence: 24-week prison sentence to run consecutively to a four-year prison sentence he is currently serving; £536 costs and victim surcharge of £115. Disqualified from keeping animals for life.
Lisa Hurst, born 26/8/1969,, most recently of Laird Street, Birkenhead CH41 8EW admitted in court that she failed to prevent her dog, Jack, from being tortured and killed.
Hurst accepted that she was responsible for the dog at the time of his death, and admitted she had “failed to take steps as were reasonable in the circumstances to prevent any harm or suffering”.
The court was told she had lived in “absolutely appalling conditions” and had previously looked after the dog “quite well”.
Sentence: four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, 12-month probation order; £300 in costs; banned from keeping all animals for life.
CONVICTED (2017) | Grant Smith, born 12/01/1995, of Flintmill Crescent, Greenwich, London SE3 – caught on camera throwing dogs to the ground on his balcony.
Grant Smith was filmed picking up his two small dogs by the scruff of the neck and throwing them on the floor
Smith was filmed picking up his two small dogs by the scruff of the neck and throwing them on the floor at his home in Flintmill Cresent.
The shocking footage shows Smith “making threatening movements and shouting towards the dogs” before picking up Jack Russell Ruby and throwing her across the balcony.
He then goes back into the flat before grabbing Shar Pei-type dog Keylo and throwing him to the ground.
Smith was investigated by the RSPCA and was convicted of two offences related to his treatment of his two dogs.
Keylo (top)) and Ruby were rescued from their violent owner by the RSPCA
He was convicted of failing to meet his dogs’ need to be protected from pain suffering, injury or disease by his threatening behaviour and rough handling.
He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to Keylo through threatening behaviour and rough handling, contrary to section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act.
RSPCA inspector Nick Wheelhouse, who investigated the case, said: “Smith was seen coming out onto his balcony, making threatening movements and shouting towards the dogs, Smith then picked up Ruby by the scruff of the neck and threw her across the balcony.
“Smith then returned to the balcony where he grabbed Keylo by the scruff, lifted him over his shoulder and threw him to the ground.
Thug Grant Smith is originally from Eltham in Bromley
“Smith claimed in his defence that this is how mothers treat their puppies, but his behaviour clearly went beyond the boundaries of acceptable treatment and that was reflected in the court’s decision to convict him of two offences.”
Sentencing: 12-month community order. Costs and charges totalling £285. Banned from keeping dogs for a year (expired 2018). Deprivation order on Keylo and Ruby.
CONVICTED (2017) | Mohamed Razwan Fida, born April 1985, of Colonial Road, Slough SL1 1RU – severely neglected an American bulldog
Before and after photos of abused dog Bruiser, renamed Dougie by his new owner
Fida pleaded guilty to neglecting the dog named Bruiser.
Bruiser, who was constantly kept outside, was found by council officers covered in sores due to lying on hard flooring and surrounded by his excrement.
He paid no attention to officers and could barely get to his feet.
Bruiser has been re-homed and renamed Dougie.
Sentence: six-month community order with a three-month curfew, ordered to pay £2,085 costs; banned from keeping animals for just three years (expired April 2020).
CONVICTED (2017) | illegal puppy farmer Jamie Parvizi (aka Jamie Finnegan), born 05/06/1979 of Stone Chair Lane, Scholar Green, Stoke on Trent ST7 3JJ – sold dying dogs to unsuspecting families
Parvizi, who traded under the name ‘Tinypom’, pretended he was selling healthy pure bred Pomeranians when families inquired about dogs.
But the pets – which he kept locked in the downstairs toilet – would fall ill shortly afterwards, forcing buyers to shell out thousands in vets’ bills simply to keep the animals alive.
One victim told the court how she bought a £750 puppy for her six-year-old twin daughters.
She stumped up more than £5,000 in vet fees to try to save the animal which died after being diagnosed with parvovirus.
Parvizi admitted 13 charges of fraud over a two-year period. He also admitted seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and one of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure animals were properly cared for.
Sentencing him at Stoke Crown Court, Judge Simon Berkson said it had been a ‘sophisticated fraud’.
‘You were misleading the public as to the health and welfare of the pups you were selling,’ he said. ‘Your job was to make sure the pups were sold and get some money.
‘The victims lost money and their pet. The animals suffered.
‘The fraud was sophisticated. There was significant planning. It went on over a sustained period. There was a large number of victims.’
The court was told how someone ‘higher up the chain’ in the scam placed adverts in newspapers and online to attract buyers, who then contacted Parvizi.
Prosecutor Hazel Stevens said: ‘He presented them with paperwork and he made them believe they were bred by him.
‘Nobody knows the origin and type of these dogs. There is no paperwork to be sure where they came from.’
Parvizi’s now ex wife Hayley Potts aka Hayley Moore, who has a conviction for benefit fraud, was given a caution and a 10-year ban for her part in illegal puppy trading
Ms Stevens added that ten puppies were removed from Parvizi’s home when the police and RSPCA executed a warrant.
They have since been cared for by the RSPCA, although one has died.
Isobel Thomas, defending, said Parvizi works at Tesco and that he had racked up £27,000 of debts. He and his wife had also lost their dogs.
RSPCA Acting Chief Inspector Jayne Bashford said they were alerted to the scam after receiving a ‘flurry’ of calls from upset customers.
‘From our early enquiries we established that lots of money was exchanging hands and people who were unknowingly buying sick dogs were stuck with huge vet bills,’ she said.
‘The investigation led us to Parvizi’s property in Scholar Green and when we went in with police we rescued ten Pomeranians from the address.
‘We found two adults – a male and a female – shut in a downstairs toilet and a number of puppies were being kept in the house. Some were being kept in purpose-built pods in the garden and some smaller, young pups were inside.
‘One of the puppies was collapsed and was severely lethargic, and some of the others were in poor condition with discharge from the eyes and nose.’
She added: ‘The sentence reflects the severity and level of cruelty. We hope it sends out a strong message.
‘Puppy farming is a trade which is rife across the UK and one the RSPCA is working very hard to combat.’
Sentencing: jailed for 33 months and banned from keeping animals for life.
it took several years for the authorities to build a case against Jamie Parvizi and Hayley Potts. In October 2014 a Facebook user took to private FB group set up for victims of the pair’s greed Justice for George to warn others about theirs activities. She wrote:
BEWARE DO NOT PURCHASE PUPPIES FROM THIS PUPPY MILL: JAMIE PARVIZI AND HAYLEY POTTS LIVING IN STOKE ON TRENT!
Just had a call from the RSPCA, and this thing is bigger than any of us had ever imagined. The puppies are being shipped from southern Ireland, where 900 bitches are routinely impregnated in what’s probably the biggest puppy mill in the world right now.
These puppies are then shipped through multiple illegal routes into the UK and probably USA, to be sold to unsuspecting people like us. Parvizi alone has received 49 complaints to the RSPCA regarding puppies which have died or are sick. Clearly this is the tip of the iceberg.
I was told that my puppy Teddie would have spend his first 6 weeks in complete darkness without his mother, living in his own faeces! No wonder he has issues.
The RSPCA are fighting a legal battle to get the EIRE authorities engaged but they seem reluctant. Therefore the RSPCA have asked to take all reasonable measures to shame Parvizi and Potts, and asked me to make this group pubic.
I would like your agreement to do so.
I would like also to start an online petition to pressurise the Irish government to take action and close down this disgusting operation.
With your much support, we can make this stop!
Please comment below your thoughts, as we have to do this together, and quickly. Every week they ship around 500 puppies to the UK alone!
