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.
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.
“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.”
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Mad as hatters these hoarders,what a fantasy world people descend into. Deluded , vain and cruel to the poor animals dependent on them.
They should be banned from keeping animals for life let alone 5 years. The pair of them are an absolute disgrace and should be ashamed of themselves.
Those poor poor animals and how they’ve suffered living in those conditions – I just can’t fathom how people can be so cruel, careless and disgusting towards animals who depend on them.
Yes ..five years is not long enough ..should be banned forever ..both of them .
Evil.
Honestly does not surprise me. His dad Paul Hands is being evicted from an elderly people’s home for terrorising them, bullying them and hitting a 90 year old woman. The whole family are just scum who love to bully those more vulnerable.