Wishaw, North Lanarkshire: Robert Cook

CONVICTED (2018) | Robert Cook, born 25/09/1959, previously of Graham Street, Wishaw ML2 8HR and more recently Parks View, Hamilton, South Lanarkshire ML3 7SW – left a Westie to suffer with multiple health problems.

Dog abuser Robert Cook failed to take Bonnie to the vet for her skin condition

Cook pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the West Highland Terrier called Bonnie under section 19 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

Commenting on the case, Scottish SPCA inspector Heather Lawson said: “This charge was dealt as Cook failed to provide veterinary treatment to Bonnie who, upon vet examination, was found to have an atopic skin disease, infected ear canals and gingivitis.

“She had very little hair covering any part of her body, the small amount of hair that was present was matted and her skin was severely inflamed, sore, greasy, and covered with scabs and sores.

“Bonnie was taken to one of our centres where she received various, ongoing veterinary treatments. To date she continues to improve and is bright, alert and happy to interact with the staff. Her skin is not painful, but will continue to be treated since her skin condition is chronic.

“We welcome the fact that Mr Cook has pled guilty in court and the sentence handed down. This is a hugely positive step forward for animal welfare.”

Sentence: £300 fine and lifetime ban.

GlasgowLive

Bridgwater, Somerset: Scott Ayres

CONVICTED (2018) | wildlife killer Scott Ayres (also known as Scott Pope), born 09/06/1992, and Leanne Hodge, born 11/05/1995, both of Haygrove Park Road, Bridgwater TA6 7BT – failed to seek veterinary treatment for a ‘hunting’ dog’s horrific fighting wounds.

Wildlife persecutor and dog abuser Scott Ayres from Bridgwater and Leanne Hodge who turned a blind eye to ta dog's suffering

Scott Ayres and then partner Hodge were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a Patterdale terrier named Archie after not seeking veterinary care for wounds to his head, body and injured jaw.

Archie was discovered with his lower jaw degloved and puncture wounds to his face and body when he was rescued by the RSPCA in October 2017.

Patterdale terrier Archie was discovered with his lower jaw degloved and puncture wounds to his face and body when he was rescued by the RSPCA in October 2017.

Whilst no explanation for Archie’s injuries is given or even appears to have been investigated, there is evidence from Ayres’ Facebook profile that he enjoys inflicting suffering on wild animals such as foxes or badgers.

Archie has made a full recovery since being rescued by RSPCA officers

Archie has since recovered from his injuries during his time in the care of the RSPCA.

Sentence:
Ayres – suspended 12-week prison sentence. Community work. Total costs and charges of £415. Hodge – 16-week curfew order. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years (expires September 2028).

SomersetLive

Liversedge, West Yorkshire: Jane Harvey

CONVICTED (2018) | Jane Harvey, born 25 May 1973, of Twelfth Avenue, Liversedge WF15 8LF – starved two ferrets to death.

Two dead ferrets were found at the Liversedge home of Jane Harvey
Two dead ferrets were found at the Liversedge home of Jane Harvey

RSPCA inspectors found two dead ferrets when they visited the Liversedge home of Jane Harvey, in February 2018.

Prosecuting Andrew Davidson said the inspectors found ‘no sign of food’ when they inspected three hutches in the back garden of the house.

They found one ferret, called Panda, in a ‘mummified condition’ and another ferret called, Buttons, dead and in an ’emaciated condition’.

Animal abuser Jane Harvey from Liversedge, Yorkshire, UK. Pic: Facebook

When Buttons was later inspected by an RSPCA vet evidence of muscle wastage, which occurs when the body uses up its fat reserves, was found.

Mr Davidson added there had been a ‘prolonged’ period of neglect.

Harvey admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal

Sentencing:
60 hours of unpaid work; total of £570 fines, costs and charges. Banned from keeping pets, other than dogs, for 12 months (expired August 2019).

Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Craigavon / Armagh, County Armagh: Rebecca and Jessica Fiddes

CONVICTED (2018) |  Rebecca Fiddes aka Rebecca McCrea, born c. 1971, of Markethill, Craigavon and her daughter Jessica Jayne Fiddes, born c. 1995, of Willow Dean, Armagh – left two horses to starve in filthy conditions

Animal abusers: Rebecca Fiddes and Jessica Fiddes of County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Rebecca and Jessica Fiddes, who also use the surname McCrea, pleaded guilty at Armagh Magistrates Court on Friday 17/8/2018 to causing unnecessary suffering to two horses in their care.

A case was brought against both women by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council under the provisions of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 after a member of the public raised concerns about the horses’ welfare in November 2015.

Horses starved and neglected by mother and daughter Rebecca Fiddes and Jessica Fiddes of County Armagh, Northern Ireland

An Animal Welfare Officer, assisted by a veterinary surgeon, visited the property where the horses were being kept and found them to be extremely malnourished with no food and living in filthy conditions. After being certified as suffering, they were taken into the care of the council.

A council spokesperson commented: “This ruling will hopefully serve as a reminder to anyone who causes unnecessary suffering to animals that they will be brought before the courts and dealt with appropriately.

“Cases of cruelty and neglect can be reported to our Animal Welfare team who will use enforcement powers to fully investigate all cases and take formal action, which may include the issuing of Improvement Notices, and where appropriate, seizing animals and prosecuting offenders.”

Sentencing: 
Rebecca Fiddes was fined £500 and banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires August 2028). Jessica Fiddes was fined £250 and banned from keeping animals for just two years (expired August 2020).  Both women were also ordered to pay legal costs. 

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