Monthly Archives: May 2022

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Lifers, Multiple Species, Reptiles / Exotics, Worst of the Worst

Thornton, Merseyside: Alan Packenham

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CONVICTED (2022) | animal hoarder Alan Packenham, born c. 1982, of 42 Lower Hey, Thornton, Liverpool L23 9UR

RSPCA inspectors found 20 cats and three kittens along with four dogs and three ferrets living in filthy, unhygienic conditions at Alan Packenham’s home.

Former special constable Alan Packenham was banned from owning animals for life after three sick kittens and four dead snakes were among 37 animals being kept in squalor at his home.

The RSPCA investigated after being alerted by a member of the public when Packenham was taken to hospital.

Inspectors found 20 cats and three kittens along with four dogs and three ferrets living in filthy, unhygienic conditions. There were also two fish in an aquarium and four of five snakes had perished and were in a decomposed state.

A vet who examined the animals, said it would have taken two full-time animal workers with help from volunteers to look after such a large number of animals.

When RSPCA inspectors entered the property in August 2021 they were hit by an “overpowering stench of faeces and urine”.

They discovered two female cats, one severely underweight, in the bathroom, along with three kittens inside an open drawer who were infested with fleas and in need of immediate medical attention.

All five cats were taken to a local veterinary practice by Inspector Joynes, but two of the kittens were in such poor health that sadly one died within minutes of arriving at the vets and another passed away later.

Two of three German Shepherd dogs, being kept with a crossbreed dog, had been left muzzled.

In her witness statement, Inspector Lisa Lupson said: “There seemed to be faeces and rubbish on every available surface.”

Inspector Nadine Pengilly said: “The kittens were crawling with fleas and appeared weak and lethargic. I had to check that they were not dead.”

Inspector Lupson returned to the property on two occasions to catch 14 of the cats and collect the four dogs. Sadly another cat was found to have died.

The cats and dogs were placed in the care of an RSPCA animal centre and approved kennels, while the ferrets and a corn snake were taken to specialist rescue centres.

Veterinary surgeon Vanessa Whitfield, based at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital, concluded the three kittens, five of the cats and two of the German Shepherd dogs had all been allowed to suffer by their owner.

She said he had also failed to provide for the needs of all the animals by not providing a hygienic environment, a suitable amount of space, food and water, places for the animals to rest and play and to urinate and defecate, as well as failing to provide suitable veterinary care.

In her report, the vet said: “Animal welfare organisations would have a minimum of two full-time members of staff, assisted by volunteers, to care for such a number of animals.

She added: “It is likely they [the failings] had been present for a minimum of three months, but more likely this poor level of care will have persisted for many months or even years.”

Sentencing | 16 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months; 150 hours of unpaid work; £595 in costs and charges. Banned from owning animals for life.

ITV News
BBC News
Birkenhead News

Dogs, Equine Abuse, horse traders, horses and ponies, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Coundon, County Durham: Shaun Brownless

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CONVICTED (2022) | backyard breeder and horse trader Shaun Edwin Brownless, born 27 February 1985, of 2a Well Chare, Coundon, Bishop Auckland DL14 8PF – neglected multiple animals in his care.

Brownless, a traveller and violent criminal, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

The court heard he caused suffering to dogs and horses by failing to explore and address the causes of the animals’ poor condition.

The animals in his care, which included several litters of puppies, have been taken off him.

These included

  • A chocolate-coloured female bull breed
  • A white brindle male lurcher
  • A tan male lurcher
  • A black and white female lurcher
  • A black and tan female rottweiler
  • A litter of spaniel puppies
  • A tan male cocker spaniel
  • A female pregnant tan and white cocker spaniel,
  • A red female labrador
  • Horses
Shaun and Lyndsey Brownless

The defendant’s guilty plea was taken into account when imposing the sentence.

Sentencing | 250 hours of unpaid work; costs of £4895 to CPS and £95 victim surcharge.

Northern Echo

Additional Information

Shaun Brownless, director of a construction company named H&B Screeders Ltd, is a prolific dog breeder and, along with his wife Lyndsey Marie Brownless (née Lyndsey McKerry), regularly advertises litters of puppies on Facebook.

He has been known to offer puppies as a raffle prize to fellow travels, which is illegal.

He is also a horse trader.

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers

Menstrie, Clackmannanshire: Mikey Nesbitt and Rebecca Ward

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#MostEvil | repeat offender Michael Philip Nesbitt, born c. 1989, and Rebecca Ward, born c. 1996, of 9 Main Street East, Menstrie FK11 7BH – showed total disregard for the well-being of a dog found almost starved to death at their home.

Rebecca Ward and partner Mikey Nesbitt failed to care for their helpless pet dog. Nesbitt is pictured during a court appearance in 2008 when he was convicted of cruelty to 3 puppies found starved to death at his then home in the Wester Hailes area of Edinburgh.

Career criminal Nesbitt, who has a previous conviction for dog cruelty, and his partner Ward neglected their pet dog, Zeg, so badly over a 10-month period he lost fur and developed sores on his body.

The couple, who have a young baby, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Zeg at an address in McLachlan Street, Stenhousemuir, Larbert, between June 11, 2020 and April 24, 2021.

The charges stated they failed to provide him with appropriate care or adequate nutrition until the point he became emaciated and developed multiple pressure sores, hair loss and chronic skin damage to his tail.

The court heard that given proper care Zeg had recovered from his ordeal.

Mikey Nesbitt

Following the conclusion of the case, Scottish SPCA inspector, Andrew Gray, said, “On April 12, 2021, we responded to a concern for a dog that was described as extremely thin with protruding bones.

“We attempted to visit and call a few times but were unable to reach the owners. However, I could see a dog in a cage through the kitchen window. Only the dog’s head was visible and I couldn’t determine body condition or if provisions were available for the dog.

“On April 24, 2021, we visited the property again and were met by Ward. A dog matching the description we’d received appeared at the door in a very thin state with staining on his legs and underside.

“We took Zeg, a five to six-year old white and brindle Staffordshire bull terrier, to be examined by a vet.

“The vet found Zeg to be significantly underweight at just 19.8kg. A healthy weight for this size and breed of dog is 25 to 30kg. Zeg was also suffering from chronic muscle wastage over his head, legs and body.

“His ribs were clearly visible through his skin and he had pressure sores over his joints. These lesions were thickened which suggest laying on hard surfaces for long periods of time.

“The hair loss and skin damage on his tail indicated long-term caging in a small environment. There were pressure sores which were close to ulcerating over his pelvic area due to lack of muscle and fat coverage to protect the skin.

“When Zeg was fed, he ate ravenously with no difficulty swallowing. The vet concluded that there was no clinical reason to explain why Zeg was so underweight. Sadly, his condition suggests months of chronic malnutrition and inappropriate housing which caused him unnecessary suffering.

“Neither Nesbitt nor Ward have responded to repeated attempts to contact them. In the year that Zeg has been in our care they have also never enquired about how he is doing.

“We’re glad that Zeg is out of the situation that caused him so much suffering and we’re pleased that Nesbitt and Ward have been given lengthy bans on owning animals. Their sentencing means that Zeg can now start looking for his forever home.”

Sentencing |
Nesbitt: 12-month community payback order with 200 hours of unpaid work. 10-year ban.

Ward: ordered to complete 100 hours unpaid work within 12 months. Banned from owning an animal for five years.

Falkirk Herald
Falkirk Herald

Additional Information

In 2008 Nesbitt, who’s originally from Wester Hailes in Edinburgh, was fined £150 and given a five-year ban after starving three puppies to death and dumping their bodies in a shoebox.

The court heard how officers from the Scottish SPCA had visited Nesbitt after a neighbour reported him walking a thin dog.

They found that the bitch, who had just given birth, was significantly underweight and told Nesbitt to make sure he fed her more.

But less than a month later, another call was made from a concerned neighbour over a foul smell coming from Nesbitt’s flat.

When officers entered the Clovenstone Gardens home, they found four puppies and their mother locked in a cage surrounded by their own mess.

They also discovered that three other pups had died and their bodies were lying in a shoebox in the hallway.

Officers immediately took the mother and her surviving puppies into care. As they drove away with the animals, Nesbitt threatened to kill himself.

Defence solicitor Victoria Good, for Nesbitt, said her client had been “deeply distressed” about what had happened.

She said Nesbitt, who admitted neglecting the animals, had been unable to care for the dogs after suffering from severe depression when his relationship broke down.

Ms Good added: “He and his girlfriend bought the dogs together, when she left she took one of the dogs and he gave up.

“He knew they were there and he had to take care of them but he just couldn’t get up out of bed. He is deeply distressed about what happened to the dogs.”

Deadline News

Dogs

Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire: Yvonne Williams

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CONVICTED (2022) | Yvonne Williams aka Yvonne Conroy, born 6 May 1971, of 372 Millcroft Road, Cumbernauld, Glasgow G67 2QW – failed to provide veterinary treatment or pain relief for her pet dog.

Williams failed to get veterinary treatment for her pet dog’s swollen, bleeding ear. The dog, Aria, was put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Williams pleaded guilty to failing to provide veterinary treatment or pain relief for the three-year-old mastiff cross, known as Aria

The mother of four also admitted to a further charge of failing to protect her two cats, Ginger and Bandit, from suffering, injury and disease.

Aria was put to sleep due to the severity of the ear condition after the Scottish SPCA attended the property and found her in significant distress.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector, John Chisholm, said: “On 31 March 2021, we attended Williams’ property in response to a complaint of dog neglect made to our helpline.

“It was reported that Aria had a swollen, bleeding ear and had not received any veterinary treatment. Further concerns were raised about the living conditions within the property and that a number of cats had fleas.

“We have received a number of complaints regarding animals at the property, dating back to 2017. Advice and subsequent follow up visits have been given to Williams over the last four years.

“In 2019 we agreed to take one of her dogs in to our care as she could not cope with two big dogs. Williams was strongly advised not to take on any more animals.

“When we visited the property in 2020 we were immediately concerned for Aria’s welfare as she was obviously suffering from a painful ear condition. Williams was issued an animal welfare notice to take Aria for vet treatment with which she complied. She was also advised to follow all veterinary treatment plans to which she agreed.

“At the most recent visit it was confirmed that Aria was again suffering with her ears, and Williams had not taken her to the vets since March 2020.

“Aria was visibly distressed and constantly clawing and scratching at both ears. Her left ear in particular was swollen and solid to the touch. The inside of the ear appeared to be completely blocked with thickened skin.

“Aria was taken for immediate veterinary attention. The vet described her condition as the worst ear condition they had seen in their career, confirming that Aria had experienced prolonged unnecessary suffering over a number of months.

“Due to the severity of Aria’s ear condition and the irreversible nature of the damage to her ear canals, she was put to sleep on veterinary advice to end her suffering.”

Although she was advised not to adopt any more animals, the Scottish SPCA discovered that she now had four cats and refused to allow inspectors entry to her property.

“Williams was uncooperative in relation to her cats and it became apparent that she now had four cats, despite being advised not to take on any more animals.

“Williams eventually agreed to hand over her cats for examination, but would not allow entry in to the property to inspect living conditions.

“Ginger and Bandit were taken to one of our centres and both were found to be suffering from heavy flea infestations and needed dental surgery to fix dental disease and inflamed gums. Both cats were also underweight.

“They have now received the treatment they need, but have remained in our care as Williams refused to sign them over meaning we were not able to rehome them.

“We are pleased Williams has pled guilty and received a five-year ban and community payback order. Now that the case has concluded we will finally be able to find Ginger and Bandit the loving homes they deserve.

“Aria was caused a seriously unnecessary amount of suffering and distress despite continued advice. Her condition could have been completely treatable had Williams provided her with the care she needed.”

Sentencing | two-year community payback order. Five-year ban.

Glasgow Live
Scottish SPCA

Animal Abandonment, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Barnstaple, North Devon: Ben Neill and Leah Brown

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CONVICTED (2022) | Benjamin Neill, born 13 October 1984, of no fixed abode, and partner Leah Marie Brown (info tbc) – left horses and ponies for dead in a muddy field.

RSPCA Inspector Claire Ryder launched an investigation after the charity received a call to its national call centre in March 2021 from a member of the public who had seen a horse collapsed in a muddy field in Landkey near Barnstaple.

A vet who attended described how she found the horse, a chestnut gelding called Eddy, in a ‘terrible state’, unable to lift his head from the mud he was lying in, let alone stand.

In her witness statement, Inspector Ryder said: “His hip bones were protruding and you could clearly see his spine and ribs. The horse was lying in deep wet mud. You could clearly see where he was trying to get up as there was a build-up of wet mud around the horse’s head, neck and back.”

In her report to court, the vet said she thought Eddy had been down for some time as she was unable to get him up on his feet. Sadly, there was no alternative but to put him to sleep on welfare grounds to end his suffering.

A further three ponies – a bay gelding called Tye, a mare called Darcy and another bay gelding called Dorcas – were in a field next to Eddy that was very muddy with limited grazing. They had no accessible shelter and the only water source was a stream running along the bottom of a steep bank in the corner of their field.

Tye was in poor body condition, he had severely overgrown hooves and was lame in his front feet. He had difficulty walking, with a rocking motion as his hooves met the ground. The vet concluded Tye was suffering and Darcy and Dorcus were likely to suffer.

They were signed over to the RSPCA and transported to a suitable location for a thorough veterinary assessment.

All three ponies were found to have lice in their coats, parasites and their teeth were in need of attention due to sharp enamel points. They all required sedation before their hooves could be trimmed.

The veterinary evidence heard in court concluded: “Regardless of cause, veterinary intervention should have been sought for Eddy when faced with such extensive weight loss. Suffering unquestionably could have been prevented had they sought advice sooner. I have no doubt that Eddy and Tye were suffering unreasonably and unnecessarily and that this suffering had been present for at least a month. Suffering unquestionably could have been prevented had they sought advice sooner”.

Owner Ben Neill told magistrates that Eddy had been: “Jumping and bouncing around that morning.”

Sentencing Neill, magistrates told him he had shown little remorse. They said: “We have listened to the case from the RSPCA and seen photos of the horse and ponies – Eddy had a ruptured eyeball, was hypothermic in a collapsed state, emaciated and unable to access food and water”.

They highlighted his lack of appreciation to the animals’ suffering, that he failed to adhere to previous warnings and advice given to him by the RSPCA, that he knew help was available but failed to seek it. He saw the horses every day and must have known the poor condition they were in, in particular Eddy.

Sadly, Dorcus was later put to sleep due to the discovery of untreatable tumours.

Tye and Darcy were both rehomed and have settled into their new lives with the Hugs Foundation – an equine rescue charity in Bodmin, Cornwall, who offer therapeutic interventions to children, young people, the elderly, military personnel and veterans to increase health and well-being.

Darcy enjoys being brushed and led by children who visit the charity and Tye is currently on loan as part of their foster scheme and is loving life being spoiled with love and care.

The magistrates thanked the RSPCA for their work in bringing this case to their attention and commented it was ‘the most harrowing they have had to deal with in this court’.

Sentencing | 24 weeks’ immediate custody. Lifetime disqualification from keeping equines which he can appeal after 10 years.

Neill’s partner Leah Marie Brown was sentenced in November 2021 for causing unnecessary suffering to Tye and for failing to meet the needs of Tye, Darcy and Dorcus. She was disqualified from keeping equines for 10 years which she cannot apply for to be lifted for five years. She was also sentenced to a six-month curfew and ordered to pay £400 costs.

Everything Horse
DevonLive

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

Llwynhendy, Carmarthenshire: Ashleigh Price

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CONVICTED (2022) | illegal dog breeder Ashleigh Price, born 8 January 1997, of 35 Parc Richard, Llwynhendy, near Llanelli SA14 9PF.

Price, a traveller, made tens of thousands of pounds in less than 18 months while claiming benefits. He sold the dogs on the Gumtree and Free Ads websites between April 2020 and November 2021.

In total he sold 10 litters in that period, despite it being illegal to advertise for sale three or more litters in any 12-month period without a dog breeding licence.

Big Fat Gypsy Wedding: Ashleigh and Courtney Price

The offences came to light when officers from Carmarthenshire Council were tipped off that Price had kennels in his garden, at Parc Richard in Llwynhendy, and visited the property. They checked with both Gumtree and Free Ads and discovered that four accounts had been set up in Price’s name, along with two in his wife Courtney Price’s name. Breeds advertised by the pair included Jack Russells, Labradors, cocker spaniels and West Highland terriers.

Most of the adverts stated the puppies for sale were family pets, and Price pocketed himself between £34,000 and £57,000 in the 16-month period in question.

Price told the court he wanted to make more money due to the fact that he only earned £120 a week in benefits.

He also said that he acted alone in the scheme and that he in fact set up the online accounts that were in both his and his wife’s name, and claimed that some of the dogs were in fact given away to family and friends.

Price claimed that he kept no record of how much the dogs were actually sold for.

Sentencing | fined £500 and ordered to pay costs of £750 and a victim surcharge of £50.

Wales Online

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

Redhill, Surrey: Albert Eastwood Jr

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CONVICTED (2022) | hare courser Albert Eastwood, born 25 September 1995, of Denton Close, Redhill RH1 5LB


Eastwood, a traveller and like his father, fellow hare courser Albert Eastwood Sr, a career criminal admitted hare coursing and causing criminal damage to fields on the estate in north Essex.

Eastwood had been spotted on February 1, 2022, driving his 4×4 vehicle at speed across a field, following a lurcher which was chasing a hare.
Essex Police were called by one of the gamekeepers and stopped Eastwood’s vehicle before he could leave the estate.

The vehicle contained two lurchers, together with three dead hares concealed in the passenger footwell.

The padlock and chain securing the field gate had been removed and tyre marks and ruts could be seen across the field.

Eastwood was reported for hare coursing and criminal damage.

The estate manager, who wished not to be named, said: “Full marks to Essex Police for pursuing this to a prosecution because hare coursing is a difficult crime to prosecute, although I’m hoping that Government plans to introduce tougher sentencing will happen soon.

“Hare coursing is a scourge and, quite apart from the fate of our brown hares, it often has links to organised crime, although not in this case. Thousands of pounds can be gambled at illegal coursing events.

“We really appreciate the police support.”

Albert Eastwood Sr

PC Clare Dawson added: “Eastwood had driven a vehicle across farmland, which not only had the potential to damage crops but also caused ruts, which damage soil structure and can affect future crop yields.

“Hare coursing is a cruel activity, not just because hares are killed in the name of what some still persist in calling a ‘sport’ but because the dogs involved are often mistreated, too.

Sentencing | fined £200 for hare coursing and £100 for criminal damage. Ordered to pay £1,000 compensation to the estate, £105 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

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