Monthly Archives: April 2019

Small Furries, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Chesterfield, Derbyshire: David Walker

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CONVICTED (2019) | David Walker, born c. 1988, of no fixed address – smashed and killed a pet ferret with a marble slab and threw another at a fence in front of horrified children.

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard how David Walker had been babysitting his ex-partner’s children in Clowne when he threw one of the ferrets called Jack and killed another called Joe after he said they had attacked pet guinea pigs.

Prosecuting solicitor Andy Cash, representing the RSPCA, said: “He went on to say he was not thinking and he had acted like an animal and made a conscious decision to kill Joe after he lost control and lost his temper.”

Mr Cash added Walker’s ex had arranged for him to look after the children and their friends but she got a call from him with the children screaming saying the guinea pigs were dead. Walker’s ex returned, according to Mr Cash, and the children said Walker had killed the ferrets and one had been thrown against a fence.

The defendant admitted he had been making drinks and heard screaming and said one of the guinea pigs was dead so he had picked up the ferret Jack and thrown him out of frustration. He added that he lost his temper and grabbed the other ferret Joe and twisted its neck. Walker claimed he did not want Joe to suffer so he put a towel over the ferret’s head and when he realised the animal was still alive he struck Joe with a marble slab.

The court heard Walker’s ex found the pet ferrets in plastic bags in the bin with Jack still breathing but Joe was dead. She stated Walker told her the pet ferrets had killed the guinea pigs and he had killed the ferrets.

Walker pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal after the attacks in October 2018.

Karl Meakin, defending, said: “It is an extremely unpleasant sequence of events and one which Mr Walker is deeply ashamed and remorseful for.”

Sentencing | 18 month community order with thinking skills and rehabilitation programmes and 200 hours of unpaid work. Total of £485 costs and charges. Banned from keeping animals for ten years (expires April 2029).

Derby Telegraph

Dogs

Bridgend, West Lothian: Samantha Marley

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CONVICTED (2019) | Samantha Marley, born c. 1985, of Auldhill Avenue, Bridgend, near Linlithgow EH49 6NY – jailed for two years for robbery but also admitted cruelty to two dogs.

Samantha Marley of Bridgend, West Lothian, also admitted dog cruelty
Callous Marley robbed her grandmother of around £50,000 and was also cruel to her pet dogs

Marley admitted causing an adult bulldog type dog and a puppy unnecessary suffering for around three months by neglecting them and tying them up in a space too small for them to move around.

Sentencing | no additional sentence was given for the animal cruelty element nor was any ban imposed.

Linlithgow Gazette

Animal Abandonment, farms / smallholdings, Food Production, Worst of the Worst

Bangor Teifi, Llandysul, West Wales: Margarette and Norman Cooper

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CONVICTED (2019) | farmers Margarette Cooper, born c.1938, and Norman Cooper, born c. 1963, both of Gilfach Chwith, Bangor Teifi, Llandysul, Ceredigion SA44 4JE – left dozens of cows to die.

One of the cows was tethered to prevent her from falling on her side. She died whilst still tied to the wall
One of the cows was tethered to prevent her from falling on her side. She died whilst still tied to the wall

An investigation by Ceredigion Council found a total of 84 cattle had died or had been seriously neglected at the farm run by mother and son Margarette and Norman Cooper.

In one shed, a group of exhausted, hungry and dehydrated cows had gone to lie down and die
In one shed, a group of exhausted, hungry and dehydrated cows had gone to lie down and die

On the farm, the carcasses of dead cows were found decaying alongside surviving cattle. Among those that had survived, some had to be put down following examination due to the seriousness of their health and their suffering.

“The animal health officers involved with this case have never experienced such appalling conditions at any farm in their careers,” said Alun Williams, corporate lead officer for policy and performance at Ceredigion Council.

“Most of the staff are from farming backgrounds, but they faced horrific circumstances in investigating and retrieving the live animals and the carcasses.”

Sentencing | both were given six months in jail, suspended for two years and ordered to pay costs and charges totalling £2615 each. Norman Cooper was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. Both were disqualified from keeping any animals for 10 years, other than their existing four elderly dogs.

North Wales Live

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

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire: Ashden King and Jakob Goffin

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CONVICTED (2019) | Ashden Jack King, born 24 February 2002, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, Milford Haven SA73 3SA, and Jakob Goffin, born c. 2003, of Woodbine Way, Milford Haven SA73 3HQ – stole a tame pet chicken from her owner and tortured her to death.

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death
Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

Chicken Daisy was subjected to a prolonged and brutal attack at the hands of sadistic savages Jakob Goffin and Ashden King and others, during which she was chased, set alight and had her neck hacked at with garden shears. She was finally killed with a pitchfork.

The pet’s agonising ordeal was filmed for Snapchat and shared with other feral yobs in the group for their sick entertainment.

Daisy’s ordeal took place at the home of a third youth who was investigated but not charged.

In court a veterinary surgeon described the youths’ actions as “gratuitous torture”.

Chicken Daisy was subjected to a prolonged and brutal attack at the hands of two teens from Milford Haven, Wales
Victim Daisy

Daisy’s owner Michelle Owen wrote a victim impact statement which was read to the court.

“When I discovered Daisy was gone I blamed myself, I thought I hadn’t secured the coop. My youngest two children were devastated when Daisy had gone, they were crying over her,” she said.

“Daisy was very tame and friendly, it’s not the same going to the coop. I always thought my garden was safe and secure, now I don’t leave my dogs out in case they disappear.

“When I think about what happened that night and the way Daisy suffered, it goes beyond cruelty.

“She was a part of the family, more than just a chicken.”

Defending the youths in court, Mike Kelleher said that the pair were facing the consequence of their “reprehensible” actions.

He said: “This was a cruel and nasty horrible incident. However it started it went horribly, horribly wrong. They are here today to face the consequences.”

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

RSPCA Cymru has described the incident as “horrifying” and expressed concern at the age of those responsible.

“This poor chicken was subject to the most horrendous treatment – taken, beaten, stabbed and set alight,” said RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben.

“I shudder to think what the poor animal went through.

“The offences were horrifying, and it is always deeply worrying when young people commit such crimes. They will now be subject to our Breaking the Chain programme – which highlights the impact acts like this have on animals and their welfare standards.

“RSPCA Cymru wants to inspire a future generation of animal ambassadors – who share our compassion and empathy for our fellow living creatures. Hopefully, this prosecution sets a clear statement that behaviours like this are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

David Allen, head of education at RSPCA , said: “Clearly, these were disgusting offences and it is particularly worrying that young people are committing such acts. Fortunately, we know most young people will be horrified by what happened in Milford Haven.

“Our new Generation Kind scheme brings together a series of initiatives – including those in the classroom, support for teachers, programmes to support vulnerable looked-after and disadvantaged young people, and those targeted at youth offenders.

“It is hoped that Generation Kind will help create a generation of individuals who are kind, compassionate and caring towards animals.”

The youths pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence, namely causing the chicken to suffer unnecessarily.

Sentencing: 12-month referral order, which includes the RSPCA intervention initiative mentioned above. The older youth was ordered to pay £380 in compensation, costs and charges and the younger one was ordered to pay courts and charges totalling £400. They were both banned from keeping any animal for a period of 12 months.

WalesOnline

Dogs

Peterhead, Aberdeenshire: David Youngson

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CONVICTED (2019) | David Youngson, born 21 August 1961, of Bell Avenue, Peterhead AB42 7YS – failed to provide adequate veterinary attention and grooming for his Lhasa Apso pet dog.

Animal abuser: David Youngson from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire

David Youngson pleaded guilty to causing the dog, named Doodles, unnecessary suffering following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.

The Lhasa Aspo was left struggling to walk due to matted fur. He was also contaminated with faecal matter around his hind and feet and smelled of of urine and faeces.

Victim Doodles
Doodles

Youngson was fined for cruelty to the dog, but the sheriff failed to ban him from keeping animals and Doodles was returned to him.

The Scottish SPCA said it was “disappointed” with how the case was dealt with, adding that it highlighted the need for “tougher and more consistent sentencing”.

Inspector Fiona Shand said: “The charge was dealt as Youngson caused Doodles suffering by failing to provide adequate veterinary attention and grooming.

“Upon veterinary examination, Doodles was found to have severely matted fur over his whole body.

“The matts were significantly contaminated with faecal matter around his hind and feet, and he smelt very strongly of urine and faeces.

“Doodles had a significantly reduced range of motion in all four limbs, and was lame on his right hind leg due to the matting restricting his movement.

“Once the matted fur had been clipped it became evident that there was urine scalding on all four feet, around the groin area as the matts had restricted urination.

“Doodles’ bodyweight on presentation was 9.4kg, after removal of the matted fur his bodyweight was 7.5kg.”

Inspector Shand added: “Although we welcome the fact that this case has been dealt with by the court, we are disappointed with the sentence handed down.

“As no ban was issued, Doodles had to be returned to Youngson’s care.

“This case further highlights our push for tougher and more consistent sentencing.

“This degree of matting had not occurred quickly and is likely to have taken a considerable amount of time to get to this state.

“Doodles suffered unnecessarily as a result of this and it could have been easily avoided.”

Sentencing: fined £1,000.

STV News
Press and Journal

Dogs

Polmont, Falkirk: Roy Paterson

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CONVICTED (2019) | Roy Paterson, born 1955, of Greenpark Drive, Falkirk FK2 0QA – left his dog locked in a car in direct sunlight as temperatures soared

Paterson was charged with animal cruelty over an incident in St Andrews on July 23 , 2018 – a day when temperatures hit 25 degrees celsius in the Fife town.

Paterson had denied the charge but was found guilty after a two-day trial.

Passers-by had called police to a car park in Argyle Street in St Andrews, after spotting the dog locked in the back of a Volvo estate car. Attending officers found the dog “heavily panting and in distress”.

As the police considered him to be behaving aggressively because of the heat, they also summoned a vet to the scene.

PC Jonathan Gordon told the court he was one of the first two officers on the scene around 45 minutes after police were first called.

He said: “Members of the public were making comments about the dog – that it was shocking and it was a shame.

“It was agreed to gain entry to the vehicle and we smashed the back nearside window.

“The vet went in to the car to take control of the dog.

“The dog’s collar had a number and my colleague called it and the accused and a female arrived shortly after.

“He was obviously very upset that we had gained entry and said he had done enough for the dog and tried to justify himself by saying the windows had been cracked open and a water bowl had been left.

“He was adamant it was justifiable to do what he had done and stated we should be paying for the damage.”

A sheriff ruled Paterson had caused the dog unnecessary suffering by leaving him “exposed to excessive temperatures” – and convicted him of the crime.

Sentencing: fined £250.

Fife Today

Bestiality / Zoophilia, Dogs, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Worst of the Worst

Castle Bromwich, West Midlands: Wayne Horkan

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CONVICTED (2019) | sexual deviant Wayne Tarot Horkan, born 10/11/1970, of Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B36 9DP – filmed his partner having sex with a dog; collected almost 2,000 images and videos depicting bestiality involving horses and dogs

Pervert Wayne Horkan from Castle Bromwich got his kicks from watching sick bestiality videos showing horses and dogs
Pervert Wayne Horkan from Castle Bromwich got his kicks from watching sick bestiality videos showing horses and dogs

Company director Wayne Horkan admitted two charges of possessing extreme pornographic images.

Police found the businessman had downloaded 1,469 still images and 210 moving ones involving sexual acts with dogs and horses. He had also used particular search terms to look for this kind of pornography.

Mr Timothy Harrington, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said the material had been downloaded between April 2014 and April 2015.

He added: “Two of the videos, it was readily apparent, involved a woman with whom the defendant had been in a relationship with.”

He continued: “He admitted he got sexual gratification from these films and had watched them on a number of occasions.”

In passing sentence Judge Melbourne Inman QC said: “Between 2014 and 2015 you downloaded imagery which it is not necessary to detail again, which are abhorrent.

“Two of them involved a lady whom you were living with which is an aggravating feature.

“There is no suggestion at all this was anything other than consensual adult behaviour.”

He said he had taken into account the significant delay involved in the case and that there had been no repetition of the behaviour.

The judge said Horkan was an intelligent man who had lost “important” employment as a result of the offence but had since set up a company with a partner.

Lynette McClement, defending, said the defendant’s initial relationship with the woman had been a financial one although that had changed.

She said: “In the course of that relationship his interest in extreme pornography was limited to that timescale. This was a shared interest.”

She said the business he had embarked upon had every chance of being successful and employed 10 people.

Sentencing: fined fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £1,200 costs.

Birmingham Mail

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Lifers

Kingston upon Hull: Simon Agnew

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CONVICTED (2019) | Simon P Agnew, born 5 October 1972, of Sykes Street, Hull HU2 8AZ – left an elderly Doberman to starve.

Simon Agnew

Simon Agnew’s 11-year-old Doberman, named Dobba, weighed just 23.8kg when he was handed into the Hull RSPCA branch just weeks before Christmas.

An investigation led officers to Agnew who falsely claimed he had re-homed the dog, telling various lies to inspectors.

Before and after photos of neglected Doberman Dobba

Speaking about the case RSPCA Inspector Jilly Dickinson said: “Dobba was microchipped so we went straight round to Mr Agnew’s home and interviewed him the following week. He gave us various accounts of what had happened and claimed that he’d re-homed Dobba three months earlier.

“He said he’d asked a friend to pretend to find him in the street and hand him in. He forgot that Dobba was still microchipped in his name.

“We decide to appeal to the public for information via the press and were then contacted by someone who said Mr Agnew did still own Dobba.”

In court Agnew pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Dobba, who has since recovered from his ordeal.

Animal abuser Simon Agnew

Inspector Dickinson added: “Dobba was incredibly skinny and had clearly been left to get into such a state over a period of time.

“You could see all of his ribs and his waist was so tiny that I could fit my fingers around it.

“His head was so skinny that the point of his skull had protruded through his skin and caused a sore. He was covered in faeces and absolutely stank.

“Thankfully, he’s now put on almost 7kg and is doing really well in our care. He’s already been reserved by a loving family and is due to go to his new home soon.”

Sentencing: 12-month community order – including an alcohol treatment requirement; total of £385 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping all animals for life.

Yorkshire Post

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Leeds: Anthony Stone

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CONVICTED (2019) | Anthony Stone, born c. 1989, from Leeds, West Yorkshire (no fixed abode) – launched a campaign of violence and intimidation against his ex-girlfriend during which he attacked her dog.

Violent thug Anthony Stone from Leeds can now add cruelty to animals to his long list of crimes
Violent thug Anthony Stone from Leeds can now add cruelty to animals to his long list of crimes

Anthony Stone assaulted the woman in street, in her own home in Leeds, stole her phone and put her windows through during five separate incidents of abuse.

Stone is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for a violent robbery.

He appeared before Leeds Crown Court where he was given a further 18-month term for offences against his former partner.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, said Stone went to the woman’s home on September 4, 2018 – six months after they split up – and said he wanted to get back with her.

When she refused Stone told her that he had stolen one of her son’s computer games before walking away.

The victim went to Stone’s home to ask for it back but was verbally abused and attacked.

The prosecutor said: “He pushed her over using both his hands. She had her head on the floor and he then began kicking her while she was on the floor.”

Stone only stopped the attack when he was disturbed by a neighbour.

The woman suffered three broken ribs.

The incident was reported to the police but Stone targeted the woman again when she was walking her dog next to Leeds-Liverpool at Kirkstall on September 9.

Stone accused the woman of cheating on him then pushed her to the ground.

Two days later the woman went home after walking her dog and found Stone inside the property waiting for her.

She immediately ran outside after seeing him but he chased her, punched her to the back and kicked her dog.

Stone walked into her home on September 19 and stole her handbag.

He returned 20 minutes later and took her mobile phone. He then threw a ceramic plant pot through a double-glazed living room window.

Stone pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two offences of common assault, theft and criminal damage.

He has previous convictions for robbery and violence.

A victim statement was read to the court in which the woman described feeling stressed, anxious and in severe pain as a result of the attacks.

Nicholas Hammond, mitigating, said Stone had pleaded guilty to the offences at an early stage and accepted he would be facing a further prison sentence.

Judge Tom Bayliss, QC, said: “This course of conduct was designed to intimidate her, and it did intimidate her.”

Yorkshire Evening Post

Equine Abuse, horse traders, horses and ponies, Traveller Animal Crimes

Shepperton, Surrey: Maurice Smith

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CONVICTED (2019) | traveller Maurice Smith, born c. 1988, of Hawthorn Way, Shepperton TW1 – subjected a horse to prolonged neglect and mistreatment.

Horse abuser Maurice Smith from Surrey
Maurice Smith

Maurice Smith, who has a previous conviction for conning a 92-year-old woman out of her life savings, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Gypsy traveller Smith, formerly of Littleton Lane Caravan Park in Shepperton and a drug and alcohol abuser, was charged under the Animal Welfare Act after evidence emerged of how he had subjected the horse, named April, to prolonged neglect and ill-treatment, which had left her in extreme distress.

Traveller Maurice Smith from Shepperton, Surrey, subjected horse April to neglect and ill-treatment
April

A number of witnesses initially contacted police in April 2018 to report that the horse was in distress. She had been left double rugged in temperatures of 24 degrees without shade and was sweating profusely.

Police attended the location and decided that April needed immediate medical care and seized her under the Animal Welfare Act.

After a full medical examination by a vet, April was found to be undernourished, with multiple sores, was wearing ill-fitting handmade shoes which were causing her foot pain, and was suffering from worms or a viral infection. The vet said that she had been subjected to poor management and undue suffering.

Smith was identified as April’s owner but initially denied that she belonged to him when he was interviewed. However, he later admitted that she was his and said that he had asked a vet to examine April and that she was being treated with antibiotics. However, he could not provide any details in relation to the treatment April received.

The court heard evidence from a number of witnesses in relation to the lack of care given to April, to which Smith was also unable to provide any explanation.

Investigating officer PC Chloe Hodgkinson said: “This was a complex investigation which took many months to bring to fruition.

“I was called to deal with the incident and was shocked by the pitiful state April was in. Due to her condition, I decided to seize her under the Animal Welfare Act so that she could immediately begin receiving the medical treatment that she needed.

“From speaking to a number of witnesses, it soon became apparent that April had been suffering over a prolonged period. I put a case together against her owner, Maurice Smith, which resulted in him being charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and being brought before the court last week.”

PC Hodgkinson added: “April has since received the care and treatment that she needed and is making a good recovery. I hope that this case will deter other owners from neglecting their animals and send a strong message that if you are caught, you will be dealt with.”

Sentencing | 12 month community order involving 120 hours of unpaid work; total of £485 costs and charges.

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