CONVICTED (2022) | John Jason ‘JJ’ Evans, born 23 November 1976, and wife Lisa Evans, born 26 April 1977, of Hurst Lea, Pedmore Road, Brierley Hill, Dudley DY5 1TP – starved almost 30 neglected animals and left them trapped in squalid conditions on a scrap yard.

On 29 July 2021 RSPCA inspectors supported by officers from West Midlands Police raided a property occupied by gypsies JJ Evans and wife Lisa Evans where they found a large number of animals “in a state of neglect and malnourishment”.

Two vets were at the scene and at least five RSPCA vehicles were sent to take the animals into care, with officers from the police and animal charity seen taking several dogs into the back of vans.

The area was cordoned off as dogs of different breeds and sizes were taken from the yard, with many of their rib cages visible through their skin.

A total of 18 dogs, three cats, six horses and a donkey were removed after being found shut in dilapidated kennels, sheds, shipping containers, horse boxes and vans within a scrap yard behind the house the couple share with their various offspring, including adult son Blake Evans, and extended family members.

Initially it was reported that three men, aged 44, 41 and 20, had been arrested but ultimately only JJ Evans and wife Lisa Evans ended up in court.

Surrounded by hazards such as old washing machines, tyres and gas canisters, none of the animals had bedding and very few had access to water or food.

Some animals were so malnourished their ribs and hips could be seen poking through their skin. Others were so ill they were in desperate need of veterinary help.

A dead kitten, the body of a decomposing puppy and the skull of another animal were also uncovered.

The case has since been dubbed one of the worst animal welfare cases the RSPCA has dealt with.

The court heard how rescuers were forced to use head torches as they searched for animals and initially discovered six horses – including three foals curled up together in a heap on the floor.

RSPCA inspector Jack Alderson said: “This enclosure was too small for this number of animals. There was no hay or any other food available and although there was a large black trough in front of me, it contained nothing.

“The floor was completely sodden with a large build-up of faeces and the roof wasn’t large enough to cover the animals inside. This was compounded by the numerous hazards dotted around the enclosure including gates and ladders on the floor.”

Another horse was found in a pen with its ribs and hips ‘clearly visible’. There was no food or water in the pen, the floor was covered with faeces and there was a strong smell of ammonia.

Inspectors noticed the only access point to the pen had been blocked with car doors, pallets, a car engine, a large white box, and other large objects. Two kittens were also found inside a shed, along with another dead kitten with a hole in its abdomen exposing flesh and bone.

There was also a skull of another animal, the RSPCA said. Mr Alderson added: “Upon opening the door to the shed, both live kittens rushed to get out.

“Both were in very poor body condition and were calling frantically to show they were very hungry.” A horsebox inside the yard had no food or water and was covered in a build-up of faeces and contained another horse with visible ribs and hips.

The horse was also caked in faeces around his legs and feet. Two lurchers were discovered in ‘poor bodily condition’, tethered to their kennels with no food, water or bedding.

Six more dogs were found in an outdoor kennel – which had dried faeces and old bedding on the floor – without suitable access to water. The body of a decomposing puppy was also uncovered in the back of a white transit van, while a blue horse box-style container nearby had a horse with its ribs and spine visible inside it.

Three dogs were found in a garden and two puppies were uncovered in crates stacked on top of each other within the house. A collie-type dog and a long-haired terrier were also within a crate, which had no bedding, food or water. It contained children’s toys, urine and faeces. The dogs did not have space to sit down or rest comfortably.

Inspectors went on to find a shipping container split into two compartments housing a male German shepherd and female mastiff.

Both dogs were lethargic with their bones visible, while the female dog had a swollen eye which was discharging a large amount of green fluid.

Mr Alderson said: “The conditions in this enclosure were also horrendous.

“The floor consisted of animal faeces and there was no comfortable rest area. The mastiff was in a concerning state, clearly suffering from a painful eye issue, a lack of adequate nutrition, and living in filth.

“This was one of the worst animal welfare situations I have ever been faced with.”

Sentencing | John Evans was jailed for 16 weeks while Lisa Evans was handed a 12-week sentence, suspended for 12 months. She was also given a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. £500 costs and victim surcharge. Lifetime ban on keeping animals but may appeal after 10 years.

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