Monthly Archives: April 2023

Animal Abandonment, guinea pigs, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Drumchapel, Glasgow: Robert Dyer-Sheppard

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CONVICTED (2023) | Robert Stewart Dyer-Sheppard, born 30 June 1977, previously of Linkwood Crescent, Drumchapel, but now believed to be in the Haghill area of Dennistoun, Glasgow* – moved out of his home, leaving behind eight guinea pigs to starve to death.

Dyer-Sheppard pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate food and water for the eight guinea pigs.

When the guinea pigs were found, seven of them had passed away and the surviving female, named Ollie, was emaciated.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector Jennifer Connolly said, “On 18 April 2022 we received a call to our animal helpline regarding concerns that a number of guinea pigs had been left alone at the address for several days.

“We contacted the local council to gain access and discovered Sheppard had moved out on 8 April 2022. Meanwhile our animal helpline received another call, this time from a council employee who had attended the property to change the locks, and discovered a number of dead guinea pigs on the veranda area.

“We attended and discovered the bodies of six Guinea pigs on the veranda. There was a large amount of guinea pig faeces everywhere. There were two empty bowls and an empty cake tin on the floor. No food or water was present.

“There was a plastic cage sitting on top of a hutch containing a further two guinea pigs which was closed, meaning they had no way to leave the cage. One of the animals inside was dead.

“We immediately removed the surviving guinea pig, named Ollie, to a clean pet carrier.

“Ollie was taken to one of our centres for veterinary treatment where she was found to be underweight, but bright and alert.

“In our care she quickly regained weight and has since found a loving new home where she can get the love and attention she deserves.

“We sought a veterinary opinion on how the other seven guinea pigs died and it is estimated they succumbed to dehydration. It’s estimated it would take somewhere between three and five days for a Guinea pig to die of dehydration or over a week to die of starvation assuming water was available.

“Given the timescales of when Sheppard vacated the property we assume there must have been a supply of food and water left initially. However, these resources would not have been evenly shared between the animals and the weaker animals would have passed away more quickly.

“We are pleased that Sheppard received a ban but, given the level of neglect these animals were subjected to, we would have liked for it to have been for a longer period of time.

“Any reasonable owner would not leave their animals unsupervised like this for such an extended period of time and would ensure that someone trustworthy and reliable was responsible for tending to them.”

Sentencing | 75-day restriction of liberty order. Two year ban on owning animals (expires April 2025).

SSPCA News
Glasgow Times
Clydebank Post

*Update | April 2023

We are advised that Robert Dyer-Sheppard now lives in Aberfeldy Street, Haghill, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 3NS.

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

Haydock, Merseyside: Craig Lee

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CONVICTED (2023) | Craig A Lee, born 20 April 1982, of 376 West End Road, Haydock, St Helens WA11 0AY – fatally injured his elderly dog after kicking and punching her before attacking her with a metal pole

Dog killer Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside. Image source: Facebook
Dog killer Craig Lee aka “Crazy Craig” from Haydock in the Borough of St Helens, Merseyside

Lee, who calls himself “Crazy Craig”, kicked 12-year-old springer spaniel Carly so hard his shoe came off. He then beat the petrified dog repeatedly around the head and body with the pole, causing unsurvivable injuries. The wounded dog was taken to a vet and put to sleep.

Victim Carly. The elderly dog suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of her evil owner, Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens
Victim Carly. The elderly dog suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of her evil owner

Lee’s attack on Carly was witnessed by his carer Ceri Pickering.

The court heard that Ms Pickering would regularly see Lee become violent towards Carly, shouting at the dog and raising his fists.

On one visit she watched him punch Carly in the face. She said the dog would urinate in terror any time Lee came towards her.

Dog killer Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside. Image source: Facebook

On July 10, 2022, police contacted Ms Pickering with welfare concerns for Lee. She arrived at the address to find him in bed. No food or water had been provided for Carly so Ms Pickering tended to her.

Carly urinated as Lee approached her and he reacted by kicking her in the head, losing a shoe in the process.

The dog yelped in pain and urinated again.

Dog killer Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside. Image source: Facebook

Lee went to the kitchen and returned with a metal pole, saying “watch this now” and thrashed the dog over and over again.

Ms Pickering tried to get between Lee and Carly and was also hit with the pole although she said this had not been deliberate.

She managed to get the pole off Lee and called the police after Lee told her he would “stab” the dog if she left.

Ms Pickering agreed to look after Carly who was described as having “glazed eyes” and being “unable to walk”.

Veterinary examination showed that Carly had suffered internal injuries and brain damage from which she could not recover. There was no other option but to put her to sleep.

Dog killer Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside. Image source: Facebook

On August 1, 2022, Lee visited Ms Pickering’s address after sending her a series of menacing text messages, one of which said it was “payback time”.

Lee began “violently kicking the door” saying he would “smash up the house” and calling Ms Pickering a “grass”.

She described being so scared that she locked her 11-year-old daughter in the bathroom before contacting the police.

On arrest, Lee was heard to tell officers that he “didn’t care” about going to prison because “Altcourse is like a holiday”.

The court heard that Lee had 13 previous convictions for 16 offences.

Lee pleaded guilty to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and one of intimidating a witness,

Dog killer Craig Lee from Haydock, St Helens, Merseyside. Image source: Facebook

In mitigation, Lee’s solicitor told the court that Carly was already poorly with cancer and end-stage kidney disease. He said it had been agreed that her death had not been solely caused by Lee’s vicious assault.

He described Lee as suffering from a “psychotic episode” brought on by “drinking to excess” and added that the defendant had a long history of mental health difficulties.

He added Lee had “felt betrayed” by Ms Pickering contacting the police and that their relationship was “not a supportive one and they were not on the best of terms”.

Recorder Eric Lamb, said the defendant’s behaviour had been “violent and abusive”.

He added: “The twilight years of that animal were made entirely miserable,”

Sentencing | one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. Five year restraining order; six months of alcohol treatment; 25 days of rehabilitation activity. No mention of a ban.

St Helens Star

dog used as a weapon, Dogs

Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne: Sean Bell

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CONVICTED (2023) | Sean Michael Bell, born c. 1985, of Banbury Road, Kenton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 – used his pet Staffy as a weapon against police officers, leading to the dog’s destruction.

Violent thug Sean Bell commanded his pet dog to attack two police officers during arrest, leading to a spell in prison for him and the dog losing his life.
Violent thug Sean Bell commanded his pet dog to attack two police officers during arrest, leading to a spell in prison for him and the dog losing his life.

In January 2022 officers from Northumbria Police attended an address in Blyth, Northumberland, in response to reports of domestic violence. On arrival they found Sean Bell drunk and sitting in his car outside the property where his then partner lived.

When officers attempted to detain Bell, he ordered his 10-year-old Staffy, Buster, who was sitting in the back seat, to “get them”. It was then that the dog attacked the officers. Bell encouraged the dog to keep attacking the officers while they tried to place handcuffs on him.

The female officer sustained bite wounds to her thigh and leg, with the male officer sustaining wounds to his thigh and calf.

Bell also attacked both officers and dished out verbal abuse before he was finally arrested.

In custody, Bell then spat at an officer, while screaming abuse from a custody suite.

Bell’s lawyer told the court that Buster is “not dangerous unless in the hands of someone not fit and proper”. She said members of Bell’s family could look after and insure the dog as well as muzzle him on walks. However, Recorder Mark Giuliani rejected this on the basis of Bell’s “chaotic” family background and instead ordered that Buster be destroyed.

A jury found Bell, who has previous convictions for criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, guilty of two counts of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

He was also found guilty of two counts of an assault with intent to avoid apprehension and one count of common assault.

He was sentenced to eight years and six months and banned from keeping pets for 18 years.

After sentencing on 4 April 2023, Ch Supt Sam Renninson said Bell’s actions were “completely unacceptable”. He added: “As a force filled with animal lovers, it is also distressing to see a dog used in such a way to attack our officers.

“It is important that anyone responsible for such behaviour is brought to justice, and I hope this case sends a clear message that this conduct will not be tolerated.”

Sentencing | eight years and six months in jail. Banned from keeping pets for 18 years.

Chronicle Live
ITV News
BBC News

abattoirs / animal slaughter, Food Production, livestock hauliers

Shaftesbury, Dorset: John Pritchard

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CONVICTED (2023) | John Edward Pritchard, born c. 1975, of Enham Green, Shaftesbury – caused unnecessary suffering to a group of young calves on their way to a slaughterhouse.

Livestock haulier Pritchard was in charge of transporting 35 calves on a two-hour journey from a farm in Sherborne, Dorset, to an abattoir in Wiltshire.

However, his double-decked livestock trailer was only designed to carry sheep when both decks were in use, because there was insufficient headroom on the lower deck for calves to stand.

When he arrived, the calves were unloaded by a member of staff who immediately noticed that the animals on the lower deck had injuries to their backs where they had bumped against the roof supports of the upper deck during the journey.

Many of the calves suffered injuries when they stumbled and fell down the trailer ramp which was twice as steep as it should be
Many of the calves suffered injuries when they stumbled and fell down the trailer ramp which was twice as steep as it should be

Some of these injuries were up to 10cm long and an examination of the carcasses after slaughter revealed deep bruising.

The official vet at the slaughterhouse examined the calves and concluded that they had been caused unnecessary suffering.

CCTV footage of the calves being unloaded was shown to the court and this also revealed that the ramp angle for the upper deck was far too steep for calves to safely walk down.

The maximum permitted angle for such a ramp is 20 degrees but Pritchard’s was more than 40 degrees, with the CCTV showing the calves stumbling and falling down the ramp.

The court heard that to transport the calves safely and legally, Pritchard should have only used the lower deck on the trailer with the upper deck folded away.

This would have meant doing two journeys to the slaughterhouse but instead it was deemed he decided to put profit before animal welfare.

The prosecution was brought by Dorset Council following an investigation by its Trading Standards team.

Sentencing | 18-month conditional discharge; prosecution costs of £6,495 plus a £22 court surcharge.

Daily Echo
ITV News

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Tutbury, Staffordshire: Chloe Smith

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CONVICTED (2023) | Chloe Elizabeth Smith aka Khloe Rowley, born 10 November 2000, from Tutbury, Burton-on-Trent – left a poorly dog in an empty house with no food and water.

Convicted animal abuser Chloe Smith from Tutbury, Staffs. Source: Facebook
Facebook / Chloe Smith

Single mother Chloe Smith was banned from keeping animals after her tan and white bull-breed dog, Boss, was found alone at home with empty bowls and a severe skin condition. An RSPCA inspector had to push dog food and ice cubes through a letterbox to keep the dog alive.

Magistrates heard that Smith had “rescued” Boss and initially sought veterinary advice from the PDSA on treating his skin problems.

But on November 5, 2022, an RSPCA inspector visited Smith’s home to investigate reports that a dog had been left unattended for a week.

Animal abuser Chloe Smith who also goes by the name Khloe Rowley

Prosecuting for the charity Jayne Skeates told the court: “There was no response but a dog was heard to be behind the door.

“Two dog bowls were seen but were both empty. The dog came to the door and was in poor bodily condition, muzzle red and raw with signs of infection.

“The RSPCA returned again on the following day, November 6, and seals on the door were still intact. Dog food and ice cubes were put through the letter box on November 7 and seals were intact.

“The dog was then seized and taken to vets for examination; it drank two bowls of water on arrival. There was a skin infection, redness and fur loss and the dog was prescribed antibiotics.”

Smith admitted not taking steps to ensure the needs of the dog were met to the extent required.

In mitigation Smith’s lawyer told the court Boss had been in an even worse condition when rescued by Smith.

She said: “The RSPCA saw it in April and they saw it in August – Boss had generally improved in the time Miss Smith had the dog,

“They had a call alleging the dog had been left for a week on its own, which was not true at all. When they found the dog on its own it had been left overnight with food.

“She registered with the PDSA, explained the symptoms and asked for him to be seen. They said it was not necessary and she needed to wash him with something mild and give him antihistamine.

“That’s what she has done, washing him three times a week and feeding him twice a day, buying salmon oil and vitamins. She was doing everything she felt she could do to improve the dog’s welfare.

“Life did not go smoothly for her. She was in a relationship that was abusive.

“However she has worked with social services and the family practitioner. Her mental health at the time was not good but has greatly improved and social services are happy for her daughter to be there.

“Since the dog has been seized by the RSPCA they have brought it back for visits. The dog is still very thin and still has a skin condition – it’s a condition it’s going to have for life – but she has improved the condition of the dog.”

Sentencing | 12-month conditional discharge; ordered to pay £400 costs and a £26 surcharge. Deprivation order for Boss. Banned from keeping animals for just 12 months (expires April 2024).

StaffordshireLive

*Chloe Smith is now calling herself Khloe-Mae Elizabeth Rowley or just Khloe Rowley. When she’s not working in the Prince of Brewers pub in Burton upon Trent, she takes part in amateur boxing matches.

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

Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh: Thomas Gordon aka Rebecca Gordon

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CONVICTED (2023) | Thomas Gordon, born 13 May 1992, from Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh EH4 – drop-kicked his mother’s cat in a fit of rage.

Edinburgh animal abuser Thomas Gordon and one of the two cats he owns with his girlfriend
Edinburgh man Thomas Gordon and one of the two cats he owns with his girlfriend

Thomas Gordon, who also uses the name Becca Gordon, was recorded on a neighbour’s CCTV viciously volleying the defenceless six-year-old cat, named Oreo, into a garden following a row with his mother in January 2021.

Gordon claimed he had kicked the cat after she bit him.

Shocking footage of the attack was posted to Facebook and soon went viral with animal lovers all over the world expressing their outrage at the mindless cruelty depicted. .

Edinburgh animal abuser Thomas Gordon

Gordon was later arrested and charged. In court on Tuesday 4 April 2023, he pleaded guilty to causing an animal unnecessary suffering.

The court viewed the 10 second video clip which showed Gordon picking the cat up then dropping her and kicking her on the body as she fell to the ground.

Fiscal depute Sarah Noon told the court that police and the Scottish SPCA were alerted to the footage after it was widely shared on Facebook and the accused was identified and apprehended .

During a police interview Gordon claimed the cat had bitten him and he had retaliated by kicking her.

Edinburgh animal abuser Thomas Gordon

Gordon’s lawyer told the court her client had suffered “a momentary loss of temper” following a row with his mother and lashed out at the animal.

She added: “Thankfully, there doesn’t seem to be any lasting damage.”

In addition to a small fine Gordon, who owns two cats and a dog with his girlfriend, was given a two-year ban on owning animals.

Sentencing | fined a total of £245 . Banned from keeping or owning animals for the next two years (expires April 2025).

Edinburgh Live

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Perth, Perth and Kinross: George Boura

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CONVICTED (2023) | George Jiri Boura, born 24 July 1978, of St Johnstouns Buildings, Charles Street, Perth PH2 9LB – punched his neighbour’s dog twice in the face during a row about late night noise.

Violent dog abuser George Boura from Perth, Scotland. Picture: Facebook

Czech national Boura, who has a history of anger-fuelled violence, lashed out at the Staffie-collie cross, named Summer, after being woken by people outside his block of flats at 2am.

Police charged Boura with causing the animal unnecessary suffering following the incident on May 8, 2022.

Boura, who was also charged with a public disorder offence, denied hitting the dog and claimed to police he had instead “pushed its head away gently”.

Dog abuser George Boura pictured outside court. Image source: The Courier
Boura pictured outside court. Image source: The Courier

Boura, who builds tee-pees for weddings, was found guilty following a one-day trial at Perth Sheriff Court, after three witnesses insisted they saw him punch the dog in the face.

Summer’s owner Mark Donnachie told the court he was outside the block of flats with her just after 2am when he met two friends with their dog. He said that the dogs were playing but weren’t barking.

Mr Donnachie said that Boura came out of his house and “started shouting and swearing at us.”

He added that Boura seemed to be “wanting a fight” and may have been drinking.

Mr Donnachie conceded that Summer – who knew Boura – had jumped up at him but “wasn’t being aggressive”.

He told the court: “George just turned round and punched her full on the head. She got scared and ran away. I put her back inside the house.”

Mr Donnachie told the court that Summer “isn’t the same dog” following the attack. He said “If someone goes to touch her now, she just starts shaking. She has stickers on her, letting people know she needs space.”

Mr Donnachie said Boura struck his dog once but other witnesses agreed he hit the animal twice.

Boura told his trial he had made several complaints to Perth and Kinross Council about noise such as “dogs barking, fighting over squeezy balls” and believed there was a conspiracy against him.

Describing the incident he said: “I was asleep in bed when I heard howling from the dog. It lasted about 20 minutes. I just went out and I was swearing at them.”

Boura said: “The dog jumped at me.

“Because I was angry, I pushed her away with an open hand.”

Sheriff Gillian Wade found Boura guilty of threatening or abusive behaviour, likely to cause fear or alarm, and causing the dog unnecessary suffering by repeatedly punching it and told him: “I note you have a previous conviction for serious violent offending, so you are clearly a person who is of a violent disposition.”

Boura was fined £450.

The Courier