Monthly Archives: December 2022

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Monmouth, Monmouthshire: Gareth Lawler

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2022) | puppy farmer and Crufts dog show judge Gareth Lawler, born c. 1965, previously of Hendy, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, but now living in the town of Monmouth – ran an illegal breeding operation where dogs were kept in awful conditions.

Crufts dog show judge and puppy farmer Gareth Lawler from Monmouth, Wales, UK. Image: Daily Mail

Shamed Kennel Club judge Gareth Lawler – who has been going to Crufts for more than 30 years – made £153,000 from puppy farming.

He was found to have bred 27 litters in just four years, with dogs selling for anywhere between £500 and £2,000 a time.

He bred and sold highly-sought after breeds including English springer spaniels, cocker spaniels, Tibetan terriers, Hungarian vizslas, longhaired dachshunds, shih tzu crosses and cockerpoos.

Carmarthenshire Council wanted to search Lawler’s home “due to the unsatisfactory conditions his own dogs were being kept in and refusal to allow officers to access areas where other dogs and puppies were housed.”

A spokesman said: “The subsequent search and online investigations by Council Officers uncovered breeding dogs and puppies being kept in poor conditions as well as evidence of large-scale unlicensed dog breeding.

“Twenty-seven litters were bred between 24th July 2016 and 22nd July 2020, 11 of which were bred in the last 12 months, despite being advised of current dog breeding regulations on more than one occasion.”

Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “I would like to praise the actions of our Animal Welfare team who uncovered unlicensed dog breeding, as well as dogs being kept in unacceptable conditions during an inspection which forms part of the dog boarding licensing procedure.

“Mr Lawler is well-known on the dog show circuit, having judged English Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Welsh Springer Spaniels at Kennel Club shows and this case indicates the importance of licenses for dog boarding and breeding, both of which are in place to protect the welfare of dogs.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that breeders and boarders of dogs in Carmarthenshire follow the rules that are in place which ensure that breeding dogs, their puppies and those being boarded are being kept in proper conditions”.

Lawler was ordered to repay £78,000 in three months or go to jail for 12 months. The £78,000 sum would be confiscated from Lawler under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Lawler was also fined £500 for the unlicensed breeding and was given six months to pay this. If he doesn’t a further 14 days prison sentence will be activated

Posts from Lawler’s social media accounts appear to show he is a member of the English Springer Spaniel Club of Wales, and frequently shares updates on dog competitions and judging.

Planet Radio
Daily Mail

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

Orchard Park, Kingston upon Hull: Patricia King

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Patricia King, born c. 1975, of 24 Palmcourt, Orchard Park, Hull HU6 9TH – strangled and viciously stabbed her pet dog, causing fatal injuries.

Dog killer: Patricia King from Hull, UK. Picture: Facebook.

Evil Patricia King used a kitchen knife to stab the female Yorkie, known as Pepper, nine times during a repeated and deliberate incident that would have caused the tiny dog a lot of pain and distress.

Philip Brown, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said that King “inflicted deliberate and fatal cruelty” on the dog, who was aged between four and five, at her home.

King approached a woman that she knew and asked her for a cuddle. She told the woman that she had killed her dog.

Dog killer: Patricia King from Hull, UK. Picture: Hull Daily Mail.

Being aware that King did not always tell the entire truth, the woman asked King to show her the dog. She then made the “shocking discovery” of finding Pepper’s badly mutilated remains wrapped in an old blanket in a bedroom.

The woman managed to “secrete” the dog out of the property and alerted the RSPCA.

Pepper’s body was taken away and it was discovered that she had suffered nine stab wounds, likely to have been caused by a kitchen knife.

“The wounds led to significant internal bleeding,” said Mr Brown.

“The animal was also subject to strangulation and suffocation while it was still alive and the vet concludes that the stab wounds were inflicted while the dog was alive.”

The wounds included stabs to the back and side in quick succession and “trauma” would have been caused.

“Death was directly attributed to the stab wounds,” said Mr Brown. “The dog did not immediately die. There is evidence of strangulation in addition to the stab wounds. The animal going into shock would have speeded up death.

“This animal would have suffered, from this ordeal, an extreme pain reaction and would have been extremely distressed. There was a high degree of suffering and distress caused to the animal by the manner of its death.”

Dog killer: Patricia King from Hull, UK. Picture: Hull Daily Mail.

King’s lawyer said his client had no previous convictions and was at a low risk of re-offending. He added that the offence was “out of character” although she had misused drugs and had other problems including significant debt.

Presiding magistrate Lynda Carmichael told King: “Due to the deliberate and sustained injuries inflicted on the dog, Pepper, which led to a high degree of suffering, we do believe that this matter warrants immediate custody.”

King’s lawyer immediately gave notice of an appeal and requested that his client be released from custody pending the hearing, but this was denied.

She remained in custody to be taken to New Hall Prison, near Wakefield.

Sentencing | 16 weeks in jail. £120 victim surcharge. Indefinite ban on keeping any animal but this will be for a minimum of 10 years.

Hull Daily Mail
ITV News

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Bury, Greater Manchester: Byron Rowland

8 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Byron Rowland aka Byron Daniels or Byron Allen, born 19 March 1999, of 50 Limefield Road, Radcliffe, Bury BL9 5ET – left his two pet dog to die in his abandoned rubbish-strewn flat.

Dog killer: Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Picture: Facebook.

Rowland pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences in relation to two dogs found dead in his squalid flat in Walmersley Road, Bury.

The RSPCA made the horrific discovery of the emaciated bodies of bulldog breed dogs Tank and Frankie after they had been left unsupervised and without water for more than three weeks at the flat.

Dark silhouette stains where the dogs had laid were visible on the carpets when they were removed from the flat after the discovery during a routine inspection by the landlord of the property on January 19, 2022.

Tank and Frankie were left to die by Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Images: RSPCA
Tank and Frankie were left to die by evil Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Images: RSPCA

The dogs were found lying in two upstairs bedrooms, where the floors were littered with dog faeces.

Rowland admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Tank and Frankie by failing to provide the proper and necessary care for them between October 31, 2021 and January 19, 2022.

Dog killer: Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Picture: Facebook.

He also admitted failing to ensure the needs of the two dogs were met between the same dates.

RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo said in her witness statement presented to the court that when she went into the flat on February 23 there was not a single source of water available for the dogs to drink.

Tank: abandoned to starve to death by Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester
Tank as a puppy

She said: “Any bowls, pans or plates were dry. All taps were turned off.

“The kitchen sink, bath and toilet were all dry.

“The landlord informed me that the central heating had also been left on.

“In the bedroom where Tank was found there were around 40 piles of faeces, an overturned empty dog bowl, two empty upright bowls and an open bag of dry dog food.

“And in the bedroom where Frankie was found there were, again, multiple piles of dog faeces mixed with torn up tissue.”

Inspector Araujo later spoke with Tank’s original owner, who said she had asked Rowland to look after him after she couldn’t take him to her new home.

Dog killer: Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Picture: Facebook.

The defendant was eventually tracked down after Inspector Araujo contacted his mother, Jennifer Mae Smith, and he was interviewed on March 10.

A vet’s expert report said Rowland claimed he had left two bowls of water for the dogs when he left them in the flat.

There was also a bag of dog food.

The vet said: “Dog food was still accessible at the time of their death but the dogs did not have access to water.

“A dog that has access to food but not water will dehydrate and die within eight to 11 days.

“When the water bowls became depleted it is likely the dogs began to search for other water sources.

“The inspector noted the toilet was dry, which was likely due to them having drunk the water after their bowls were empty.”

Dog killer: Byron Rowland from Bury, Greater Manchester. Picture: Facebook.

In defence, the court was told Rowland had lost his job and he was in arrears with his rent when he left the flat.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Araujo added: “It was such a horrific way for those two poor dogs to die, especially since it was totally avoidable.”

Sentencing | 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months; 30 rehabilitation activity days; 150 hours of unpaid work; £1,972 legal costs and vets fees as well as a victim surcharge of £128. Five-year ban on keeping animals (expires December 2027).

Bury Times

Dogs

Wallsend, North Tyneside: Margery and Thomas Taylor

2 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Margery Taylor, born c. 1948, and son Thomas Taylor, born c. 1976, both of North View, Wallsend NE28 7NF – neglected an elderly dog found in a sleeping bag soaked with blood and urine.

Yorkie Hughie was found with a serious skin condition which had been ignored by his heartless owners.
Yorkie Hughie was found with a serious skin condition which had been ignored by his heartless owners.

The pair failed to get help for 12-year-old Yorkshire terrier Hughie, who became stuck to a sodden sleeping bag as his body was completely covered in scabs.

RSPCA inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws said Hughie stunk of rotting flesh and yeast when she rescued him from the family’s “filthy” home.

“There was rotten food in open containers all over the property and the dirt stuck to my shoes when I was walking,” she said of her visit on February 18, 2022.

“Hughie was on a sleeping bag on the sofa and the bag was wet underneath him with a combination of blood and urine. It appeared he had been sitting there for some time as bits of skin were stuck to the sleeping bag where he lay.”

Inspector Keogh-Laws said Hughie was almost bald on some parts of his body and large chunks of his skin were peeling off.

Yorkie Hughie was found with a serious skin condition which had been ignored by his heartless owners.

Margery Taylor knew her dog had been unwell and even took him to the vets in September 2021, where he was prescribed a second bottle of anti-inflammatory tablets. Both bottles were found by the inspector to still be “at least half” full.

The Taylors both pleaded guilty to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. They admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by not providing vet care for his severe skin condition. They also admitted to failing to meet the dog’s needs by failing to provide him with a suitable environment.

Hughie pictured following his recovery

Hughie is recovering from his ordeal, though sadly the scars on his body will be permanent due to the severity of his neglect.

The vet who treated Hughie’s skin condition said: “His quality of life has improved dramatically and the dog is now enjoying life free from pain and restricted mobility. The desire to run and play is a lovely illustration of this.”

After spending time at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, Hughie is now being looked after by foster carers and will be found a permanent home soon.

Sentencing | a total of £234 each in fine and surcharge. Costs of £2,000 from central funds were awarded to the RSPCA. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires December 2027).

ITV News
Chronicle

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies

Bridport, Dorset: Gillian Carr

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Gillian Margaret Carr, born c. 1961, of Fulbrooks Close, Bridport DT6 5DJ – neglected a Friesian horse, leading to his death.

Carr was found guilty of three charges of causing unnecessary suffering to the black Friesian horse called Henry.

The charges related to a course of conduct between December 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

Between these dates Henry suffered from muscular atrophy which Carr failed to investigate or address. She also failed to provide routine parasite care for worms and lice or provide a suitable diet for him.

Between December 29 and December 31, 2021, the animal collapsed at a field near Nallers Farm, in Askerswell, Dorset, and Carr failed to obtain or seek veterinary attention for him. Very sadly Henry died.

Carr pleaded not guilty to the charges but was found guilty following a summary trial

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence, suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work; £628 in costs and surcharge. Banned from keeping equine animals for a period of two years (expires December 2024).

Bridport News

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Carlisle, Cumbria: Dale and Mike Rickerby

14 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | wildlife killers Dale Rickerby, born 23 June 1994, and Michael James Rickerby, born 24 March 1990, of 68 Warnell Drive, Carlisle CA1 3LR – used a shovel to “bludgeon” a badger before tossing the terrified animal to their dogs.

Wildlife killers and dog abusers: Michael Rickerby and Dale Rickerby from Carlisle
Mike Rickerby (left) and brother Dale Rickerby

The horrific badger baiting incident, which took place in October 2021 in Holme Lane near the village of Aglionby in Cumbria, was conducted primarily by Dale Rickerby, but he was assisted by his older brother Michael James Rickerby,

The brothers denied any wrong-doing despite evidence that they had dug a deep hole to give their dog access to the badger in its sett.

Wildlife killers and dog abuser: Dale Rickerby from Carlisle

Dale Rickerby said the pair were in the area “legally” hunting for rabbits when they happened to see the badger which then attacked their bull lurcher, Bronson. He claimed to have used the shovel on the badger to “protect” the dog.

The court didn’t believe them, however, and the brothers were convicted of “wilfully killing a badger” following a one-day trial.

Dale Rickerby was also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to Bronson by setting him on a badger and of failing to ensure the dog’s welfare.

He did this by failing to take reasonable steps to protect the dog from pain, suffering and injury in his encounters with other animals.

Wildlife killer and dog abuser: Mike Rickerby from Carlisle
Mike Rickerby

Both men were represented by Clive Rees, who said that his clients were fathers to young children and represented a “low risk” of reoffending.

Passing sentence, District Judge Temperley first addressed Dale Rickerby, telling him: “You will remember that at the conclusion of the trial I found that you were primarily responsible, not only for the death of the badger; but also for the significant injury caused to your own dog Bronson.”

When the badger had emerged from the “man-made” hole that exposed its sett, Dale Rickerby “bludgeoned it over the head with the spade,” said the judge. The defendant then tossed the dazed animal to the dogs.

The judge said a background Probation Service report showed clearly that Dale Rickerby did not accept the court’s guilty verdict.

Badger baiter Dale Rickerby from Carlisle

The judge jailed the defendant for 20 weeks. He also imposed an order transferring ownership of Bronson to the RSPCA. Dale Rickerby will be banned from owning or looking after any animal for five years. When released, he must pay £500 prosecution costs.

Turning to Michael Rickerby, the judge said he had “encouraged and aided” his brother, with this including him driving another member of the group away from the scene with some of the dogs they had brought.

The judge imposed 12 weeks jail, suspended for a year. Michael Rickerby must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 prosecution costs. He was banned from owning or caring for any dog for five years.

Members of the defendants’ family were in court to support them.

After the trial, RSPCA inspector Ian Muttitt, from the charity’s northern Special Operations Unit, said both the dog and the badger suffered horrifically. “The dog was significantly injured; basically, the skin from the bottom of its jaw was ripped off,” he said.

“But police spotted the two males in the car quickly and luckily the dog was taken to the vets straight away and treated. It’s made a full recovery. But often they don’t receive veterinary treatment.”

Sentencing |
Dale Rickerby: 20 weeks in jail; £500 towards costs. Banned from owning or looking after any animal for five years (expires December 2027).
Michael Rickerby: 12 weeks in jail suspended for one year; 200 hours of unpaid work; £1,000 prosecution costs. Banned from owning or caring for any dog for five years (expires December 2027).

Westmoreland Gazette

Additional Information

In February 2022 Dale Rickerby was given a eight-week curfew and 18-month driving ban after being caught driving with cannabis and cocaine in his system.

Rickerby’s VW Golf was stopped by police who were in the area investigating suspected badger baiting.

Rickerby, who at the time was working as a mobile cleaner, pleaded guilty to driving while over the limit for both illegal drugs.

The court heard that Rickerby had previous convictions for possessing amphetamine and cannabis.

The curfew will be served at a property in Tindale Drive, Harraby, and not the Warnell Drive address.

Dogs, Serial Animal Abusers

Redruth, Cornwall: Luke and Melissa Hankins

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Luke Hankins and Melissa Hankins, both born c. 1992, of 29 Trenoweth Estate, North Country, Redruth TR16 4AQ – starved their dog and failed to provide veterinary treatment despite repeated warnings from the authorities.

Animal abusers: Luke and Melissa Hankins from Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Picture: Facebook.

The Hankins, who have four young children, both pleaded guilty to two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by failing to investigate poor body condition and weight loss. The offences took place between December 2021 and March 2022 and related to a 14-year-old Staffy named Benson.

Elderly Staffy Benson was muzzled and allowed to starve to emaciation
Elderly Staffy Benson was muzzled and allowed to starve to emaciation

The court heard how Cornwall Council had had many dealings with the Hankins, with advice given frequently over the weight and skin condition of their three dogs who would often run away.

Animal abuser: Melissa Hankins from Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Picture: Facebook.

On March 21, 2022, Benson was found straying and picked up by a member of the public. He was found to be emaciated and wearing a tightly fitted muzzle. The matter was reported to the RSPCA and the dog taken to the vets.

Vets reported how Benson was emaciated with every rib, spine and pelvic bone visible. His ears were waxy, he had an eye condition and he had been biting and rubbing himself due to the skin condition.

Skin loss was attributed to the tightly fitting muzzle which prevented him from eating, drinking and barking. Hair loss was put down to having to sleep on a hard surface for a prolonged period of time.

Prosecutor Lindi Meyer told the court that “food deprivation over a prolonged period of time resulted in a skeletal appearance” and that “Benson would have suffered for months”.

Animal abuser: Melissa Hankins from Redruth, Cornwall, UK. Picture: Facebook.

When he was seized Benson weighed just 12kg but within four months in care he was at 21kg. The straying was said to be a result of long-term repeated neglect.

Speaking to the court, Luke Hankins said: “I miss him but never starved him. I’m very sorry. I was scared the vets would put him down but wish I got help sooner.”

Melissa Hankins added: “Were very sorry for what happened to that dog. We were struggling as a family but I know that isn’t an excuse. We hope Benson is getting looked after and getting the care he deserves.”

Benson after being nursed back to health
RSPCA Cornwall nursed Benson back to health and he is now enjoying his twilight years in a loving home

Magistrates said that the treatment of Benson was “a prolonged period of neglect and failure to take on veterinary advice and enforcement notices”.

The poor treatment of the Hankins’ dogs was said to have lasted a decade.

The court heard that all of the Hankins’ animals have now been rehomed.

Sentencing | 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 18 months; rehabilitation activity requirement; £400 each towards RSPCA costs as well as a victim surcharge. They were banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

Cornwall Live

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Birds, Dogs, donkeys and mules, Equine Abuse, guinea pigs, Hoarders, Lifers, Multiple Species, Other Mammals, rabbits, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Bromyard, Herefordshire: Graham Stephens

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | animal sanctuary owner Graham T Stephens, born 30 July 1960, of Broad Street, Hereford HR7 but with links to Kidderminster – kept ‘rescued’ animals in shocking conditions.

Animal abuser: Graham Stephens from Hereford UK pictured during his court appearance
Graham Stephens pictured during his court appearance

Graham Stephens, co-owner with wife Jayne Stephens of registered charity Little Meadow Animal Rescue (LMAR) in Stoke Bliss, Worcestershire, kept owls, dogs, rabbits, donkeys and other animals in cramped conditions and failed to provide for their needs.

Images from animal sanctuary from hell Little Meadows in Worcestershire, UK

The mistreatment to the animals included failing to provide dental treatment, failing to address heavy lice infestation, failing to provide treatment for bacterial infection, failing to provide veterinary treatment for the eye condition and dental disease and failure to provide drinking water.

The animals were kept in filthy, faeces-covered cages with animals kept close to predators when they should have been kept apart.

Images from animal sanctuary from hell Little Meadows in Worcestershire, UK

The court heard that unnecessary suffering was caused to four grey donkeys, an alpaca, a Chinese Crested dog, two rabbits, a guinea pig, a grey squirrel and four tawny owls.

Prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, Lynda Myer said warnings had been given to Stephens in 2020 about the mistreatment of dogs but less than two years later there had been “multiple complaints” from the public to the police about conditions at the sanctuary.

Images from animal sanctuary from hell Little Meadows in Worcestershire, UK

Police, accompanied by the RSPCA, acted on a warrant and visited the sanctuary, leading to Stephens’ arrest.

“The conditions were appalling,” the prosecutor said.

“There were signs significant stress was caused to the animals living in a small area.

“He was entrusted with money from the public to look after these animals.”

Sarah Brady, defending, said Stephens had been suffering from depression and stress while trying to run the charity.

“He has run the charity for 12 years,” Mrs Brady said.

“In 2021 he should have sought help.

“He didn’t because of what was going on in his personal life.

“He regrets that now.”

The solicitor added it was not a case where the defendant had deliberately mistreated animals.

Stephens admitted six charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and two charges of failing the duty of a person responsible for an animal to ensure welfare.

Sentencing | jailed for eight months and banned from owning, keeping or transporting animals in any way, for life. He was told the earliest he could appeal that ban is 2033. He was released on conditional bail pending an appeal against the custodial sentence.

Hereford Times
Daily Mail

Additional Information

Following sentencing, a witness to Stephens’ animal cruelty over many years took to Facebook to write the following account of her experience:

The RSPCA together with the police obtained a warrant and removed 44 animals wo were living in squalor. There were caged dogs and some running around along with caged wildlife including owls, squirrels, rabbits and guinea pigs all living in a static caravan.

The RSPCA inspectors could only stay in the caravan for a few minutes because of the smell of ammonia. The donkeys had laminitis and overgrown hoofs and teeth and were unable to eat.

I personally saw the video and photographic evidence from the RSPCA and broke down in tears over the conditions these animals were forced to live in.

I obtained some small satisfaction by telling him to his face what I thought of him and what he had put the animals through whilst all the time convincing the general public that he was a caring rescue.

I personally had dealings with him and his wife when he was running WFAT [Wyre Forest Animal Trust] in Kidderminster and saw at first hand the appalling neglect the animals which he taken in were suffering. I made many complaints to the RSPCA and all the major welfare animal authorities along with the Charity Commission. Regrettably no one took any action all those years ago and he was allowed to carry on to this present day abusing and mistreating animals.

The case will now go to the Crown Court. The b…d should’ve gone down there and then.

Update | October 2023

Graham Stephens’ appeal was held on Tuesday 10 October 2023, at Hereford Crown Court sitting at Hereford Justice Centre; however it was withdrawn at the end of the hearing.

Images from animal sanctuary from hell Little Meadows in Worcestershire, UK

The sentence imposed from December 2022 has now remained, with an additional £750 of costs included with the sentence.

Stephens will now spend the next eight months in jail. His lifetime ban remains in place but may be reviewed after just 10 years.

Your Herefordshire

Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking, Pet Profiteering

Wrexham, North Wales: Jordan Birchall-Roberts and Carl Birchall

2 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Jordan Birchall-Roberts, born 11 January 2002, of Heol Cadfan, Coedpoeth, Wrexham LL11, and Carl Cassius Marius Birchall, born 14 March 1974, of 43 Meadow Lea, Caia Park, Wrexham LL13 8SN – failed to provide veterinary care and attention for a puppy with cropped ears.

Animal abusers: Carl Birchall (left) and son Jordan Birchall-Roberts from Wrexham, Wales. Pictures: Facebook

The pair, who are father and son, pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act of failing to meet the needs of a bulldog called Zena by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care and attention for her cropped ears.

Cruelty victim Zena with cropped ears

The court had heard that the defendants told the RSPCA they had owned the puppy for a week and her ears were already cropped.

RSPCA inspector Rachael Davies attended Meadow Lea in Wrexham on June 9, 2022. She found Zena in the living room and could see instantly that her ears had been cropped and that they looked “swollen and appeared to have been cut unevenly”.

Animal abuser: Carl Birchall from Wrexham. Picture: Facebook

Inspector Davies – who was speaking to a lady at the property – said in a written statement: “I could see the holes where the stitches had been.

“The lady told me that the first night the puppy came home it was screaming in pain so they gave it some Calpol and since then it had been fine.”

Zena’s owner Birchall-Roberts then returned and inspector Davies asked him where he got the dog from.

Animal abuser: Jordan Birchall-Roberts from Wrexham, Wales. Picture: Facebook

He explained that had been given a phone number which had come off Gumtree.

“He said he then picked the dog up from some men at a service station in Chester,” she added.

“I asked if the puppy had seen a vet, he said no. I advised him that I was concerned about the puppy’s ears as they looked very swollen and painful and that I wanted to take the puppy to the vet to get them checked.

“At first he was reluctant however after speaking to his father he agreed to let me take the puppy to the vet. He told me the puppy was seven weeks old when he got her and he had owned her for one week.”

Cruelty victim Zena with cropped ears

At the vets Zena was examined and a vet confirmed that her ears were swollen with signs of infection. She was taken into possession by police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.

Animal abuser: Jordan Birchall-Roberts from Wrexham, Wales. Picture: Facebook

A witness statement from a veterinary surgeon said Zena would have endured suffering when these wounds were sustained and the days following this (timescale of approximately one week).

They added: “The suffering in the days after could have been reduced by adequate assessment and treatment, had Zena been presented to a veterinary surgeon earlier.

“I estimate that Zena has not had her needs met for approximately one week, or the time since sustaining the wounds to her ears, allegedly one week prior.

“A reasonable person would have presented this puppy to a veterinary surgeon on the day of purchase or ownership.”

Prior to the hearing Zena was signed over to the RSPCA.

Sentencing | each was ordered to pay £300 costs, a £120 fine and a £34 victim surcharge. A 24-month disqualification from keeping all animals for 24 months (expires December 2024).

The Leader
Wrexham. com

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

Polbeth, West Lothian: Mark McGregor

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | Mark McGregor, born c. 1988, of Langside Crescent, Polbeth, West Calder EH55 8UW – subjected a young dog to a series of savage beatings

Violent dog abuser Mark McGregor from Polbeth, West Lothian, Scotland
Mark McGregor

McGregor left seven-month-old Staffy Murdo with ‘large, swollen lumps’ on his head following a string of brutal attacks which took place during 2021.

The thug was finally apprehended after witnesses spotted him ‘violently strike’ the dog in his back garden, and reported him to the Scottish SPCA.

On March 5, 2021, charity inspectors attended McGregor’s property to investigate the claims, which they described as ‘very graphic and serious in nature’.

Abuse victim Murdo was nursed back to health by the SSPCA and has since been rehomed
Abuse victim Murdo was nursed back to health by the SSPCA and has since been rehomed

Upon arrival, they found Murdo with serious head injuries and showing signs of previous beatings. The wounded pup also appeared terrified of McGregor – cowering and urinating on the floor whenever he approached him.

The dog was immediately seized from the property and rushed to a vet for examination where the extent of his injuries was uncovered.

McGregor pleaded guilty to striking his dog and was sentenced to a curfew and 10-year ban on owning animals.

Speaking about the SSPCA’s investigation Inspector Fiona Thorburn said: “When we attended McGregor’s home, it was immediately apparent that Murdo had a noticeable swelling on his head. He approached me wagging his tail and jumping up in a friendly manner but when McGregor approached him, he appeared scared. He cowered and urinated on the floor.

“I advised McGregor of my concerns for his dog Murdo’s welfare and that veterinary attention must be sought. Murdo was then removed under section 32 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to be taken for a veterinary examination.

“The veterinary examination uncovered damage consistent with the traumatic injury reported to us by the witnesses, leaving Murdo with a large lump on his head.

“Murdo was transported to one of our rescue and rehoming centres for ongoing care and to ensure his welfare. Thanks to the care of our centre, Murdo has made a good recovery and has since found a loving home.

“We are pleased that McGregor has received a ban given the severity of the beating that Murdo sustained. If anyone is concerned about an animal, they can contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Sentencing | 108-day restriction of liberty order. at the same court. Disqualified from owning, keeping and working with animals for the next 10 years.

STV News
Scottish SPCA
Daily Record