CONVICTED (2022) | Philip D Stevens, born c. 1984, of 11 Lon Cadfan, Prestatyn LL19 8HJ – convicted for badger baiting and dog cruelty.
Stevens, owner of landscaping business Cut Above Tree & Landscapes, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This included causing unnecessary suffering to his own dogs.
A joint investigation by North Wales Police and the RSPCA was initiated by the investigations team at Naturewatch Foundation following the discovery of disturbing photographs showing Stevens’ brutality towards wildlife.
Photographs posted to social media showed Stevens posing with his badly injured dogs. He had attempted to cover his face with emojis but was identified anyway.
A warrant was executed at Stevens’ property during which it was found that he was keeping dogs with untreated injuries outside in poor living conditions.
A white Patterdale Lakeland cross terrier called Millie, had extensive facial scarring resulting in the partial loss of her nose and an area of fresh grazing and reddening below her left eye.
She was also more than five weeks pregnant.
Another kennel housed a black and tan female terrier called Jess, who was sheltering in a plastic barrel. This dog seemed reluctant to move and appeared withdrawn and lethargic.
She was suffering from an extensive injury to her chin, which had scabbed over, and a laceration to the lower lip on the left-hand side.
Both nostrils were also blocked, preventing her from breathing normally.
A male and female bull lurcher were also both removed from the premises.
All four animals have since been rehomed by the RSPCA after being signed over into the charity’s care.
Stevens, who said he didn’t own the dogs but was responsible for them, was told that they were being seized, to which he replied: “Can I say goodbye to them? I love my dogs.”
Analysis of his mobile phone revealed dozens of further disturbing images and footage, including:
- Stevens digging at the entrance of a badger sett.
- One of the severely injured terriers with injuries consistent with those seen at the time they were seized.
- A live badger recently stunned and disabled but still kicking above ground with one of the dogs attacking it and another present.
- Two of the dogs being used to dig underground.
- Stevens holding one of the terriers who has significant injuries to her nose and face.
- One of the dogs being encouraged to attack a badger.
- One of the dogs attacking a fox, which is thought to be alive, with Stevens’ voice heard in the background.
- Stevens and an unknown male with one of the dogs and a dead fox.
Naturewatch Foundation’s investigator tasked with this case said, “We commenced our investigation into Phil Stevens and suspected badger digging in early 2021 and were determined to seek justice for the animals who suffered so terribly at his hands.
“Wild mammals suffered a violent and protracted death and Stevens’ dogs sustained serious injuries, purely for his entertainment. He failed to provide his dogs with veterinary treatment for their wounds, causing them to suffer further. The images of the conditions these poor dogs were found living in speak for themselves.”
Sentencing | two years in jail suspended for 12 months; 180 hours of community service; £628 in costs and surcharge. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires October 2027)
Naturewatch
Daily Post
Rhyl Journal
Additional Information
Phil Stevens is a tree surgeon by trade. He trades under the names Cut Above Tree Services or Cut Above Tree and Landscapes.
His mobile telephone number is 07833 595787.
He is married to June Stevens, a science teacher at Prestatyn High School.
We Kindly Ask The Public: That You Do Not Use The Services Of (Cut Above Tree & Landscapes).
As he is clearly Not Safe around your Pets or Property.
Another Mentally Disturbed Scum.
Bit Of Proper Hard Work The Scum Wants.
He wouldn’t have the energy to go out Hunting and Digging, or whatever else he has been up to before he was caught.
Another pathetic sentence dished out by the court.
But at least now his Face is out there and everyone knows who he is. He has Brought Shame to his Self and his Family.
He won’t have no luck for what he has been up, to before he was caught.
he is not a scum at all and your believing stupid things from the Media this man has helped me so many times and these are making a story out of nothing!
I think that we need give the vote to wildlife. That is the only answer to all and until we give the vote to the animals we aren’t a proper democracy.
I agree wildlife needs the vote.
They also need so be able to claim on the Dole and NHS.
Can I ask why his wife is on there . What has she done ? Granted slander the man but to bring his family into it is wrong . I mean you actually went out of your way to search and delve into her life ? Should your time not be better off rescuing an animal or fighting for their rights instead of trying to bring families of people that do this shit , if you ask me your as bad it’s called bullying !!!!
She lives with him. She knew about his sick hobby and the conditions in which he kept his ‘fighting’ dogs, and did nothing to stop it. Some of these women even participate in bloodsports themselves. I cant say if that’s the case here but by ignoring it, she is effectively condoning it. I wouldn’t want someone like that around my kids. If she leaves him of course, we will be happy to remove her details.
And you know her personally do you !!! . If she leaves him you will remove her details . How do you know she knew what he was doing , maybe she thought he was lamping . Some people have far too busy .In my opinion your a bully and have nothing else to do with your life . Do you actually get off on this .I myself adore animals however I still wouldn’t wish harm on any person or animal . However , you seem to like to impact pain and hurt Amongst people who aren’t even involved in these sort of things. So I ask , what sort of person are you ? Animal lover yes , people lover no . Your a bully and I feel sorry for you .
Yes David Smith is right you should not try involving the family.
Also you are forgetting that the most eager parties in the sport were none other that the dogs (in other words animals). You can see just how much those little dogs enjoy the sport from their faces.
Also the thing that stops the dogs getting treated is the fact that busy bodies have made this old country spot illegal.
There are lots of badgers anyway so what is the issue here?
I think that if anyone is in the wrong here it is this site.
Anyway the guy is clearly a carnivore and it doubtless a lot tougher than the whinging herbivoes.
This site needs leave people alone and we want our freedom back. The law should concern itself with criminals not a respectable businessman making a success of things in a very harsh economic climate who happens to enjoy hunting.
Hunting is natural and I bet the keenest hunters of all were the dogs that have been wrenched from their owner.
This site should be ashamed of itself.
I think you herbivores are bloody hateful.