Monthly Archives: September 2023

Cats, Hoarders, Worst of the Worst

Beeston, City of Leeds: Donna Adams

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CONVICTED (2023) | pet hoarder Donna R Adams, born 11 May 1971, of 101 Tempest Road, Beeston Hill, Leeds LS11 6RD – failed to feed her eight cats a proper diet or treat their ailments.

Leeds animal abuser Donna Adams fed her eight cats a diet of boiled eggs, bread and cheese
Donna Adams fed her eight poorly cats a diet of boiled eggs, bread and cheese but refused to acknowledge her failure to meet their needs

Adams appealed unsuccessfully against her animal cruelty conviction following a trial in February 2023.

She was prosecuted by the RSPCA after the eight cats, who were underweight and suffering from eye and dental issues, were discovered at her flat in Tempest Road, Beeston Hill on 14 January 2022.

Two of the most underweight cats, Claudia and Barnaby, each weighed only 1.4 kilograms (3.086 pounds) and many of them had conjunctivitis, corneal lesions and dental disease.

Sadly two cats was put to sleep on veterinary advice because of kidney failure.

The vet who examined the cats gave the majority of the felines body condition scores of just two or three out of nine.

She said she was highly concerned their basic nutritional needs were not being met and their low body weights suggested they were suffering as a result of a poor diet. Only one cat had been able to obtain enough nutrition to maintain an acceptable condition.

The vet told the court she suspected the cats had suffered for a period of between ‘several weeks and up to two to three months’.

She added: “The significant weight gain and improvement in their body condition once in RSPCA care proved that their previous diet was either unsuitable or of an insufficient quantity.

“Failure to provide suitable food would have resulted in the cats suffering from hunger, and this could have been avoided through the provision of proper food, seeking appropriate dietary advice or reaching out to animal welfare charities to assist with rehoming.”

In her evidence at the appeal hearing, Adams – who refused to sign any of the animals over – said she had kept cats for over ten years and in her view, they were all well fed and in good condition.

She confirmed their feeding regime included two boiled eggs, a slice of bread and some oil, bits of cheese and an occasional tray of chicken and access to biscuits.

She insisted the cats were in good condition and disputed their diet was inadequate or that the ocular discharge and dental disease required specialist veterinary intervention.

Leeds animal abuser Donna Adams fed her eight cats a diet of boiled eggs, bread and cheese

In cross-examination, she conceded that only one cat, Barnaby, had seen the PDSA – which was the day before they were removed – but evidence of other consultations could not be found.

Adams’ appeal against her conviction and sentence was dismissed following a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Friday 15 September 2023.

Dismissing the appeal, Judge Simon Phillips KC and two lay magistrates said they were in no doubt as to the evidence in the case, which showed prolonged neglect and harm had been caused to the cats.

They said the complete lack of insight shown by Adams led them to believe that her disqualification should be extended in relation to all animals from a period of five years to seven years.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker, one of the investigating officers, said:

“Adams continued to maintain that her cats were well cared for, despite the overwhelming veterinary evidence to the contrary. A responsible owner would have recognised their pet was not thriving and would have proactively sought professional help and advice.”

Sentencing | seven-year ban on keeping animals (expires September 2030).

South Leeds Life
LeedsLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Yardley, Birmingham: Mark Gould

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CONVICTED (2023) | Mark Gould, born 21 February 1979, of 39 Mansfield Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8LX – neglected his dogs and kept them in shocking conditions.

Birmingham man Mark Gould kept three severely neglected dogs in a filthy property infested with faeces

Gould admitted three animal welfare offences, following an investigation by the RSPCA.

Inspector Jon Ratcliffe was called to his address on April 1, 2023, and discovered three dogs in need of urgent help inside the property. They include a female cane corso type dog called Stella and a male bull breed dog called Hulk, who were found downstairs.

Birmingham man Mark Gould kept three severely neglected dogs in a filthy property infested with faeces

Mr Ratcliffe also reportedly found a female mastiff type dog called Lickey, who had been shut in a bedroom. Describing the appalling conditions he saw, he said: “I couldn’t walk without stepping on faeces.

“There was no food or water available in the bowls and the only bedding available was soaked through with what I suspect may have been urine. Upstairs there were two bedrooms which were extremely cluttered with possessions and debris strewn across the rooms.

“My attention was drawn to the amount of dog faeces in both rooms. Upon entering the small box room at the front I found a third dog shut inside the room.

“This dog was a female red coloured mastiff crossbreed dog in very poor bodily condition. She appeared to be terrified and was trying to cower between a wooden unit and a pile of car tyres.”

The dogs were signed over into the care of the RSPCA and rushed for veterinary treatment, with both Stella and Lickey being found to be emaciated.

All three dogs have now recovered in the care of the charity and have since been rehomed.

Sentencing | 35 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days; fined £40 and ordered to pay a £114 victim surcharge. Five year disqualification in relation to all animals, which can be appealed after just three years (expires September 2028).

BirminghamLive
Coventry Telegraph
ITV News

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

Netherton, West Midlands / Meanwood, City of Leeds: Charlie Hingley and Lucia Stanton

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CONVICTED (2023) | rogue horse traders Charlie Virginia Hingley, born c. 1996, of 55 Stoney Lane, Netherton, Dudley DY2 0AD, and Lucia Kate Stanton, born c. 2004, of 3 King Alfreds Walk, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4PY – allowed five emaciated horses to suffer with two having to be put down.

Lucia Stanton (left) and Charlie Hingley faced animal cruelty charges after five horses owned between the pair were found in poor bodily condition, with two having to be put to sleep by vets on humane grounds
Lucia Stanton (left) and Charlie Hingley faced animal cruelty charges after five horses owned between the pair were found in poor bodily condition, with two having to be put to sleep by vets on humane grounds

Hingley and Stanton were sentenced at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 25 September 2023 after pleading guilty to horse cruelty charges at an earlier hearing.

Pictured are Sonny (left) and Celly (right). Both horses were owned by Charlie Hingley. Sonny later died due to the extent of his mistreatment. Photo: RSPCA .
Pictured are Sonny (left) and Celly (right). Both horses were owned by Charlie Hingley. Sonny later died due to the extent of his mistreatment. Photo: RSPCA .

Hingley admitted four offences of causing suffering to horses Sonny, Celly, Luna, and Bobby, between December 2022 and January 2023, while Stanton admitted causing suffering to miniature Shetland Waffles during the same period.

On 22 January 2023 witnesses contacted an equine bailiff after they saw a tractor being used to lift a collapsed horse, Celly, in a field in the vicinity of School Lane, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.

Bobby's coat was dull and scruffy and his spine was protruding. He was also suffering from rain scald and a lice infestation. Photo: RSPCA
Bobby’s coat was dull and scruffy and his spine was protruding. He was also suffering from rain scald and a lice infestation. Photo: RSPCA

The bailiff attended and requested that Hingley contact a vet immediately. When the vet attended, a second horse, Sonny, was found collapsed and was in “such a poor state” he had to be put down on welfare grounds immediately

Celly, who was in an emaciated condition, was relinquished by Hingley to the bailiff and removed from the site.

Little Waffles, who was owned by notorious horse trader Lucia Stanton, was also found in poor condition. Photo: RSPCA
Little Waffles, who was owned by notorious horse trader Lucia Stanton, was also found in poor condition. Photo: RSPCA

The RSPCA was later called to check on the welfare of Luna, Bobby and Waffles, and RSPCA inspector Suzi Smith attended the field on 26 January, during which she called a vet over concerns for all three horses.

“My initial concern was for piebald mare Luna, and young Shetland Waffles, because both looked to be in poor body condition visually, despite fluffy winter coats, and Luna had rain scald on her back,” said Ms Smith.

“After taking a closer look at Luna, I could see she was significantly underweight. I could see her ribs, pelvis, spine and a shelf at the top of the ribs, and when I put my hands along Waffles’ back, neck and pelvis, I could feel all these structures easily with no muscle along the sides of the spine.”

Luna, another of Charlie Hingley's neglected horses
Luna

Ms Smith was also concerned about the condition of colt Bobby, who was in a second field.

“When I asked Hingley to remove Bobby’s rugs so I could have a better look at him, I saw that his spine protruded with a clear obvious shelf each side of the spine, his pelvic bones protruded and were sharp, he had a ‘thigh gap’ with little muscle left on the legs, he walked with a weak gait,” she said.

An RSPCA spokesman said the vet confirmed the horses were suffering, and Hingley signed Luna and Bobby to the RSPCA. Waffles belonged to Stanton, and as she was not present, he was taken into possession by the police and placed into the RSPCA’s care. The three were taken to an equine hospital for further examinations and treatment.

In the vet’s witness statement, Lunda, Bobby and Waffles were described as having a body condition score of one out of five, the most likely cause a high worm burden. Waffles’ and Bobby’s coats were described as “dull and scurfy with a heavy lice infestation”, and Luna was “suffering with extensive rain scald over the back and rump”.

“Sadly, despite the vet’s best efforts, Luna’s condition deteriorated and the veterinary team made the decision to put her down to prevent her suffering further,” said the RSPCA spokesman.

Convicted animal abuser Charlie Hingley is banned from having anything to do with equine animals for life
Charlie Hingley, who works as a care assistant and has famiyl links to Cornwall, is now banned from having anything to do with equine animals for life

Ms Smith added that the vet confirmed the pasture management of the fields was “totally inadequate with extensive faecal contamination” and that extremely high worm burdens had caused the horses’ poor body condition.

“Worm and parasite management in horses can be easily managed with an effective parasite control programme, so it’s very sad that neither owner identified that the horses were underweight, nor had a parasite control plan in place which would have prevented this needless suffering,” she said.

“I am very pleased that thankfully, Waffles and Bobby made good recoveries in RSPCA care, and Celly has made a good recovery in the care of the equine bailiff. During the winter months, I would urge horse owners to get in the routine of using their hands to check their animals’ body condition through their winter coats, as well as regularly removing rugs to monitor their weight and check for sores.”

In mitigation it was heard that Hingley showed remorse and was of good character. Stanton’s mental health was raised as an issue.

Bobby has since been rehomed through the British Horse Society’s (BHS) second chance programme, a collaborative rehoming initiative between the BHS and welfare charities to give rescued horses and ponies a “second chance at life” through a BHS-approved yard.

Sentencing |
Hingley: two 12-week prison sentences to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months; 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement; £400 in costs. Banned from owning equines for life, with no appeal allowed for 10 years.
Stanton: £300 fine, £400 costs, and a £120 victim surcharge. Banned from owning equines for 10 years, with no appeal for five years.

The pair’s bans include being disqualified from dealing, transporting, or arranging the transport of horses.

Horse & Hound
BirminghamLive
ITV News

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

Hampshire Hare Coursing Ring: Leonard Pinnick, Shane and Lloyd Jefferies, Martin Buckland Jr and Sr

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CONVICTED | for hare coursing: Hampshire travellers Leonard Pinnick, born 25 December 1986, of 83 Montgomery Road, Bitterne, Southampton SO18 4RX, Shane Jefferies, born c. 1996, of 3 Hornbeam Close, Botley, Southampton SO30 2SZ, Lloyd Jefferies, born 18 March 1988, of Tanhouse Lane, Botley, Southampton SO30 2SZ, Martin Eli Buckland born c. 1983, and Martin Tony Buckland, born 13 December 2003, of Church Farm, Hound Road, Netley Abbey, Southampton SO31 5JS

Busted: Hampshire hare coursing ring comprising travellers Leonard Pinnick, Shane Jefferies, Lloyd Jeffries, Martin Eli Buckland, Martin Tony Buckland

The five travellers were sentenced for hare coursing offences under sections 63 and 64 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

This is the first time Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has secured charges and convictions under this particular legislation since it was introduced in April 2022.

On the evening of 18 January, 2023, police received a report that a group of people had driven onto farmland in the Itchen Abbas area of Winchester, damaging crops in the process, before they began hare coursing in a field.

Officers were deployed to the area and located the vehicles – a Mercedes and a Jeep – before the Jeep reversed and collided with a police car.

Once police detained the Jeep’s occupants, the vehicle was searched and officers located three lurcher dogs, five dead hares, bolt croppers and a lamp.

The Mercedes meanwhile left the scene and was followed by police to Southampton where the occupants were detained.

Inside the vehicle were two more lurcher dogs, two dead rabbits, a slingshot and a lamp.

Following enquiries, five people were charged with offences and pleaded guilty in Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 3 August:

  • Leonard Pinnick pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, and being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs.
  • Shane Jefferies pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, and being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs.
  • Lloyd Jefferies pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs, criminal damage, and dangerous driving.
  • Martin Tony Buckland pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, and being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs.
  • Martin Eli Buckland pleaded guilty to trespass with intent to search for or to pursue hares with dogs, being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs, criminal damage, and dangerous driving.

Appearing at the same court on Monday 25 September, 2023, Lloyd Jefferies and Martin Eli Buckland were ordered to pay £550 compensation each to the landowner, covering the full £1,100 worth of damage caused to the crops.

Jefferies was also handed a 12 month driving ban with a requirement to complete an extended retest, a two year ban on owning dogs, a 12 month community order with a requirement to complete 200 hours unpaid work, and was ordered to pay £100 kennelling costs for the seized dogs, £85 court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

Buckland was subject to the same costs and surcharge, as well as the same driving disqualification and dog ban. He was also handed a 12 month community order with a requirement to complete 50 hours unpaid work.

The vehicles’ passengers were sentenced as follows:

Martin Tony Buckland was handed a 12 month community order with a requirement to complete 40 hours unpaid work, a £40 fine, £100 kennelling costs, £85 court costs, £114 victim surcharge, and banned from owning dogs for two years.

Shane Jefferies was handed a 12 week curfew, a 12 month community order with a requirement to complete 40 hours unpaid work, a £40 fine, £100 kennelling costs, £85 court costs, £114 victim surcharge, and banned from owning dogs for two years.

Leonard Pinnick was handed an 18 month community order with a requirement to complete 60 hours unpaid work and attend a ‘Thinking & Skills Programme’. He was also ordered to pay a £40 fine, £100 kennelling costs, £85 court costs, £114 victim surcharge, and banned from owning dogs for two years.

The kennelling costs were recovered from all the defendants under Section 65 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act which was introduced last year.

Another passenger, a 17-year-old boy, was also arrested by police, and officers continue to work with the Youth Offending Team to reach a suitable outcome for him.

Police Staff Investigator Andrew Williams, from the Country Watch team, said: “Hare coursing is a scourge on our rural communities. It involves the senseless persecution of wildlife, whilst also making life miserable for innocent farmers and landowners, who suffer trespass and damage to their property which accompanies this type of offending.

“The Country Watch team take a very robust stance against hare coursing, and will do everything in our power to respond to reports, assist landowners and target the criminals responsible.

“Last year new legislation was introduced which is bolstering the police’s efforts to target hare coursers, bring them to justice and recover costs from them. I hope rural communities can be reassured that we are making the most of this legislation.

“We are coming into autumn now where we see the bulk of annual hare coursing reports. Please remain vigilant, and report any suspicious people or vehicles on private land to police. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.”

Hampshire Police

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

Arthur’s Hill, Newcastle upon Tyne: Stephen Peveller

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stephen Peveller, born c. 1975, of Longley Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5EE – callously killed his elderly pet dog by pushing her into an icy river.

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Northumbria Police

In hideous scenes captured on CCTV, Peveller cruelly threw the unnamed 12-year-old Pomeranian against railings next to the River Wear, in Sunderland, leaving her injured and struggling to get up after banging her head. As she looked to her master for help, he instead put her through the railings and pushed her over the edge of the river to her death.

Peverell was jailed at Newcastle Crown Court for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal whom he had claimed he needed for emotional support.

At around 7.40am on December 17, 2022, Peveller was observed by a Sunderland Council worker in icy conditions at Panns Bank, Sunderland, next to the River Wear.

Penny Hall, prosecuting, said: “The defendant can be seen being abusive to a small dog.

“He dragged it by the neck before throwing it towards some railings alongside a path by the River Wear. There are railings then a drop into the river beyond it.

“The dog hit the railings and fell on its back. It moves, frantically trying to get back up. The defendant tried to put it on its legs, which it eventually managed to do itself.

“The defendant then dragged the dog again before lifting it onto the other side of the railings on the edge of the path above the river. He then pushed the dog off and it went out of site, clearly going into the river.

“He then looked over the railings, looking in the river before he left the area.”

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Facebook

The council worker contacted police and when they spoke to Peveller, he claimed the dog had fallen into the river and suggested he was worried.

The police subsequently found the Pomeranian dead in the river.

Recorder Mark Giuliani said: “He killed the dog through his actions.

“He threw it against the railings and it’s injured and then threw the injured dog into the river.”

He added: “It was sadistic behaviour. He dragged the dog, the dog looked up to him for help and he puts it over the barrier and pushed it into the cold river.”

Sadistic dog killer Stephen Peveller from Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Image: Facebook

Sentencing Peveller to 27 months in prison, the judge told him: “You were walking along with your pet dog, a dog which in May last year you were seeking to keep in a hotel where you were living because it was your emotional support dog and you wanted to keep it despite hotel rules that pets were not allowed.

“It’s clear from the footage that even though you had injured the dog she still looked at you as her master for support.

“You did nothing to assist her, instead when she managed to get back on her feet and was clearly struggling and was clearly looking for you for support, you picked her up put her on the other side of the railings then threw her to her death into the river or the bank of the river.

“You killed your own dog callously and wickedly.”

Peveller pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

For Peveller, Jennifer Coxon said: “There is no getting around that this was a hideous incident and there’s not much mitigation I can put forward for his behaviour given he has no memory of what he has done. It’s an awful incident in relation to a dog which was his own for some time.

“He can’t recall owning a dog himself. He is a vulnerable man and has limited intellectual functioning.”

Sentencing | 27 months’ imprisonment. Banned from owning or keeping animals for life.

ChronicleLive

Animal Torture, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Beeston, Leeds: Luke Ward

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CONVICTED (2023) | Luke Keith Ward, born 13 November 1985, of Upper Woodview Terrace, Beeston, Leeds LS11 6JZ – stabbed and slashed horses in a field and tried to strangle one of them.

Sadistic Ward’s vicious attack on the defenceless horses took place at a farm off Hall Lane in Farnley, Leeds, around July 15, 2022,

Ward attacked one pony and three horses in total.

One was found with slash wounds across her throat and had also been stabbed in the neck. An elderly pony had a shoelace tied around his neck in an apparent strangulation attempt.

The injuries included deep cuts and slashes to the neck and face. The horses were left covered in blood and scarred.

A blood-stained knife with an 8-inch blade was found at the scene and forensic analysis found Ward’s DNA on it.

When Ward, who had lived opposite the farm at the time of the incident, was interviewed about the offences, he initially denied being involved.

He was subsequently charged with four offences of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and pleaded guilty during an earlier court appearance.  

Judge Simon Phillips KC, sitting at Leeds Crown Court, described Ward’s actions as ‘sadistic’ and said they had caused distress to the animals and their owners.

He said the owners had also faced vets bills running into hundreds of pounds.

The horse yard had increased security and had installed a £1,000 CCTV system.

PC Rachel Harrison, of Leeds West Patrol Team 3, who investigated the offences, said: “Ward targeted these defenceless animals and caused serious injuries to them which left them in significant pain and distress.

“He has not explained his actions and we can only assume that he derived some sense of satisfaction from inflicting these injuries on them. As well as the pain and distress caused to the horses, these incidents also caused upset to the owners and understandable concern in the local community.

“When he was interviewed, Ward denied the offences and said that he had grown up with horses and would never hurt any animal, but the forensic evidence linked him to the scene and resulted in his guilty pleas.

“We hope it will provide some reassurance to the victims and to the wider community to know that he has now had to answer for his actions.”

Sentencing | 45 months in prison. Banned from keeping or owning any animal for life.

LeedsLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Brading, Isle of Wight: Stuart Squibb

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CONVICTED (2023) | Stuart Squibb, born 22 August 1996, of Lower Furlongs, Brading, Sandown PO36 0EA – allowed an elderly dog to become badly emaciated and lame, leading to him being put down.

Convicted animal abuser Stuart Squibb from Brading, Isle of Wight
Stuart Squibb, a father of two, showed no remorse for his despicable mistreatment of his late mother’s elderly pet dog

Squibb had denied ill-treatment of the 11-year-old whippet, Weasel, up until the day before he was due to stand trial.

Ultimately he admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between November 14, 2022, and January 14 2023.

On New Year’s Day, a dog walker was so shocked by Weasel’s poor condition, video was taken and shared with the RSPCA.

The RSPCA launched an investigation, with Squibb ignoring their phone calls and officer visits.

Weasel

Eventually, an investigator was let in and found Weasel in poor health and in an emaciated condition, with untreated osteoarthritis. He also had a deformed lower limb, which had left him unable to walk properly for six to eight months.

Weasel had not received vital veterinary care for 18 months and was half the weight he should have been, said Sarah Wheadon, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court.

Weasel had an extremely poor quality of life, and was put down, said Mrs Wheadon.

Convicted animal abuser Stuart Squibb from Brading, Isle of Wight

Squibb, who failed to attend an RSPCA interview, went on to deny ill treatment charges on May 16, 2023, and a trial was set for August 16.

But he reappeared the day before trial, doing a U-turn on his pleas.

Mrs Wheadon said Squibb deliberately disregarded Weasel’s welfare, failed to co-operate with investigators and showed no remorse.

For father-of-two Squibb, Jim Osborne said his client inherited Weasel from his late mother.

Squibb claimed he took Weasel to a vet after being concerned about the dog’s mobility and appetite, but said the vet told him nothing was wrong; the RSPCA argued this was untrue.

Mr Osborne said Squibb then lost his job and suffered financial hardship, but claimed he always ensured Weasel was fed.

“He is deeply remorseful and understands what he did was wrong.”

Presiding magistrate David King said: “This is a terrible story of a dog suffering prolonged neglect.”

Sentencing | one year’s probation with 15 rehabilitation sessions and 80 hours of unpaid work; £140 surcharge. He was disqualified from having anything to do with animals for five years (expires September 2028). The RSPCA’s costs are to be paid from the public purse.

Isle of Wight County Press

Additional Information

According to a source, Squibb was in the habit of leaving Weasel alone and unattended in the garden for several days at a time while he went away.

foxes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Muswell Hill, London Borough of Haringey: Richard Rosen

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CONVICTED (2023) | Richard Adrian Rosen, born June 1958, of 78 Twyford Avenue, Muswell Hill, London N2 9NN – poisoned a fox cub.

London man Richard Rosen pictured outside court after he was convicted of despicable cruelty to a fox cub
Despite subjecting a trapped fox cub to a slow, painful death, Richard Rosen walked free from court with a conditional discharge

Rosen told the court that having caught the cub he decided to try to “humanely euthanise” her as he had no safe way of releasing her.

But a judge decided that Rosen caused the fox unnecessary suffering as he placed her in a wheelie bin and then in a rubble sack along with a bowl of dichloromethane (DCM) – a banned poison.

Rosen laid the trap at the end of his garden in Twyford Avenue, Muswell Hill, on the evening of May 18, 2021, to catch a rat that his lodger Annabel Eager had seen.

The following morning a three-month old fox cub weighing 2kgs was found in the trap.

District Judge Denis Brennan said: “As [Rosen] approached it, it was scrabbling, digging at the concrete, with eyes frantic, snarling, with bared teeth. He did not know what to do but decided against release as he feared it might bite him.”

Rosen collected a bottle of an old poison from the 1980s which he believed was chloroform. However, the bottle was clearly labelled DCM – a now banned substance which was used in paint stripper products until 2010.

London man Richard Rosen pictured holding the cage with the dead fox cub inside
Rosen pictured holding the cage with the dead fox cub inside

As he collected the poison from her bathroom, Ms Eager said her landlord sounded proud of himself that he had caught the fox.

Describing the fox, Ms Eager said: “Her fur was sticking out of the bars a little bit. She was cramped, stressed, she looked like she had been there a long time.

“She was having a dig into the corners trying to find a way of getting out of but it was locked, she couldn’t get out.”

Defending Rosen, Anthony James said: “The defendant took some steps before making the decision to euthanise the fox. He called the vets, who were unable to assist him.

“He then called the RSPCA and remained on the phone for approximately 10 minutes but was unable to get through to anyone. He was of the view that the fox needed to be dealt with quickly.”

Rosen then placed the caged fox in a wheelie bin with a bowl of DCM.
When after around 40 minutes it was still alive, Rosen also covered the caged fox with a thick rubble bag.

After Ms Eager phoned the RSPCA, one of the charity’s officers Jack Taylor arrived at the property.

“I asked Mr Rosen why he killed the fox. He told me he caught a fox accidentally and proceeded to kill it using chloroform,” Mr Taylor said.

“I asked why he didn’t release the fox. He told me because foxes are vermin and that would be unthinkable.”

When he was asked to surrender the dead fox, Mr Taylor said: “Mr Rosen shook the fox out of the cage as if he was trying to get ketchup out of a bottle.”

Rosen told the court he would not have killed it if he had been given advice by the RSPCA but he was unable to get help.

When asked why he described foxes as vermin, he said: “I was upset, foxes had been s***ing on my driveway, I was annoyed.”

Two animal forensics experts called to give evidence were unable to agree on whether the animal suffered before her death

Dr Sean Taylor, called by prosecutor Hazel Stevens, said that inside the wheelie bin the poison would evaporate and cause the fox to suffer. Dr Taylor said the fox’s eyes, nose and airways would all be stinging because of the irritant.

“It certainly would cause a fox distress when that substance is inhaled, which of course would have been unavoidable for the fox,” he said.

However, Dr David Bailey, who was called by defence counsel Mr James, said the fox appeared to have died peacefully.

Dr Bailey said: “There was no external trauma. Animals that are distressed in these situations often defecate themselves or urinate themselves. There was no sign of this.”

Dr Bailey suggested the fox may have died due to a build-up of carbon dioxide rather than due to a lack of oxygen.

“You don’t suffer, smell or detect a build-up of CO2,” he said. “The fox would have experienced, in my opinion, a very similar process to how they slaughter pigs.”

However, in his judgement District Judge Brennan said: “There is ample evidence here, on the facts, that the fox cub was caused unnecessary suffering by the combination of inhalation of DCM in the confined space of the closed wheelie bin and suffocation within the bag within the bin.

“It was clearly in that bin for at least 40 mins before being wrapped up in the builder’s bag. It did not die instantaneously from inhalation of DCM, on the evidence here. This is not a case of industrial amounts of carbon dioxide being applied very quickly.

“Therefore the only possible explanation, taking the acknowledged stress the animal was under before it was put inside the bin, is that for an unknown but significant period before unconsciousness occurred, it would have suffered due to the effects of DCM and the lack of oxygen.”

On September 22, 2023) Rosen was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and administering a poisonous substance to a protected animal.

Sentencing | 12-month conditional discharge. Ordered to pay £12,000 in costs to the RSPCA.

Ham&High

Dogs, Equine Abuse, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Horley, Surrey: Joshua Brown and Mary Lou Brown

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CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeders Joshua Brown, born 2 August 1991, and Mary Lou Brown, née Mary Lou Wenman, born 15 December 1990, of Kew Garden, Antlands Lane, Shipley Bridge, Horley RH6 9TE – kept 20 malnourished dogs in filthy unsanitary kennels.

Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown kept dogs in horrendous conditions and fed them on bread and McDonald's takeaways
Travellers Mary Lou and Joshua Brown, who are also horse traders, kept dogs in horrendous conditions and fed them on bread and human fast food

A Surrey court handed travellers Joshua and Mary Lou Brown a combined fine of £10,000 and suspended sentences after police officers seized 20 dogs from kennels they described as the “worst” they had ever seen.

One kennel was found with “layers of faeces”, while dogs are said to have survived only on bread and McDonald’s takeaways.

Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown kept dogs in horrendous conditions and fed them on bread and McDonald's takeaways

Police raided the address in Shipley Bridge back in April 2021 where they found 20 dogs, who were seized under the Animal Welfare Act.

Investigating officer PC Lee Newman claimed the state the animals were found in was the “worst” he had seen in his career.

The couple attempted to use the defence ‘we didn’t own them’ to justify the maltreatment of these animals, Surrey Police said.

Surrey Police confirmed that all 20 dogs have since been rehomed and are living a much happier life, but said that “a couple are still struggling” to understand there are kind people in the world, police added.

Before and after photos of the dogs rescued from a puppy farm run by Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown
Before and after photos of the dogs rescued from a puppy farm run by Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown
Before and after photos of the dogs rescued from a puppy farm run by Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown
Before and after photos of some of the dogs rescued from a disgusting puppy farm run by travellers Mary Lou and Joshua Brown

PC Newman said: “Over the course of my career, the state these animals were found in was the worst I’ve ever seen.

“The robust sentence imposed by the court goes to show that the police and criminal justice system will work together to ensure that offenders will not get off lightly.

“It’s satisfying to see that the courts will take a serious stance on cruelty towards animals and, while the victims of these crimes were not humans, they have been given the justice they deserve as much as anyone else.”

Horley travellers Mary Lou Brown and Joshua Brown kept dogs in horrendous conditions and fed them on bread and McDonald's takeaways

All kennels at the Shipley Bridge address were said to be in a “poor state”, but Wildlife and Rural Crime officer PC Laura Rowley described one as the worst she has smelt. This was said to have had a dirty floor with a damaged roof as well as layers of faeces.

Follow-up enquiries also established the dogs’ diets had widely consisted of bread and fast food.

Sentencing |
Joshua Brown: 20 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Mary Lou Brown: 12 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months and 120 hours of unpaid work.
Both were ordered to pay £5,000 compensation – £10,000 total.
Both were disqualified from owning or controlling dogs or horses for 10 years.

SurreyLive
ITV News

Additional Information

Until August 2019, the Browns ran a used car company called Brown Auto Ltd.

Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Serial Animal Abusers

Mountain Ash, Rhonda Cynon Taf: Pauline Perry and David Thomas

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CONVICTED (2023) | pet hoarders Pauline Perry, aka Pauline Thomas, and David Thomas both of Pentwyn Avenue, Mountain Ash – failed to care for 11 cats with four found stuffed into a small cat carrier inside a shopping bag.

Pet hoarder Pauline Perry, who was already well-known to the RSPCA, had concealed four unhealthy cats inside a shopping bag
Pet hoarder Pauline Perry, who was already well-known to the RSPCA, had concealed four unhealthy cats inside a shopping bag

The four distressed cats were discovered inside the heavily soiled cat carrier by RSPCA deputy chief Gemma Cooper. All of them were urine-stained, riddled with fleas and suffering a variety of untreated health conditions.

The appalling discovery led to 11 cats in total being removed from their owners, Pauline Perry and David Thomas, and taken into RSPCA care.

In court the couple pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act in that they failed to ensure the needs of 11 cats.

In a written statement to the court RSPCA deputy chief inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper stated that several attempts were made to gain access to the couple’s home – but access was always denied.

The court heard how DCI Cooper was driving along Pentwyn Avenue on February 1, 2023 on her way to visit the couple when she spotted Pauline Perry walking along the street.

DCI Cooper said: “Pauline Perry was walking a brindle lurcher dog I know as Sheba and she was also carrying what looked like a very heavy bag for life.

“It looked heavy because she kept putting it on the floor every ten or so steps. Sheba was wearing a red jacket which covered the majority of her body. I wondered whether Pauline Perry was purposely removing Sheba from Pentwyn Avenue before my arrival because she had a health problem she did not want me to see.

“I turned the van around and went and spoke with Pauline Perry who jumped out of her skin when she saw me.

“As I approached Pauline Perry, to my horror, I could hear cats fighting in the bag for life.”

Pet hoarder Pauline Perry, who was already well-known to the RSPCA, had concealed four unhealthy cats inside a shopping bag

DCI Cooper asked what was in the bag and Perry replied ‘cats’ and that she didn’t know how many were in there. DCI Cooper also noted that she could see fresh scratch marks on her hands and face.

Perry agreed for DCI Cooper to look at the cats. DCI Cooper said: “The cats were inside a single cat carrier, designed for one small cat or kitten only which had been concealed inside a pink bag for life.

“The cat carrier smelt extremely foul of cat urine and faeces and it was stained yellow. I said to Pauline Perry that I did not feel safe letting them out of the carrier on the main road in case they escaped and so I would like to take them to a vet to inspect them.”

The couple agreed for the cats to be signed over to the RSPCA and also allowed entry into their home.

Cats kept in cages in the filthy home of pet hoarders Pauline Perry and David Thomas from Mountain Ash, Wales

DCI Cooper said: “As we entered the house there was the same foul smell of cat urine and faeces which came from the bag hit me and I had to hold my breath.

“We first went upstairs and saw two large animal crates which had been collapsed. We then went into the kitchen where there was cat faeces over the floor, up the walls and on the kitchen cupboards.

“It was extremely smelly and there were lots of flies in the room. In the middle of the kitchen was a guinea pig cage with two cats inside. These cats had no access to water or a litter tray and it was far too small to house them.”

The home in which pet hoarders Pauline Perry and David Thomas kept 11 cats and at least one dog had faeces over the floor, up the walls, and on the kitchen cupboards

These cats were signed over to the RSPCA. A further five cats were found in the house and then signed over. In total 11 cats were removed – one of these was not signed over but was taken into the care of the RSPCA.

The cats were taken to the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic where they were examined.

The first four cats to be examined were those found inside the bag/carrier. These were:

  • A tabby and white male cat who had severe alopecia to the majority of his body and limbs. He had fleas and flea dirt and was underweight. His coat was smelly and his paws were urine stained.
  • A torbie female cat who had faecal contamination over her body and tail. Her paws were also urine stained and she was underweight. Flea dirt was seen throughout her coat.
  • A black and white female cat. Her white paws and legs were yellow in colour from urine. She smelt and she was covered in fleas.
  • A dark tortoiseshell female cat who had scabs around her neck and back end. Her fur was dirty and thinning and fleas were visible throughout her body.

Other cats had fur loss and were infested with fleas; one male cat had yellow paws from urine staining.

Speaking about the four cats in the cat carrier, a vet said: “They were cramped up against each other and severely restricted in their ability to move. This will have caused notable physical discomfort and stress, the cats did vocalise and hiss repeatedly until we were able to let them out in a contained indoor environment.

“This was in contrast to how they behaved after having been let out. All the cats were a little nervous but we were able to handle them easily and did not continue their vocalisation after being released.

“This was a totally inappropriate way for the owner to transport the animals, directly causing them unnecessary discomfort and stress.”

One cat was sadly put to sleep on welfare grounds.

The surviving cats have been rehomed or are still looking for homes.

Sentencing |
Perry: 12-month community order with 10 days of rehabilitation; £50 fine, £250 costs and a £115 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping all four-limbed animals for four years.

Thomas: 12 month community order with 10 days of rehabilitation; £250 costs, a £50 fine, £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping cats for four years.

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