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Dog fighting

dog attack, dog fighting, Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Rotherham, South Yorkshire: Yassar Hussain

February 20, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Yassar Hussain, born May 1986, of 46 Aldred Street, Rotherham S65 2AL – left a Belgian Shepard in pain with multiple untreated injuries.

RSPCA prosecution of dog abuser Yassar Hussain from Rotherham, South Yorkshire

The two-year-old dog, named Deli, had extensive scratches and bites on all four limbs and infected wounds on her front legs. These had been present for several days. She had also reportedly birthed a litter of puppies just days before, who all sadly died.

Deli’s owner, Yassar ‘Yass’ Hussain, sole director of vehicle recovery firm S60 Recovery and Transportation Ltd, admitted one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 at a hearing in December, 2023.

The court heard how Hussain had taken the injured dog to a PDSA clinic in Sheffield on June 30, 2022. The examining vet subsequently contacted the RSPCA over concerns for her welfare.

In a written statement, RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Sara Jordan said Deli was “in lean body condition” when she saw her five days later. She noted “extensive wounds on both front legs – notably a large open wound on her right foreleg and an open, draining abscess to the armpit region of her left foreleg”.

DCI Jordan added: “She was on pain relief and antibiotics and had a lot of criss-cross scratches and bite wounds to all limbs.”

Speaking to DCI Jordan on the same day, Hussain said four days before he took Deli to the vet, she was jumping up at him and playing. He said she then gave birth at a property on Sheridan Drive, Rotherham on 28 June 2023 and it was at that point he noticed a wound on her right foreleg.

The PDSA vet said in a written court statement: “On examination she was underweight with milk expressible from all nipples. From the size of the nipples I would suspect this was not the first litter of puppies.

“The fur coat was matted with purulent material and other dark matter over the entire body. She was clearly uncomfortable on both forelimbs despite having pain relief overnight.

“The left forelimb was very swollen and purulent material was dripping down it. Several wounds were visible over all four limbs, not all fresh. The largest wound was present on the centre of the right forelimb near the elbow, which couldn’t be fully assessed conscious.

“I believe Deli was caused unnecessary pain and suffering by not having these wounds treated earlier, for this degree of swelling and purulent material these particular wounds had been present for several days most likely. All limbs, once clipped, showed wounds which appeared to be even older than the deep wounds present on the forelimbs.”

In mitigation the court heard that Hussain had since rehomed another dog he owned and it was to his credit that he did eventually recognise, albeit very late, that Deli needed veterinary intervention.

Deli, who was signed over to the RSPCA by Hussain during the course of the investigation, was cared for at the charity’s Hull & East Riding Branch animal centre. She made a full recovery and has since been happily rehomed.

Sentencing | 18-month community order, with 120 hours of unpaid work and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days; costs of £750. Banned from keeping a dog for 10 years.

BBC News
The Star

dog attack, dog fighting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Wallsend, North Tyneside: Kevin Turner

October 27, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder and alleged dog fighter Kevin Turner, born 16 June 1985, previously of Collingwood Road in North Shields but now of 47 Coach Road, Wallsend NE28 6JA – failed to take a seriously injured bulldog to the vet after she fought with another dog.

Worthless: Drug dealer, backyard breeder, (alleged) dog fighter and traveller Kevin Turner was jailed for failing to take his dog to the vet after she was bitten by another dog

Turner, a traveller who runs a rubbish clearance business called Fast Waste North East, left the two-year-old dog, Babe, to suffer with extensive injuries to her head, neck and legs. Her wounds became infected leaving her in great pain.

RSPCA inspectors paid a visit to Turner’s former home at Collingwood Road in North Shields on April 13, 2023, and found Babe with a large open wound on the right-hand side of her ear, neck and face where the skin was hanging loose. As well as the injuries to her face, neck and legs, Babe was also suffering from sore skin on her stomach and the pads of her feet.

The RSPCA said Turner claimed he was registered with the PDSA and had been planning to take the dog to see the charity’s vets the following day. But when the inspector checked the PDSA had no record of him.

Following an RSPCA prosecution convicted heroin dealer Turnerpleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the bulldog by failing to seek veterinary care, as well as a charge of failing to ensure the dog’s needs were met.

The court heard a statement from the vet that said Babe may have lost her ear if she didn’t have surgery.

In mitigation, the court was told that Turner had kept dogs for many years without any issues.

Babe’s damaged ear was reconstructed during surgery and she has since made a remarkable recovery. She was discharged to kennels the day after the operation and her wounds and skin infections then healed over several weeks. She remains in RSPCA care and will be rehomed soon.

Animal abuser Kevin Turner owns a waste management business called Fast Waste North East. — Animal abuser Kevin Turner owns a waste management business

After sentencing, RSPCA inspector Terri-Ann Fannon said: “Babe’s injuries were among some of the worst I’ve seen from a dog attack and the infection she suffered was horrendous. But she has done so well at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, where she has made some new doggy friends.

“She was a bit anxious and nervous at first, but has turned out to be a lovely boisterous girl. She was so depressed when I first met her, but she’s like a different dog now, full of mischief and wanting treats and attention.”

Sentencing | jailed for 10 weeks; £360 costs plus £154 victim surcharge. 10-year ban on keeping all animals.

ChronicleLive
Mirror

animal fighting / baiting, dog fighting, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Snaring and Trapping, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Dufftown, Moray: David Scott

September 15, 2023 misanthropic 7 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | former head gamekeeper David John Scott, born c. 1989, of Bridgehaugh, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4DS – kept 14 dogs in appalling conditions at the home he shared with wife Gillian Elizabeth Scott.

Dufftown man David Scott, a former gamekeeper, admitted neglecting 14 dogs with additional charges relating to dog fighting and setting a dog on a snared fox were dropped — David Scott, a former gamekeeper, admitted neglecting 14 dogs with additional charges relating to dog fighting and setting a dog on a snared fox were dropped. Photo credit: Press & Journal

Scott admitted a catalogue of animal welfare offences in relation to 14 neglected dogs.

The Crown accepted a not guilty plea from his wife, Gillian Scott.

The court heard Scott had been head gamekeeper at Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estates until the raid on his home in September 2022.

Fiscal depute Karen Poke said the Scottish SPCA’s special investigation unit had received a tip-off about the welfare of animals being kept by the Scotts during August 2022 and attended the scene with police.

Wife Gillian Scott escaped punishment after her not guilty plea was accepted by the court. Picture: Facebook — Wife Gillian Scott escaped punishment after her not guilty plea was accepted by the court

There they found three “wet, extremely dirty” and “totally unacceptable” kennel blocks, each without any sleeping areas for the dogs.

Ms Poke said: “There was a strong smell of faeces and urine abundant throughout the kennels,

“There were no dry areas for the dogs to lie down and no evidence of any dog food.”

The officers found a barrel full of rotten meat and fish it was suggested this is what the dogs were being fed.

All 14 dogs were removed to the care of the SSPCA and were said to have been “suffering and in distress”.

Scott admitted causing unnecessary suffering and pain to dogs by not seeking veterinary treatment or providing them with essential care.

David Scott, a former gamekeeper, admitted neglecting 14 dogs with additional charges relating to dog fighting and setting a dog on a snared fox were dropped. Photo credit: Press & Journal — Photo credit: Press & Journal

As part of a plea bargain, a not guilty plea to a charge that Scott trained a male black and tan dog called Boysie to fight and supplied videos of his brawls was accepted by the Crown.

The dog-fights were said to have taken place at the home address.

Another offence, whilst at Cabrach and Glenfiddich Estate on July 13 2022, of snaring a fox and letting his dog attack it, was also dropped.

The 14 neglected dogs included:

Ellie, a female harrier-type dog, who suffered an ear mite infection for weeks without getting treatment.
Babatoots, a female spaniel who also had infected ears and gums for weeks without medical help.
Toots, another female spaniel who suffered from infections of the ears and gums.
Sadie, a female spaniel who had chronic ear infections and conjunctivitis.

Defence counsel Callum Anderson said the couple had been going through a “difficult period” in their lives at the time of the police raid.
He said Scott had accepted the conditions were “awful” and said the kennels had become so wet due to a “torrential storm” the night before.

Mr Anderson said Mrs Scott still owns two dogs as family pets and said the lapse was due to “dramatic circumstances”, including the death of her father and a medical issue around the date of the offences.

“They accept they were not dealing with matters at that time. That is the reason why veterinary treatment was neglected,” he said.

Scott had lost his position as head gamekeeper after the raid and had been “demoted sideways”, whilst still earning a salary of £40,000 plus accommodation worth £15,000 per annum.

“He recognises it was not acceptable and lessons have been learned,” Mr Anderson said.

On sentencing, Sheriff Robert McDonald said Scott had “failed to keep a grip” on his animals, adding: “No matter how bad your life is, your animals still need looking after.

“The dogs don’t care. If things are tough, you should make arrangements for them.

“I am conscious of your employment and that you may be around dogs when out on a shoot. I have the power to impose a custodial sentence or a £20,000 fine.

“However, I have taken this into account and take a serious view and will impose a fine.”

Sentencing | fined £1,275. Banned from owning more than two dogs for just three years (expires September 2026).

Press & Journal

animal fighting / baiting, dog fighting, Dogs, farms / smallholdings, Food Production, foxes, hunting with dogs, Lifers, Organised Animal Crime, Worst of the Worst

Hounslow, West London: Humza Saleem

October 11, 2021 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2021) | Humza Saleem, born 10 December 1997, of 36 Belgrave Road, Hounslow TW4 7BY – set his ‘fighting’ dog on a pig, killing it, and kept thousands of images and videos of barbaric animal fights on his phone.

Investigations were launched by the police after a pig was found to have been killed by a dog – the second such attack in the area. Police investigating the scene found a clean black designer wallet which had been recently dropped in a muddy field. Saleem was identified through items in the wallet by police and bailed pending investigation.

During the subsequent investigation Saleem’s mobile was examined which revealed thousands of disturbing images and videos, depicting animal fights, foxes and pigs being killed by dogs and dogs of a banned breed being trained on a treadmill.

Hertfordshire Police reported the case to the CPS who then authorised Saleem to be charged with a number of animal cruelty offences. Saleem originally pleaded not guilty but changed his plea at an appearance at St. Albans Magistrates’ Court on Friday 3 September.

He was convicted on two counts of causing an animal fight to take place, two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, criminal damage, four counts of keeping an animal to use for animal fights and owning a prohibited pitbull-type dog.

ROST Sergeant Ryan Hemmings, who oversaw the operation, said: “This investigation uncovered some of the most disturbing animal cruelty offences I have ever come across.

“I would like to thank everyone involved with the investigation for working under some very upsetting circumstances to get this dangerous individual exposed and banned from keeping animals.

“Our work continues to trace others who are believed to be involved in this sickening criminal network. If you have any information which may assist, please contact police directly. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, to give information anonymously.”

Ashley Petchey, senior crown prosecutor, said: “This case demonstrates the lengths to which offenders will cause animal fights to take place, regardless of the risks to themselves, their animals and others in the wider community.

“The CPS worked closely with the police to build a strong case against Humza Saleem and we would like to thank Hertfordshire police for their diligence and hard work during the investigation. “We will continue to collaborate with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.”

Sentencing: 23 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for two years; ordered to pay £1,584 in kenneling costs to Hertfordshire Constabulary and £128 to the owner of the pig. Banned from owning animals for life. Destruction order for his dog.

This is Local London
CPS News

animal fighting / baiting, dog fighting, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway: Liam Patterson

August 29, 2019 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2019) | Liam Patterson, born 16 July 1993, previously of Eastfield Road, Dumfries DG1 2EJ* – trained three dogs for dog fighting.

Liam Patterson from Dumfries, Scotland, trained his dogs for fighting and kept a banned breed dog

Liam Patterson was found in possession of videos on his personal devices showing his dogs fighting and being trained to fight. Dog fighting paraphernalia and photos were also found at his home.

Patterson pleaded guilty to training dogs for, causing and taking part in animal fighting. This is contrary to the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 under Section 23 (1) (a) (2) (e).

He also admitted to being in possession of an American pit bull terrier which is a banned breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Two of the dogs involved in the case were two Staffordshire bull terriers named Zeus and Gucci and an American pit bull was called Bubba. All three were signed in to the care of the Scottish SPCA. Sadly Bubba had to be put to sleep because he was a banned breed.

An undercover Scottish SPCA special investigations unit inspector said, “We received information from the League Against Cruel Sports that Patterson was keeping and training dogs for the purposes of dog fighting and currently had fighting dogs at his home address.

“The intelligence we received also stated there was dog fighting equipment, books and gear at his home address.

“Due to immediate concerns for the welfare of the dogs, we obtained a search warrant and gained entry to the property where we found the three dogs. All appeared to be in good body condition.

“At the location, we found numerous items relating to dog fighting including weighted collars which are used as a training aid to strengthen and build endurance.

“Multiple videos of his own dogs fighting were found on Patterson’s personal devices. In many, he can be heard shouting encouragement in the background. Other footage discovered included other, unknown, dogs fighting and dogs with injuries consistent with fighting.

“Other videos showed Gucci, Zeus and Bubba being put through a vigorous training regime in line with dog fighting practice.

“Messages were found between Patterson and an unknown individual discussing plans to attend and enter in dog fights and their dogs’ ability to fight to the death. Communication was also discovered outlining Patterson’s desire to buy and sell American pit bulls.

“Over the course of this investigation, it became clear that Patterson had a fascination, verging on obsession, with dog fighting and breeds relating to the American pit bull. How he could hold these dogs in such high regard and let them fight each other with little regard for their welfare is very difficult to comprehend.

“We are very pleased with the sentence that has been handed to Patterson and we hope this is seen as a deterrent to other, active dog fighters.

“Dog fighting is such a well-guarded and underground crime, it’s extremely difficult to detect and investigate. We are proud to be leading the way using intelligence and expertise to bring these people to justice.

“The Scottish SPCA Special Investigation Unit is dedicated to combatting animal fighting. If anyone has any information pertaining to individuals who are involved in this activity, we would urge them to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Martin Sims, director of investigations for the League Against Cruel Sports said: “We’re very proud that it was our intelligence work that has been the basis for this conviction, but what this case serves to show to the public is how abhorrent the world of dog fighting is and why the courts need to have more sentencing powers to properly punish those involved.

“In England and Wales legislation is moving through parliament to see maximum custodial sentences for animal cruelty increased from six months to five years, but we are today calling on the Scottish Parliament to stop consulting on increasing sentences for animal cruelty and get on with passing the legislation that will be a proper deterrent to people like Liam Patterson who inflict pain on animals just to make money.”

Sentencing | 300-hour community payback order; 162-day restriction of liberty order. Banned from owning a dog for 15 years (expires 2034).

BBC News

Update | March 2023

We are advised that Liam Patterson lives in Marle Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1DN.

dog fighting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, Worst of the Worst

Sleaford, Lincolnshire: Kimberleigh Steele

April 8, 2019 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2019) | Kimberleigh Joanne Steele (aka Kim Donaghy), born 24 February 1989, currently of Castleland, Tulsk, County Roscommon, Ireland, and previously of Polyanthus Drive, Sleaford NG34 7HS and with links to Plymouth in Devon – bred dogs for fighting.

Kimberleigh Steele, now based in County Roscommon in Ireland, is a key member of a dog-fighting ring led by partner John Knibbs

Steele was part of a dog fighting ring which was headed up by her partner, John Herbert Knibbs.

Knibbs has failed to attend numerous hearings and a warrant is out for his arrest after he was convicted of dog fighting, ear cropping and causing unnecessary suffering.

Steele travelled from Ireland for a trial at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday, 8 April 2019.

Steele's partner in life and in animal crime John Knibbs remains at large — Steele’s partner in life and in animal crime John Knibbs remains at large

Before moving to Ireland Steele lived in Sleaford with Knibbs and has also stayed at two different addresses in Plymouth: Downfield Walk PL7 2DT and Durban Road PL3

In court she was sentenced for aiding and abetting Knibbs as well as possession of a banned pit bull terrier. The court also heard how she had ten animals in total, which were all used in a dog fighting ring. One has since died.

Kimberleigh Steele, now based in County Roscommon Ireland, is a leading member of a dog-fighting ring led by partner John Knibbs

RSPCA prosecutor Hazel Stevens told the court: “At the time of the raid Steele claimed to own all of the dogs.

“We are looking after the dogs in kennels for £15,700 a year. Some are so dangerous they need to be darted before the staff can go inside.”

Sentencing Steele, the judge told her: “Your partner Knibbs has not attended court and is not that big of a man without his dogs.

“The custody threshold has passed but I am going to suspend it because you have young children.”

Speaking after Steele’s sentencing RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall said: “It is a shame that Knibbs wasn’t here today.

“We are pleased with the district judge’s comments and the sentence he’s handed down. Knibbs isn’t bold enough to be here, we hope he will be sentenced soon.”

Sentencing: suspended custodial sentence of 16 weeks; £615 in fines. Banned from keeping animals for a paltry five years (expires April 2024).

Lincolnshire Live
Grantham Journal

dog fighting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Dog fighting ring based in Lincolnshire and North Wales: John Knibbs, Stephen Gardner, Adam Scott, Kim Steele

February 20, 2019 misanthropic 8 Comments

CONVICTED (2019) | John Knibbs, born 04/02/64, most recently of Polyanthus Drive, Sleaford NG34 7HS, Stephen Gardner, born c. 1961, of Willows End, Bloxholm, Lincoln LN4 3QF, Adam Scott, born 29 April 1984 of Aber Eilian Bach, Llaneilian, Amlwch, Anglesey LL68 9LR and Kimberleigh Steele, also known as Kim Donaghy, born 24/02/88, of Downfield Walk, Plymouth PL7 2DT

Dog fighting ring members John Herbert Knibbs most recently of Sleaford, Lincs, and Adam Scott of Llaneilian, Anglesey — Members of a notorious dog fighting gang John Knibbs (left) originally from Sleaford, Lincs, and Adam Scott frim Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales

The RSPCA prosecution case against a vicious dog-fighting gang who tried to breed the “ultimate dog” has been heard in court. Three members of the gang didn’t even bother to show up for their hearing and were convicted in their absence.

The court heard police and RSPCA investigators found eight dogs during a raid on a premises in Sleaford, including an American bulldog, a Bully Kutta cross Presa Canario and a pitbull terrier. Some of the dogs had horrific injuries, were scarred from fighting and in poor physical health.

Pitbull Baddy suffered horrific injuries after being forced to fight. He is believed to be dead but his body has never been found. — **A picture on the phone of John Herbert Knibbs showed Baddy the Bull Terrier with horrific injuries. His body has never been found.**

The searches uncovered paraphernalia commonly used by people involved in dog fighting, including a ‘flirt pole’, a long pole with a rope attached and a ‘break stick’, a tool commonly used to break up a dog fight.

Serial dog fighter John Herbert Knibbs (who also uses the surname Donaghy), who was already banned for life from keeping animals, was the ringleader of the gang. His latest cruelty relates to when he was living in Sleaford with Kimberleigh Joanne Steele, but he has also stayed at addresses in Grantham, Barnsley, Stamford and Halifax.

Knibbs was convicted in his absence on charges which included keeping and training dogs for fighting, ear cropping and causing unnecessary suffering to a bull terrier called Baddy and another called Panther by failing to provide veterinary care for their injuries.

Distressing footage found on Knibbs’ mobile phone showed dogs being forced to fight for up to 45 minutes and being trained on treadmills. One video showed a dog tied to a treadmill and forced to run – a common training technique used to build up strength for fighting dogs.

Text messages exchanged between ring members indicated that one fight lasted 45 minutes and had ended when a terrified Presa Canario jumped out of a window to escape pitbull terrier Baddy as the latter dog went in for the kill.

Another text made reference to one dog being able to crush another’s bones with one bite.

Knibbs was first prosecuted for dog fighting by the RSPCA in 2009 when he was disqualified from keeping animals for life. He was then convicted of breaching his ban in 2016 ahead of the raid in Sleaford in September 2017.

Though his current whereabouts are unconfirmed, Knibbs is rumoured to have fled to Southern Ireland.

Knibbs’ partner Kimberleigh Joanne Steele was also convicted in absence for aiding and abetting him in evading his ban. She was sentenced in April 2019. Details here.

Lincolnshire dog fighting ring member Kimberleigh Steele — John Knibbs’ partner (in life and in crime) Kim Steele

Messages and photos on Knibbs’ phone led investigators to two other addresses: Stephen Gardner’s home in Willows End, Bloxholm, and a luxury property with its own swimming pool in Anglesey, Wales, where backyard breeder of Presa Canarios Adam Scott resides with partner, Rachel Pearce (she was also originally charged but claims to have been acquitted). A badly scarred dog named Panther was found at Scott’s address.

Dog fighter Adam Scott of Aber Eilian Bach, Llaneilian, Amlwch, Anglesey — Adam Scott makes a lucrative living from his serial animal cruelty

Scott was convicted for having in his possession two pitbull terrier-type dogs contrary to Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, as well as aiding and abetting a disqualification order for Knibbs.

Rachel Pearce was originally charged with dog fighting offences alongside partner Adam Scott from Amlwch, Anglesey, Wales — Adam Scott’s partner Rachel Pearce

RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall, from the charity’s Special Operations Unit who investigated, said: “Some of these dogs had been trained to fight and some of them had been left suffering with horrible injuries from fighting.

“Although we never found the body of Baddy, the pictures and subsequent text messages about the fight revealed that there were severe puncture wounds to his head and the enforced fight between Baddy and a much larger Presa Canario was gruelling, lasting a total of 45 minutes.

“The videos also showed further evidence of this cruel and barbaric practice and the suffering of these dogs would have been horrendous.”

Welsh dog fighter Adam Scott from Anglesey

Inspector Withnall added: “This was an organisation involved in keeping and breeding of dogs for fighting, owned and run by Mr Knibbs, a convicted dog fighter who had changed his name to John Donaghy to try and remain undetected.

“The court heard that this group were set on breeding a very large dog, possibly for fighting which they referred to as the ‘ultimate dog’.”

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Stephen John Gardner, who failed to attend court.

Sentencing | Adam Scott was ordered to pay £3,000 in costs plus £80 victim surcharge; 100 hours of unpaid community work.

LincolnshireLive
Daily Post
The Independent
BBC News

dog fighting, Dogs, Lifers, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, Serial Animal Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Aspenden, Hertfordshire: Neil Forrest

February 15, 2018 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2018) | Neil Forrest, born 26 June 1974, of Meadow View, Aspenden, Buntingford SG9 9PB – ran an abhorrent dog fighting yard at his home.

Aspenden man Neil Forrest jailed for running 'abhorrent' dog fighting yard at his home — Druggy and dog fighter Neil Forrest

Former heroin addict Forrest trained dogs to fight and had images of dog fighting on his phone. He admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier and for possessing three pit bull terrier-type dogs which he used to fight.

District Judge Derek French told Forrest: “You have shown little or no remorse about what these dogs have gone through. These dogs were used by you as fighting dogs.

“This was clearly done with a view of commercial gain.”

Staffy Kali was found covered in injuries after being used in a dog fight organised by Neil Forrest from Aspenden, Hertfordshire — Staffy Kali was found covered in injuries after being used in a dog fight

On 5 March 2017 a badly injured young female Staffordshire bull terrier was found cowering in a garden by a member of the public in Aspenden, after she managed to escape from Forrest’s home.

Prosecuting, Mark Jones, said: “She was found cowering in a garden with numerous open wounds and scars to her body. There were numerous bite injuries to the muzzle, the mouth, her legs, and near the left eye of the dog.

“The vet who looked at the dog said that the wounds were between three and four days old.”

RSPCA inspector Cliff Harrison said: “This poor dog was absolutely covered in wounds – both fresh and historic – with bite marks, scratches and puncture wounds predominantly around her muzzle, ears and legs.

“These sorts of injuries are exactly the sort of thing we see when dogs are forced to fight another dog and the vet agreed that the injuries were consistent with dog fighting.”

A number of calls were made by Forrest to vets and dog wardens, including from Forrest’s mobile, while they tried to find the missing bull terrier that was being treated at a Buntingford vets.

After concluding that the dog belonged to Forrest, who admitted having a 20-year addiction to heroin, the police and RSPCA launched a raid in Aspenden on 19 May 2017, finding books on pit bulls and dog fighting as well as three bull pit type dogs. Two of the dogs were extremely athletic and there were weighing scales and a treadmill to run dogs on in a garage next to the kennels.

Mr Harrison said: “It appears he has tried to run his own dog fighting yard – called Neil’s Yard – but it’s unclear whether he’s had much if any success with that.

“What is clear is that his dogs have significant injuries consistent with dog fighting and have clearly been caused suffering due to his pastime.

“We believe he has been involved in this abhorrent, secretive bloodsport for years.” Judge French said: “These dogs were being used and kept as a livelihood for you. These dogs were going to suffer seriously.”

Forrest was due to stand trial but pleaded guilty just before it was about to start to one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, keeping or training animals for use in dog fights and possessing dogs which were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Sentencing | 24 weeks in prison; costs of £750. Banned from owning animals for life. The three pit bull type dogs were ordered to be destroyed.

Hertfordshire Mercury
Vet Times

dog fighting, Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Sheffield: Tomas Evison

March 2, 2017 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2017) | Tomas ‘Evo’ Evison, born 24/01/1989, most recent known address Woolley Wood Road, Sheffield S5 0UF – bred, sold and possessed several ‘fighting’ dogs.

Evison admitted two counts of possession of a fighting dog, one count of selling a fighting dog and one count of breeding fighting dogs. An order was also made to destroy the dogs.

In July 2016, officers from South Yorkshire Police executed a warrant at Evison’s address, where they found a male and female pit bull terrier – dogs which are banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The female pit bull terrier was found to be pregnant when officers seized the animals, but Evison disclaimed the litter.

Temporary Sergeant Matt Duffy from the Status Dogs team said: “Evison’s activities potentially put the lives of his family, friends and the wider community at risk by breeding and selling banned breeds.

“His actions could have led to the suffering of other dogs and animals, as well as the potential to cause significant distress to dog owners if their dogs have to be taken from them.

“We are committed to protecting our communities and will always investigate reports relating to the ownership, breeding and/or selling of banned breeds.”

Sentencing | 80 hours of unpaid work, 25 days’ supervision, fined £145. Banned from keeping, owning or participating in the keeping or selling dogs for five years (expired March 2022).

Sheffield Star

dog fighting, Dogs, Hoarders, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Ligoniel, North-West Belfast: Francis Milliken

October 4, 2016 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2016) | drug dealer Francis Milliken, born 17 December 1974, of Weavershill Road, Ligoniel, Belfast BT14 8PS – crammed ten pitbull-type dogs, possibly used in dog-fighting, into small cages in a run-down uninhabited house.

In January 2016 police raided an address registered to Milliken at 159 Donore Crescent Antrim and discovered there was barely any furniture in the house which was not being lived in.

Ten dogs were in faeces-covered cages so small some of them could not sit down and the animals were without water and proper bedding. The house was described as having a “putrid” smell and some of the animals had cuts and scars and were in a general bad state of health.

The court heard five of the dogs were in such a bad condition they were taken from Milliken.

A prosecutor said when police forced entry to the Donore Crescent house they found two adult dogs in cages too small for them to sit in and they had scars and wounds.

There were newly-born pups in another cage and there was no water and no bedding and the animals were all “poorly looked after”.

Ten dogs were seized and the five charges brought against Milliken concerned the dogs which were deemed “extremely badly looked after”.

Defence barrister Chris Sherrard said his client is a “dog lover” and always had them as pets since he was young and wished to apologise for the way he kept the animals.

“It is not something he is proud off,” added the lawyer, but he said it was due to “passive neglect”.

Mr Sherrard added five of the dogs had been returned to Milliken after the police raid and the authorities monitored his care of them closely and there were no issues.

He said his client has a “bad” drugs record and said over the years when drug searches took place no mistreatment of animals was ever found.

At the time of the dog offences, Mr Sherrard said Milliken’s elderly mother had been in hospital and he was visiting her regularly and “things got on top of him, he became over-run”.

He said one of the dogs fell pregnant and he wasn’t planning on having so many dogs in the house.

Sentence: suspended four-month prison sentence. Banned from keeping dogs for an astounding two years (expired 2018).

Belfast Live

Update March 2017

It was previously reported that the PSNI was footing the bill for the ongoing care of five pit bull-type dogs belonging to Milliken – two adults and three pups.

However, in March 2017 the Belfast Telegraph reported that all bar one adult dog had been rehomed.

The court heard that the remaining dog was “the worst” as regards his behaviour, and had “possibly been used as baiting” in dog fights.

UK Animal Cruelty Files