Category Archives: Animal Sanctuaries from Hell

Animal sanctuaries from hell

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Equine Abuse, Hoarders, horses and ponies, Lifers, Multiple Species, Worst of the Worst

Hyde, Greater Manchester: Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams

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CONVICTED (2024) | Lynn Haydon-Williams, born 6 April 1960, of Redgate, Hyde SK14 5DE, and Charlotte Haydon-Williams, born 17 November 1988, of Cheetham Fold Road, Hyde SK14 5DF – for the neglect of multiple animals in the care of their sanctuary.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to Haywill Animal Rescue.

Mother and daughter Lynn and Charlotte Haydon-Williams were found guilty of a number of offences following a trial on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to Haywill Animal Rescue.

The court heard how neglected horses, including one suffering with multiple tumours, lame goats, pigs with hoof problems and an arthritic coatimundi were found at the Haywill Animal Centre by the RSPCA.

During 2020 and 2021, the RSPCA identified animal welfare concerns at sites in Glossop, Derbyshire and Broadbottom in Manchester.

The RSPCA had visited the rescue on previous occasions during which they had offered support and advice to the founder/owner Lynn Haydon-Williams.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to Haywill Animal Rescue.

In a statement read to the court RSPCA inspector Jessica Araujo said she recalled attending the centre on May 11, 2021, when she saw “goats with overgrown feet that were struggling to walk normally, grossly obese pigs, a coati that appeared to have small masses on its underside and a horse with overgrown feet”.

Inspector Araujo continued: “I saw a number of large goats with overgrown hooves that appeared to have difficulty walking normally or walking at all. There was also a black pygmy goat who looked quite thin and you could feel his spine and hips when you put your hands on him.”

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to Haywill Animal Rescue.

Among the animals taken into the care of the RSPCA was Gemma, a grey bay mare, who was covered in skin tumours. A vet later decided that the kindest course of action was to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Another horse, called Casper, who was suffering from laminitis was also, sadly, put to sleep, as was a pot-bellied pig, who was suffering from overgrown feet.

An emaciated pygmy goat and the coatimundi, who was in poor health, passed away later.

RSPCA prosecution of Lynn Haydon-Williams and daughter Charlotte Haydon-Williams from Hyde, Greater Manchester in relation to Haywill Animal Rescue.

Several of the horses required treatment for foot and hoof ailments.

In mitigation for Lynn Haydon-Williams, the court was told she previously did “a lot of good work for many people for a long time”. It was said that Covid impacted the rescue’s finances and lessened her ability to look after the animals. It was said that she had not deliberately mistreated the animals.

The court heard that Charlotte Haydon-Williams suffered from health problems which affected her care of the horse. The court accepted she was not responsible for the care of the other animals.

Lynn Haydon-Williams initially pleaded not guilty to 15 charges, but she was convicted of 13 offences after a trial.

Charlotte Haydon-Williams pleaded not guilty to the same 15 charges and was convicted of three offences relating to the care of a horse. It was ruled she had no case to answer on the remaining 12 charges.

The surviving animals – a horse and 10 goats – will be rehomed by the RSPCA.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Araujo said: “This owner was given ample time and opportunity to get the help she needed to give these animals the veterinary care and treatment they needed. Sadly, she did not take action and the animals suffered for longer than they had to.”

Sentencing |
Lynn Haydon-Williams: six-month custodial suspended for 18 months; 240 hours of unpaid work; £240 costs and £156 victim surcharge. She was given a lifetime disqualification from keeping animals except for dogs and cats.

Charlotte Haydon-Williams: 12-month community order; fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for three years (expires March 2027).

DerbyshireLive
Manchester Evening News
Quest Media Network

Animal Abandonment, Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, donkeys and mules, Equine Abuse, horse traders, Multiple Species

Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire: Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat

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CONVICTED (2024) | petting farm owners Alan Riley, born c. 1970, and Sarah Nethercoat, born 14 July 1989, of Park Avenue, Beverley HU17 7AT – neglected a donkey and pony until they became so unwell they had to be put down.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

Melody, a 30-year-old pony, and Maggie, a 15-year-old grey donkey, were among the animals neglected by Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat, owners of Aroha Donkeys rescue centre and sanctuary, at Ashfield Farm in Wilfholme, between Beverley and Driffield. Both were so emaciated and distressed that vets had no option but to euthanise them.

In court the couple admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animals in 2021.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

Aroha Donkeys was run as a business, which initially cared for donkeys used in beach rides but expanded to become a breeding and training centre. A total of 20 donkeys were kept at the centre as well as goats and ponies.

The RSPCA first became involved with the couple in July 2019, when a welfare officer advised them to provide the donkeys with shelter. Riley and Nethercoat insisted that a hedge in the field provided sufficient shelter for the animals. They also claimed that the donkeys received regular hoof and dental care.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

The RSPCA issued them with a non-statutory improvement notice. Follow-up attempts to contact the pair were unsuccessful.

On a subsequent visit, officers found dirty bedding full of faeces. A shelter was too small for the number of animals using the centre.

In November 2021, RSPCA inspectors Tom Hutton and Alice Wilson along with staff from the Donkey Sanctuary charity, paid a visit to Ashfield Farm where they found around 25 horses and donkeys, owned by the pair, living in poor conditions in a field and barn.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

Inspectors found poor quality fencing. A shelter area was made of corrugated iron, which was described as “rusty and dangerous”,

Inspector Hutton said in a statement presented to the court that there were concerns for the health of four animals, in particular Maggie and Melody.

“There were around 23 equines in a large paddock and an open barn with a thick straw bedding with excessive faeces inside,” said the inspector.

“As I walked around the field, there were several hazards littering the perimeter, including bits of loose wire, fallen fencing and loose fence posts.

“One small pony was extremely underweight as it walked across the field towards us with her head down. Her ribs and hip bones were excessively prominent.”

“The owners said they were providing feed. But there was now evidence the animals were in a sub-optimal condition,” he added.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.
Elderly pony Melody (pictured) was suffering with two large wounds and one small one to her side. These had been left untreated for weeks if not months

Vet Suzanne Green attended the scene and found Melody in a weak, thin and lethargic state, with a wound to the side shoulder and a second large wound on one of her thighs.

They were inflamed and bleeding and in the vet’s expert opinion they had been left untreated for weeks, if not months.

Nethercoat told the vet that the wound had been treated for about six months with antibiotics. No evidence was provided to substantiate the treatment.

Melody and Maggie and the two other horses were removed from the field, with Melody later transferred to an equine hospital for treatment.

Prosecutor Phil Brown told the court: “Melody needed urgent treatment for overgrown hooves as there had been a lack of hoof care. There was pain and suffering.

“Euthanasia was the only way to ease the suffering,

“They also found ulcerations to the mouth which had made eating difficult.”

Pregnant donkey Maggie required urgent treatment to her hooves. X-rays taken later showed that the failure to provide hoof care had caused malformed bone structures within her feet and osteoarthritis.

She had bonded with another donkey who was earlier found dead in a field.

Maggie gave birth before she too was put down in February 2024.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.
RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

Riley’s lawyer, Matthew Moore-Taylor, told the court his client had an acute bowel condition, which caused a serious reduction in his weight. Before 2021, all the animals in the centre were in good condition, he added.

For Nethercoat, Sheila Whitehead said: “She needed more help than she admitted. People came to her with wild animals for care. She has always allowed the animals to come to her irrespective of the condition they were in..”

The pony was old. so certain treatments could not be done, Miss Whitehead said. “She was very upset it had got to the level that it had.

“She is remorseful that it got to the position that it had,” she added.

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

It was claimed that any money raised at the donkey sanctuary was ploughed back into the centre for feed and care.

Sentencing the pair, Recorder MacDonald KC said he had read testimonials highlighting their care for animals.

“But you don’t have to be an expert to see that the pony had three significant injuries, ribs sticking out and was malnourished and you could see it needed veterinary treatment,” he added.

“It is perfectly clear to me, being a non-veterinary person, its ribs were poking out and it had a large wound on the shoulder and the thigh was bleeding. These injuries had been there for weeks or months. It was chronically mal-nourished.”

RSPCA prosecution of Alan Riley and Sarah Nethercoat from Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, who neglected and starved a donkey and pony on their petting farm.

Recorder MacDonald said that he did not view the petting farm as a money-making venture. He accepted that both defendants had health problems and it was this that caused neglect of the animals, rather than a cynical disregard for the animals’ care to make money.

“These were just two of a much larger number of animals which were generally in good condition,” Recorder MacDonald added.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Tom Hutton said: “This was a clear case of neglect. Both these equines were left in appalling conditions when they needed urgent vet treatment and one sadly had to be put to sleep because she was so unwell.”

Riley, a former farmer, and Nethercoat, who worked as a riding instructor, were well-known in the area as their donkeys, many of whom were rescue animals, took part in events such as the Beverley Christmas Festival.

In 2021 they were given sudden notice to leave a smallholding between Beverley and Driffield they had been renting from a farmer and appealed for the public’s help in finding a new home.

Sentencing | six-month custodial, suspended for two years; 25 rehabilitation days. No order for costs was imposed because the petting farm was not making money. Both are disqualified from keeping donkeys, mules and equine hybrids for 10 years.

HullLive
Yorkshire Post
ExaminerLive

Animal Abandonment, Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Dogs, Hoarders, Worst of the Worst

Highbridge, Somerset: Judy Doolan

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CONVICTED (2024) | dog collector Judy Patricia Doolan, born 10 May 1959, of 12 East Ride, Brent Knoll, HighbridgeTA9 4EA – kept 16 badly neglected Romanian rescue dogs in an unattended property.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Photo: Judy Doolan / Facebook

The 16 Romanian rescue dogs had reportedly been left unattended at Doolan’s home for several days while she lived elsewhere on a caravan site. Some were emaciated and had rotten teeth, dirty smelly coats, and overgrown nails.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Several were found to be extremely fear-aggressive and unsafe to handle through their lack of socialisation. Nine dogs had to be put down due to their poor state of health.

The court heard how in March 2023 RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence attended at Doolan’s home to investigate a report of concern about animals at the property. On looking through the letter box she could see that the property was very dirty inside with large amounts of faeces covering the floor area which she said “looked and smelled horrendous”.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Inspector Lawrence had concerns for Doolan’s wellbeing as well as for the dogs so she called her colleagues, police and a vet to attend. Dogs could be seen at the window but no food or water could be seen.

Police located Doolan at the caravan site and returned to the address where she brought the dogs out individually to the front door for them to be checked and recorded.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

On examination, many of the dogs were found to have severe matting – the matts on one dog were found to weigh 2.15kg.

The vet describes observing that two rooms of the house had a large build up of faecal matter with the windows heavily soiled in faeces. Some of the dogs also had faecal soiling on their feet and coats.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

In mitigation, it was said Ms Doolan had rescued dogs from Romania and had got out of her depth and had struggled with personal difficulties throughout her life.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Doolan plead guilty to two animal welfare offences. She had appealed against her sentence, which was originally imposed in October 2023.

The surviving dogs have been cared for by RSPCA and are thriving.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Speaking after the appeal hearing Inspector Lawrence said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it.

“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”

Sentencing | fined £600. Ten-year ban on keeping dogs but may appeal after seven years.

Somerset County Gazette
Burnham-on-Sea.com|
BristolLive

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Cats, Hoarders

Margam, South Wales: Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell

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CONVICTED (2024) | Martin Clowes, born 3 April 1968, and Gavin James Cromwell, born 15 June 1981, both of Tynycellar, Water Street, Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2PD – kept 24 cats in filthy conditions at their so-called animal sanctuary.

South Wales cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire
Cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire

Clowes and Cromwell,, who ran rescue from hell Jemima’s Place, pleaded guilty to failing to meet the needs of the animals in their care.

Firefighters attending a fire at a property in Pyle Road, Margam contacted the RSPCA.

On her arrival RSPCA animal rescue officer (ARO) Paula Milton was told by a fire officer that they had found two cats alive inside the house. She was also told by a neighbour that the owner had opened up a rescue called Jemima’s Place which at first opened in Bridgend and then moved to the Pyle Road property.

South Wales cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire
The bodies of 11 cats were recovered from a property filled with bags of rubbish and covered in faeces

Ms Milton said when she entered the property in March 2023 the smell of urine and faeces was “overpowering the smell of smoke”.

She continued: “In the living room there were lots and lots of black rubbish bags full of soiled cat litter. This was piled about 3ft high. The rest of the living room was covered with clutter and the floor was covered in faeces. There were a few deceased cats in the living room on the floor.”

She also said there was a room next to the living room where there were again loads of black rubbish bags full of soiled cat litter. This filled most of the room and was piled about 6ft high.

“I went to go up the stairs and the stairs were covered in cat faeces, at the top of the stairs there were two dead cats in the upstairs hall,” she said.

“Also in the hall there were more black rubbish bags full of soiled cat litter, there was faeces and rubbish all over the floor.”

South Wales cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire

Once the fire service had finished upstairs ARO Milton was able to try and catch the cats. She was told that the house was safe apart from the bedroom that had a hole in the floor from the fire.

She then met Clowes who said he was the owner and he helped her catch the live cats.

“I went to go up the stairs and the stairs were covered in cat faeces. At the top of the stairs there were two dead cats in the upstairs hall,” she said.

“Also in the hall there were more black rubbish bags full of soiled cat litter. There was faeces and rubbish all over the floor.”

In the bathroom she found three live cats. She said the bathroom floor “was completely covered in cat faeces”.

South Wales cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire
Two of the surviving cats

The three cats – Cheeko, a black seven-year-old cat, Ady, a seven-year-old white and black cat, and Lewis, a tabby and white four-year-old – were caught and placed into her van.

There were also two cats that were taken to a vets in Bridgend by someone on the morning of the fire. Clowes also agreed to sign these cats over into RSPCA care.

ARO Milton went back into the house to see if there were any more cats and she found further rubbish. She said: “In the hall upstairs leading to the bedrooms there was a pile of black rubbish bags full of soiled cat litter that was about 2ft high. I couldn’t get into the smaller bedroom. This room was full of rubbish and faeces.

“In the main bedroom where the fire was in the left-hand corner again [there were] more rubbish bags with soiled cat litter. There were a few bags on the right-hand side and also at the back of the room the left side of the bed was more black bags with soiled litter. This was about 2ft high also.”

She and Clowes started collecting the bodies of the cats who had died in the fire and in total 11 cats were found. A

South Wales cat hoarders Martin Clowes and Gavin Cromwell were banned from keeping animals after 11 cats in their care died in a fire

ARO Milton said she was told that Clowes did not live at the house but he visited three to four times a day to feed the cats.

The following day RSPCA deputy chief inspector (DCI) Gemma Cooper met Clowes where he showed her four more cats that had been in the house fire. These four cats along with the two that had been taken to a vets in Bridgend were then transferred to RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic.

In her written statement provided to the court DCI Cooper said the environment in which 24 cats were living was “not safe, clean, or hygienic”.

There was an electric heater which had been left on inside the house while it was unoccupied which was described as an “obvious hazard”. No litter trays were provided and the cats were toileting all over the floor of the property and there was no substrate provided for them to cover it up. DCI Cooper said there was no mental or physical stimulation inside the property for the cats and there was not enough space for the cats to have their own space if needed inside the two-bedroomed cottage.

The court also heard that another animal charity which is no longer running removed around 30 cats in poor health from Jemima’s Place in 2021 when Clowes and Cromwell admitted they could not cope. The 13 cats involved in this case were signed over to the RSPCA and have been rehomed.

The court heard the two men had good intentions but lost control, and now have regret and remorse.

The 13 surviving cats have since been rehomed.

Sentencing | 12 week custodial, suspended for 12 months; £300 costs and £54 victim surcharge each. Banned from keeping all animals for 10 years (expires January 2034).

BBC News
Wales Online
Metro

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Birds, Lifers

Caerphilly, South Wales: Carol Gravenor

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CONVICTED (2024) | Carol Ann Gravenor, born 2 May 1956, of Coed Main, Caerphilly CF83 1RS – allowed wild birds to suffer at her so-called sanctuary.

Bird rescuer Carol Gravenor kept multiple injured birds in filthy conditions
Bird rescuer Carol Gravenor kept multiple injured birds in filthy conditions

Gravenor, owner of Caerphilly Bird Rescue, pleaded guilty to six animal welfare offences after 26 wild birds were found in an unsuitable environment with their needs not being met. Many were in a suffering state.

The birds included pigeons, blackbirds, crows, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon and a common buzzard.

These birds were found with numerous ailments and injuries which had not been treated adequately, including fractured wings, damaged eyes and legs, and bumble foot condition.

The environment and bird cages were found to be unhygienic and hazardous and an RSPCA inspector found predator and prey species being kept in close proximity to one another.

A peregrine falcon with a missing eye was found in a filthy cage too small to spread its wings, the RSPCA said.

It had to be put down along with 20 others.

In a written statement heard by Newport Magistrates’ Court, RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben described unhygienic and hazardous conditions found during an inspection of the centre in April 2023.

The wild birds found included pigeons, blackbirds, crows, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon and a common buzzard.

Bird rescuer Carol Gravenor kept multiple injured birds in filthy conditions

Some were living in a kitchen inside the property, he said, while others were loose in the garden and some were caged in sheds, and 20 were found dead.

“There were many empty soiled bird cages piled on top of each other in the garden,” he said.

“In the back garden were several pigeons walking around that looked to have dropped wings along with some domestic ducks, a domestic goose and a chicken that was obviously lame.

“We were invited into the house and on the kitchen table were two fledgling blackbirds and a nestling pigeon.”

A cardboard box on a kitchen unit also held Jackdaw with an injured eye.

Mr Hogben said he found “a peregrine falcon bird with its left eye missing” in a shed.

“The environment was poor with no water and a filthy cage which was too small for the falcon to spread its wings in all directions.

“Within two feet [0.6m] of this cage containing the peregrine falcon was another cage containing eight pigeons.

“This cage was in full sight of the cage containing the peregrine falcon, and again had no water and the cage was in a filthy condition with hardly any perches.”

Bird rescuer Carol Gravenor kept multiple injured birds in filthy conditions
RSPCA inspectors found 20 dead birds at the centre

All the birds were sent for assessment by a wildlife veterinarian at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre, where just five pigeons were deemed fit to be given the chance of rehabilitation.

Gravenor admitted failing to take steps to ensure the needs of the 26 birds were met as required – as well as five offences relating to causing unnecessary suffering to 17 birds (full wording below).

In mitigation, her solicitor said her intention was only ever to help birds and animals, and that she had tried her best, but they accepted the contents of expert veterinary reports as she was not an expert herself.

He confirmed his client had been “overwhelmed” and “swamped” by the situation.

Following sentencing inspector Hogben said: “Keeping and rehabilitating wild birds is a huge commitment requiring specialist knowledge, husbandry, equipment and accommodation.

“While most rescues and sanctuary owners start out with the best intentions, sadly, vulnerable animals entering these establishments can sometimes end up in even worse situations than they were in already, with sanctuary owners ending up in situations not realising the severity of the problems with their establishments until it is too late.

“In this case we appreciate the well-meaning intentions to help rescue and rehabilitate wild birds in need. However, it is always imperative to seek prompt veterinary care, including seeking advice on whether birds can be successfully rehabilitated, whilst also housing any birds in an appropriate and clean environment – and clearly the consequences of failing to do that here were serious for the birds involved.”

Sentencing | 14-week custodial, suspended for 12 month; ordered to pay £300 plus £154 victim surcharge. Lifetime ban on keeping animals.

Wales247
BBC News
Caerphilly Observer

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Cats, Dogs, Hoarders, Multiple Species, Reptiles / Exotics, Small Furries

Colne, Lancashire: Kieran Hands and April Pearce

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CONVICTED (2023) | Kieran Hands, born 27 April 1989, and April Pearce, born 2 May 1990, of Calder Street, Colne BB8 0DG – kept 12 dogs in a room, of which eight were kept in cages with no food, water or bedding.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home
Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates – as well as numerous other neglected animals – at their disgusting home

Hands and Pearce, who ran Howls for Help Sled Dog Rescue, each admitted nine animal welfare offences following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Emma Dingley went to the couple’s home on Calder Street, Colne, on June 25, 2022, to investigate a report of concern about a dog with matted fur.

On arrival the inspector was met by Pearce and Hands who conceded that their dogs were “scruffy” but insisted there were no welfare issues.

Giving evidence, Inspector Dingley described conditions in the property as “very poor, very dirty [with] lots of hazards.”

She continued: “The smell of dog faeces and urine hit me as soon as I entered the property.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

“There were dogs in the front room of the house and the kitchen and multiple dogs loose and caged in the living room.

“I could hear more dogs in the front room so asked if I could have a look at these. The conditions in this room were shocking.

“The smell of ammonia was so bad it made my eyes water and made me cough.

“There were crates on top of crates, all containing dogs. None of these crates had any bedding in them and all the dogs were standing on the wire base of the crates. There was no food or water in any of them.”

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

A bearded dragon called Mal was living in a vivarium on a counter in the kitchen, along with a large Malamute crossbreed called Tazz, who was confined behind a gate. Pearce and Hands had attempted to shave his heavily matted coat but had only done a small section on his back.

Tazz’s fur was yellow and the smell coming from him was described by inspector Dingley as “awful”.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

When asked if they had any more animals both defendants said no. However, two cats called Thunder and Rain – both in poor condition with obvious skin issues – were found upstairs, along with seven pet rats in a bedroom.

A terrapin called Malibu was also living in a bath which had water but no dry resting area, heat or UV.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

An empty bottle of a dog attack deterrent spray called ‘First Strike K9 spray’ was found in front of one of the crates and as soon as the inspector picked it up all the dogs stopped barking. Pearce and Hands told the officer they used the sprays to keep them quiet.

Police seized all of the animals and handed them into the care of the RSPCA, where they were transported to the charity’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for assessment.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

The vet who examined the animals said all of the dogs – which included numerous male and female huskies, collies, a Staffordshire bull terrier and a chihuahua – had unkempt coats and flea infestations.

Six of them, as well as both cats, were in a suffering state at the time, the court heard.

Several dogs also had stiff and painful limbs which were causing them discomfort.

Apart from one dog, who was put down on veterinary advice due to severe leg and back issues, many of the rescued pets have already been rehomed by the charity.

Pet rescue from hell owners Kieran Hands and partner April Pearce kept a dozen dogs in filthy crates - as well as numerous other neglected animals - at their disgusting home

In mitigation the court heard how the couple were animal lovers and had been accepting rescue animals and taken on too many.

Pearce had lost her job and her partner was working six days a week and the animals’ care had all fallen on her.

She said that she knew what she was doing but hadn’t noticed some of their ailments and she was treating them herself, rather than going to a vet.

Sentencing | 18-month prison sentences suspended for two years; two-year community order with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days; costs of £600 each and a victim surcharge of £154. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires April 2028).

Lancashire Telegraph
The Mirror

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Birds, hedgehogs, Multiple Species, Other Mammals, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders

Andover, Hampshire: Ross Clifford

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CONVICTED (2023) | Ross Clifford, born February 1979, of Quicksilver Way, Andover SP11 6TT – kept injured birds and hedgehogs in unsuitable conditions.

Paedophile Ross Clifford, from Hampshire, UK, kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.
Paedophile Ross Clifford kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.

Convicted serial paedophile Ross Clifford operated a makeshift wildlife rescue centre from his home but was investigated by the RSPCA after they were alerted to dead and dying animals on the premises.

Paedophile Ross Clifford, from Hampshire, UK, kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.

A vet examined the animals in Clifford’s care and found pigeons without their needs being met, including one severely injured pigeon that had been kept in a wicker basket with heavily solid newspaper on the base. There was no food or water or anywhere to perch.

Another pigeon was housed in a wardrobe in the bedroom, also without food or water.

Paedophile Ross Clifford, from Hampshire, UK, kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.

A juvenile wood pigeon was found in a collapsible crate, with another collapsible crate used as a lid. A towel lined the base of the crate, and this was very heavily soiled with multiple faecal deposits, some fresh and others older and drying. No food or water was found in the crate.

Hedgehogs were also found in unsuitable conditions, including one found in a plastic cat carrier alongside a small quantity of dried food but no water.

Paedophile Ross Clifford, from Hampshire, UK, kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.

The hedgehog was very lethargic and dehydrated with sunken eyes and pale mucous membranes as a result.

Two juvenile hedgehogs were found together in a collapsible crate which had wet shredded newspaper and tissue alongside food which appeared to be mouldy. They were both very lethargic and were lying motionless.

Another hedgehog, who had to be put to sleep because of the severity of his condition, was found in a plastic hamster cage without food and water with wet bedding which smelled of stale urine with an unsurvivable injury and dehydration.

Paedophile Ross Clifford, from Hampshire, UK, kept injured birds and hedgehogs in squalid containers without food and water.

In mitigation, the court heard that Clifford’s intentions in setting up a wildlife rescue at his home were good. He acknowledged that his premises were not set up to deal with wildlife rescue and that he fell short of the standards required by good practice.

Speaking about the case RSPCA Inspector Miranda Albinson said: “Injured captive wildlife is completely reliant on those providing care to ensure their needs are met. Sadly, in this instance, that responsibility was not fulfilled.”

Sentencing | 12-week custodial sentence to run concurrently to an existing sentence for unrelated offences.

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Bromyard, Herefordshire: Graham Stephens

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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

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Keyston, Cambridgeshire: Mary Howe

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CONVICTED (2022) | Mary Siobhan Howe, born December 1969, of Keyston, Huntingdon PE28 0RB – starved and neglected two rescue Belgian Malinois dogs.

Howe, founder and former director of limited company Mars & Minerva Malinois Rehoming Ltd, was convicted following a private prosecution by Jessica Sarkar, a volunteer at dog rescue New Dawn Malinois Rehoming (NDMR)

In 2019, Mary Howe put herself forward as a fosterer to NDMR following which Belgian Malinois Buddy and Monty were placed into her care on a temporary basis. A foster agreement was in place which stipulated that the dogs must not be rehomed without NDMR’s consent. After Howe fell out with NDMR she refused to return the dogs and set up her own company, Mars & Minerva Malinois Rehoming Ltd (M&M).

In April 2021, NDMR received information that M&M were renting kennel space in Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire with concerns expressed about the poor conditions. Jessica and two others decided to visit the kennels, which were described as “run-down” On arrival, they found Monty and Buddy in a weak and emaciated state, with their bones clearly visible through their coat. A vet who treated the dogs gave them each a body condition score of 1/9, the worst possible score.

One of the dogs had faeces matted into his coat. Both had been housed in a kennels that was described to have “stank of death”. Two of the witnesses broke down in tears as they spoke of the terrible condition in which they found the dogs, describing them as weak with sunken eyes. The dogs were ravenously hungry and extremely thirsty.

In the months that followed Buddy’s body condition score went from 1/5 to an “ideal” 5/9. A vet told the court that the only explanation for the improvement was a change of ownership and going from being malnourished to receiving a suitable diet.

Howe was charged with four offences: two of causing unnecessary suffering, contrary to s.4(1) AWA 2006 (failing to feed them); and two offences of breaching a duty of person responsible for animal to ensure welfare, contrary to s.9(1) AWA 2006 (relating to their weight, their housing conditions, and allowing Monty to become covered in faeces and not being given veterinary treatment).

Ultimately, without expert evidence that could rule out heart problems as the cause of Monty’s suffering, the prosecutor dropped one of the s.4(1) charges, but proceeded with the remaining three charges.

Based on the available evidence the judge was satisfied that Howe had taken responsibility for the dogs, but had not taken them to the vets or given them food of sufficient quantity or quality. Because of malnutrition, the judge determined that Buddy had suffered unnecessarily.

Sentencing | 18-month community order with 12-month mental health order and 21 days of rehabilitation; ordered to pay £6,000 towards costs. 10-year ban from owning animals, keeping or participating in keeping them, from being party to an arrangement under which she is entitled to control or influence the way in which animals are kept; or from dealing in animals.

The effect of that sentence has been stayed pending an appeal to the Crown Court. This means that the ban hasn’t yet come into force.

Advocates for Animals Solicitors

Additional Information

Howe has a previous animal cruelty conviction, from 2012, in relation to the neglect of four horses and received a community sentence and fine.

Update | December 2023

Mary Howe’s appeal was dismissed and the original sentence affirmed. She has been ordered to pay an additional £250 towards costs.

Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Birds, birds of prey / raptor persecution, hedgehogs, Multiple Species, Other Mammals, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Colchester, Essex: David Thompson

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CONVICTED (2021) | David R Thompson, born 8 January 1970, of Harwich Road, Colchester CO4 3LD – kept animals in atrocious conditions at his so-called sanctuary

Dave Thompson, boss of Colchester rescue from hell D+K Fuzzy Ferrets + Fox Rescue
Dave Thompson

When an RSPCA inspector arrived at Dave Thompson’s shelter, D+K Fuzzy Ferrets + Fox Rescue in Harwich Road, Colchester, in November 2019, she could see flies around the letterbox.

Police officers and RSPCA inspectors entered the property and found horrifying conditions within, with one police constable reporting she was almost sick due to the smell.

Scenes from Colchester rescue from hell D+K Fuzzy Ferrets + Fox Rescue

In total, 44 ferrets and polecats, four foxes, three jackdaws, two pigeons, a dove, two crows and a hedgehog were removed from the premises.

During the raid, the conditions were described as filthy, with many of the birds covered in faeces and suffering ragged feathers as a result of their squalid habitats.

Also seized were a large number of dead ferrets, a dead barn owl and some unidentified dead animals.

Scenes from Colchester rescue from hell D+K Fuzzy Ferrets + Fox Rescue

All of the ferrets and polecats bar three were found to be underweight, and were suffering from a variety of conditions – some of which were felt by the vet to be the result of poor feeding.

Nine animals had swelling to the eyes and required antibiotics, a number had gingivitis, thinning fur and bald patches which resolved once in care.

One ferret had to have an eye removed, with the vet asserting the painful condition had been present for a minimum of 21 days.

Several birds had to be euthanised.

Scenes from Colchester rescue from hell D+K Fuzzy Ferrets + Fox Rescue

Many of the animals made a full recovery following veterinary intervention.

Thompson admitted charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and failing to take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of an animal for which he was responsible are met.

Prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court: “This was supposed to be a rescue organisation, holding itself out as having knowledge and experience of ferrets and foxes.

“There was prolonged neglect and ill-treatment, and animals were suffering and others were likely to suffer had they been left in that situation.

“Animals required euthanasia, some birds having been left with broken and dislocated bones.”

Banning Thompson from keeping animals for three years, chair of the bench David Murtagh said: “You’ve got no relevant previous convictions, you were unwell at the time with mental health difficulties.

“We note your lifelong commitment to the care of animals, we take all of that into account.

“Nevertheless we cannot get away from the fact that what we saw in the photographs was absolutely appalling.

“We heard the police describe it as absolutely disgusting, we’ve heard the neighbours at the time were unable to open their windows because of the smell, and several animals were found dead during the inspection – either found dead or had to be put down at some later point.”

Sentencing: 250 hours of unpaid work; £710 in costs. Banned from keeping animals for three years (expires April 2023).

Harwich and Manningtree Standard