CONVICTED (2021) | badger baiter Anthony Campbell of Bank Street, Newton-le-Willows WA12 9NS – failed to treat the facial injuries of a dog he forced into vicious animal fights.
Campbell was banned from keeping pets after his dog – a Patterdale terrier named Millie – was found with severe facial injuries and scarring. He had not taken her to the vet for treatment or pain relief.
RSPCA officers joined Merseyside Police who executed a warrant, under the Protection of Badgers Act, at Campbell’s address in Newton-le-Willows on November 13, 2020.
RSPCA inspectors Anthony Joynes and Andrew Harris discovered four dogs on the property, including Millie.
Inspector Joynes told the court: “Millie was quite apprehensive in demeanour but yet pleasant and exhibited no aggressiveness.
“She had severe scars on her face, chin, lower jaw, neck, and front legs, which I noted.
“I could see and feel the remaining traces of scabs on and around the scarred area, indicating that wounds had been there until recently.”
Campbell claimed Millie was attacked by another dog while they were out ratting. He stated she’d been given antibiotics, but couldn’t say who had attended to her wounds.
Millie’s injuries were inspected by a member of the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, which is responsible for investigating serious and organized animal crime, such as badger baiting and wildlife crimes.
In his statement, the Special Ops investigator said: “The dog was exhibiting injuries to its lower jaw and forelegs.
“These injuries suggested to me that the dog had just been in close combat with a badger. The lower jaw damage was typical of those done by badgers, in my opinion.”
Millie also experienced “degloving injuries,” which are injuries in which a significant chunk of skin and the layer of soft tissue beneath it partially or totally rips from the body.
Campbell was sentenced at Wigan Magistrates’ Court on December 16 and had previously pleaded guilty to cause unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on November 13, 2020.
Millie remained in RSPCA care while the investigation was ongoing but will now look for a loving new home.
Sentencing: community order including an eight-week curfew; £750 in costs and a victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping all animals for life.
Another Mentally Disturbed Scum.
Bit of work he wants. He wouldn’t have the energy to go out Digging or Lamping, or whatever else he has been up to before he was caught. Social Services need to keep a close eye on the Baby he is Pictured with.