Tag Archives: 2025 cases

Animal Abandonment, England, Equine, Poaching, South West England, Starvation / Malnutrition, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Axbridge, Somerset: Kevin Roper

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CONVICTED (2025) | Kevin Paul Roper, born c. 1958, of Yeo Bridge Farm, Turnpike Road, Lower Weare, Axbridge BS26 2JE – for cruelty to three horses found with protruding bones.

RSPCA prosecution of Somerset pikey Kevin Roper for horse neglect

Serial animal abuser Kevin Roper, who in 2009 was convicted alongside son William Roper* for horse cruelty, was breeding and dealing horses but failed to provide proper veterinary care or a suitable diet.

An investigation by the RSPCA and the Bristol rescue charity HorseWorld found that Roper, a traveller, had failed to give his three cob-type horses “the care they desperately needed”.

The horses, named Brie, Halloumi and Cheddar were found with their bones protruding on land at Winscombe. Two of them were pregnant.

RSPCA prosecution of Somerset pikey Kevin Roper for horse neglect

RSPCA inspector Kim Walters visited the land after concerns were raised about the welfare of Roper’s horses.

Ms Walters said one of the horses “appeared lethargic and reluctant to graze”.

“I was able to see her hip bones, ribs and spine easily despite having a long coat”, she said.

RSPCA prosecution of Somerset pikey Kevin Roper for horse neglect

Ms Walter said she also saw another young cob that “appeared extremely underweight with her ribs, spine and hip bones being easily seen and felt”.

“Also amongst the herd was a skewbald cob mare, and I could see all her bony prominences and her spine and hip bones were protruding,” she said.

Roper pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence.

The three horses are recovering at HorseWorld and two of them have given birth to healthy foals.

Sentencing | ordered to pay £400 in costs and a £240 victim surcharge. Seven-year ban on keeping horses, with no option to appeal the ban for five years (expires December 2032).

BBC News
SomersetLive

In February 2009, William Roper, born c. 1987, was fined and banned from keeping horses for just six months alongside his father, Kevin Roper. The pair had left a mare in pain with a facial swelling.

In May 2014 William Roper was convicted of poaching. He and co-defendants George Bradford and Jason Bradford, both of Foster Street, Walsall, Patrick Connors of Peeks Brook Lane, Horley, Surrey, and Montgomery Lee of Downs Road, Witney, all denied the crime but were convicted. The five were each fined £400 and £300 costs.

William Roper owns a business called Unique Roofing & Property Services.

Birds, Cock Fighting, England, Fox Digging / Badger Baiting, Hare Coursing, Organised Animal Crime, Poaching, Snaring and Trapping, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Yorkshire and The Humber

Leven, East Riding of Yorkshire: Olly Bates

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CONVICTED (2025) | Oliver Thomas Bates, born 1998, of Church Drive, Leven, Beverley HU17 5LH (previously Robinson Gardens, Cottingham) – for a catalogue of animal welfare offences related to organised bloodsports including cockfighting and illegal deer trapping.

Wildlife persecutor Oliver Bates from Beverley, Hull, caused immense suffering to cocks, hares, deer and other animals/birds.

Bates, a father-of-two, pleaded guilty to five animal welfare offences alongside charges of animal mutilation, illegal trapping and cruelty to deer and hares.

In October 2024, RSPCA officers, working alongside police and an expert from World Horse Welfare, visited a smallholding in Tickton, near Beverley, to carry out animal welfare checks after concerns were raised.

Wildlife persecutor Oliver Bates from Beverley, Hull, caused immense suffering to cocks, hares, deer and other animals/birds.

In a written statement, an officer from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, said: “A number of birds were underweight and the environment was unsuitable. The police officer seized the birds due to concerns raised and they were removed and taken to a vet for examination and opinion.”

Bates was not present during the visit, so warning notices about the conditions of the birds were issued to a relative.

A mobile phone belonging to Bates was later confiscated by the police for forensic examination.

Wildlife persecutor Oliver Bates from Beverley, Hull, caused immense suffering to cocks, hares, deer and other animals/birds.

Footage recovered from the phone showed cockerels being placed together to fight and spar, along with material relating to “dubbing”, which involves cutting off the comb, wattles, or earlobes of a cockerel.

The court also heard evidence of videos, recorded by Bates, showing animals caught in illegal snares, including a roe deer and a brown hare.

RSPCA Wildlife Partnerships Manager Geoff Edmond said one video depicted a roe deer “caught in a wire type snare around the rear of the head and neck area”.

He said the snare resulted in the death of the deer. Another video showed a dead brown hare caught in a snare.

Mr Edmond added: “Snares can legally be used to catch this species, but must be inspected regularly, and no animal should be found dead in a snare. When used incorrectly, snares are capable of causing injuries and suffering to animals and to snare non-targeted species is entirely inappropriate and, in the case of deer, illegal.”

Wildlife persecutor Oliver Bates from Beverley, Hull, caused immense suffering to cocks, hares, deer and other animals/birds.

In mitigation, the defence said that Bates had experienced physical and mental health difficulties.

Speaking after sentencing, an RSPCA spokesperson said: “It was rightly highlighted in court that animals are sentient beings, and it is widely acknowledged that they can feel emotion, pain and distress. Abuse and cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. This applies to all species, including wildlife, and those sometimes regarded as pest species, which are all protected by laws and regulations.”

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months; 15 days of ‘rehab’ and six-month alcohol treatment requirement; £400 in costs plus £154 victim surcharge. He was banned from keeping all animals for 15 years (expires December 2040).

HullLive

Dogs, England, Physical Violence, Yorkshire and The Humber

Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire:: Liam Huteson

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CONVICTED (2025) | violent career criminal Liam Huteson aka Liam Brady, born c, 1992, with a recent address of Exton Close, Bransholme, Hull HU7 4EP – punched a small dog twice, causing him to yelp in pain.

Violent career criminal Liam Huteson from Hull can now add animal cruelty to his rap sheet.

Drug crazed Huteson angrily punched the unnamed dog, causing the animal to “yelp in pain”.

The unprovoked attack came after Huteson, who has dozens of criminal convictions to his name, hurled vicious abuse at a woman as she was innocently getting into her car and putting the dog in his car seat. The shocked woman told him that there was no need to hit the dog but he defiantly responded by viciously punching the defenceless animal again in a “deliberate and persistent attack”.

Huteson shouted at the woman: “I will kill you, you c**t, I will f***ing kill you.”

He attacked the passenger window and parts of the car with a knife, causing damage.

Huteson then menaced and threatened a second woman and her 15-year-old son with a knife.

He damaged the rear of the woman’s car with the knife. She accelerated away in terror – and stopped to warn her neighbour that Huteson was attacking people.

Police were alerted because Huteson was in the street waving the knife about. They went to his home and he spoke to officers through a window, saying: “Why do I always get arrested?” The knife was seized.

During police interview, Huteson was aggressive and refused to answer questions.

Violent career criminal Liam Huteson from Hull can now add animal cruelty to his rap sheet.

He had convictions for 136 previous offences, with six involving weapons. In March 2020 he was jailed for 14 weeks after threatening a person with a blade in public.

He was also jailed for 14 months in January 2022 and for eight months in July 2022, both for possessing a blade. He was jailed for 18 weeks in January 2025 for a public order offence and was locked up for 20 weeks in April 2025 for four theft offences.

Huteson, who has links to the Anlaby Road area, Hull, HU3, admitted affray, causing unnecessary suffering to a dog, possessing a knife in public and two offences of causing criminal damage.

Connor Stuart, mitigating, said that his client’s offending was “against a backdrop of severe substance misuse” adding that “repeated short prison sentences have failed to address the root cause of this offending.”

Recorder Andrew Haslam KC told Huteson: “You have a really bad record for offending. The effect of your actions on those in the street has been profound.”

According to comments on local social media posts, the dog survived the attack and is recovering.

Sentencing | jailed for 16 months. No mention of a ban on keeping animals.

HullLive

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North East England, Physical Violence, Starvation / Malnutrition

Cramlington, Northumberland: Jonathan Dixon

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CONVICTED (2025) | Jonathan Dixon, born 28 May 1982, of Chirnside, Cramlington NE23 6LQ – left an underweight bulldog screaming and cowering in fear as he subjected her to beatings.

Animal abuser! CPS prosecution of Jonathan Dixon from Cramlington, Northumberland, for beating a small bulldog.

On October 18, 2025, police attended Dixon’s address after concerned neighbours reported hearing a dog “screaming and yelping” from inside the property.

Animal abuser! CPS prosecution of Jonathan Dixon from Cramlington, Northumberland, for beating a small bulldog - Mabel (pictured).
Mabel

Dixon initially closed the door in their faces but was persuaded to let them enter. Inside, officers found the small bulldog, named Mabel. She was described as “skinny with ribs protruding” and her head was covered in scratches.

Dixon admitted to police that he’d kicked Mabel because she’d pooed on the kitchen floor.

When officers tried to get close to the dog, she ducked and cowered away from them.

Mabel was seized and Dixon was arrested.

Animal abuser! CPS prosecution of Jonathan Dixon from Cramlington, Northumberland, for beating a small bulldog.

In court, Dixon pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal but walked free from court with a small fine and short ban on keeping animals.

Sentencing | fined £846 plus £85 costs and £338 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping dogs for five years (expires December 2030).

ChronicleLive

Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, South Wales, Unfit Living Conditions, Wales

Llanrumney, Cardiff: Paul and Sam Xuereb and Matthew Anderson

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CONVICTED (2025) | backyard breeders and canine fertility clinic operators Paul Wayne Xuereb, born August 1981, and Samantha Jayne Xuereb, aka Samantha O’Sullivan, born 4 June 1984, both of 6 Dickens Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 5LX and Matthew Edward Anderson, born October 1983, of 149 Burnham Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff CF3 5LN – for illegal dog breeding, fraudulent trading and the unlawful provision of veterinary services.

Sam and Paul Xuereb operated an illegal dog breeding operation that made over £640,000 for them and associate Matthew Anderson. The trio also performed unqualified veterinary procedures such as artificial insemination and blood testing.

Married couple Paul and Sam Xuereb and their partner in crime Matthew Anderson bred dogs, mainly bulldogs and dachshunds, without a licence over several years. Driven by a desire to maximise profits, the trio overbred dogs by over four times the annual limit. They also performed veterinary procedures on dogs, including the taking of blood, from a commercial unit in Llanrumney without having the qualifications to do so.

Prosecution of fraudulent backyard breeders Sam Xuereb, Paul Xuereb and Matthew Anderson, all of Llanrumney, Cardiff.
Between 2017 and 2022, the operation involved breeding 98 litters and producing over 400 puppies through companies like Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited and Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd.

They operated through businesses including Cardiff Canine Supplies Limited, Colour Coded Frenchies Fertility Clinic Ltd, and Colour Coded Bullyz Fertility Clinic breeding and selling hundreds of puppies while deliberately avoiding animal licensing requirements.

Prosecution of fraudulent backyard breeders Sam Xuereb, Paul Xuereb and Matthew Anderson, all of Llanrumney, Cardiff.

They were prosecuted following a lengthy inquiry by the local authority’s Shared Regulatory Services (SRS). This uncovered large-scale unlicensed breeding operations run by the trio between 2017 and 2022.

The court heard evidence of records being altered to avoid detection, prescription-only medication being given without authorisation, breeds being substandard, and congenital defects being passed on through their breeding that owners would not have been aware of.

Prosecution of fraudulent backyard breeders Sam Xuereb, Paul Xuereb and Matthew Anderson, all of Llanrumney, Cardiff.

A police search of the Xuerebs’ home found eight adult male dogs, 11 puppies from two litters and seven breeding-age female dogs. Some of the dogs were being kept in the house and some in an outbuilding.

The vet who carried out the search with the police said the puppies were being kept in crowded pens which were far too small and that if they were let out they had insufficient space away from adult dogs.

Dogs seized from the properties were also found to have genetic defects and temperament and health issues of concern to the vet and which would have likely been passed on to the next generation.

Prosecution of fraudulent backyard breeders Sam Xuereb, Paul Xuereb and Matthew Anderson, all of Llanrumney, Cardiff.

A search of Anderson’s property uncovered a half-finished bottle of oxytocin, which is a prescription-only medication used to bring on contractions during labour. Further prescription-only medication used for dogs with vitamin E deficiencies were also found.

At the commercial unit, investigators discovered a French bulldog who was described as being a “poor example of the breed and a poor example of a stud dog”, as well as needles and syringes. While they were there two clients arrived on the premises for “dog fertility treatments”.

Messages on the Xuerebs’ phones revealed discussions regarding the sale of puppies and arrangements about blood tests for between £20 to £30. The phones also had messages which revealed dishonest steps were taken to hide the illegal activity.

Large amounts of cash were seized from properties linked to the operation, while bank records showed significant income generated from the unlawful businesses.

Prosecution of fraudulent backyard breeders Sam Xuereb, Paul Xuereb and Matthew Anderson, all of Llanrumney, Cardiff.

In total, the Xuerebs bred 63 litters, producing 259 puppies and generating more than £459,000 in sales. Matthew Anderson bred 35 litters, producing 159 puppies and earning over £181,000. All three admitted to fraudulent trading connected to the illegal breeding and sale of dogs.

Each of the trio were sentenced for a lead offence of fraudulent trading, and a subsequent count of violating the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) Wales Regulations 2014.

The court also heard that the defendants carried out veterinary procedures despite not being registered veterinary surgeons.

These included blood testing, artificial insemination and the supply of prescription-only medicines.

Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act are continuing and further financial penalties may follow.

Sentencing |
Paul Xuereb: 23 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years; 10 rehabilitation activity days; 180 hours of unpaid work.
Samantha Xuereb: 15-month suspended custodial sentence; 140 hours of unpaid work.
Matthew Anderson: 12-month suspended custodial sentence; 120 hours of unpaid work.
No ban on owning animals was ordered.

Nation Cymru
WalesOnline

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Mid Scotland & Fife, Scotland, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Dunfermline, Fife: Jeorgio Dolan

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CONVICTED (2025) | Jeorgio Dolan, born 4 March 2005, previously of Viewforth Place, Burntisland Road, Kinghorn, and now Willowbank Brae, Dunfermline KY12 0FA – left a dog in a house without food or water for weeks.

Animal abuser Fife man Jeorgio Dolan abandoned his dog without food or water for weeks.

Dolan admitted that between July 4 and September 14, 2024, he caused unnecessary suffering to a female bulldog called Lola by failing to provide her with adequate food and water, causing her to become emaciated. He also failed to seek appropriate veterinary assessment and treatment for her body condition, a heart murmur, overgrown nails and decaying teeth.

Animal abuser Fife man Jeorgio Dolan abandoned his dog without food or water for weeks.
Victim Lola

Pro­sec­utor Annie Mac­don­ald told the court: “The Scot­tish SPCA’S Inspector Fer­rier was made aware of a dog found inside the locus. Every bone was vis­ible. The con­di­tion of the prop­erty was ter­rible. It was gas engin­eers who had found the dog.

“Wit­nesses stated the dog had been found in the liv­ing room but they’d been unable to make con­tact with the ten­ant.”

Ms Mac­don­ald con­tin­ued: “At 9.45am, Inspector Fer­rier arrived at the locus, she observed the dog to be low in energy but friendly.

“The two wit­nesses stated they had found her in the liv­ing room sur­roun­ded by rub­bish and fae­ces.

“The dog had no access to other rooms. On enter­ing the prop­erty, the liv­ing room was in a dis­grace­ful con­di­tion. There was human food rub­bish, dog food cans and at least a week’s worth of fae­ces on the floor. Some fae­ces were mouldy.

“There was no food in the liv­ing room.”

Lola was taken to a vet for examination where she was give a body score of 1/9, the most extreme cat­egory of ema­ci­ation.

Her bones were vis­ible from a dis­tance and she had no palp­able body fat. She weighed just 17.5kg against a health weight for her breed of between 27kg and 35kg.

She had tacky gums con­sist­ent with dehyd­ra­tion and her mucus mem­branes were poor, con­sist­ent with anaemia. The vet also dis­covered a heart mur­mur and tar­tar on her teeth.

It was estab­lished the dog had been suf­fer­ing unne­ces­sar­ily for between a fort­night and two months.

Ms Mac­don­ald explained Inspector Fer­rier had atten­ded the prop­erty in King­horn in April 2024 over con­cerns about the same dog.

Animal abuser Fife man Jeorgio Dolan abandoned his dog without food or water for weeks.

Defence solicitor Martin McGuire told the court his client “wasn’t coping well with his own affairs at that time.”

Lola was taken into the Scot­tish SPCA’s care and nursed back to health. By Septem­ber the heart mur­mur had dis­ap­peared and by Octo­ber, her weight was 25kg.

Sentencing | one-year supervision order with unpaid work as a direct alternative to imprisonment. Banned from keeping or caring for any dog for five years (expires December 2030).

Fife Today

Animal Hoarding, Cats, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, East of England, England, Pet Profiteering, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire: Amy Roxby

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CONVICTED (2025) | pet hoarder/kitten greeder Amy Roxby, born 14 November 1993, of Mallard Close, Ramsey, Huntingdon PE26 2AE – kept starving cats in squalor.

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

Police and RPSCA officers attended the address of mother-of-two Roxby on October 31, 2024, to investigate reports of a malnourished cat at the property.

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

RPSCA animal rescue officer Maya Thakra said she was “immediately struck by a strong smell of faeces and urine” as well as “many flies making their way out of the kitchen.”

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

She added: “When looking down after opening the door, there were the remains of a small pale ginger kitten that was missing body parts.

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

“The dead kitten was surrounded by living cats and kittens walking over the body to attempt to leave the kitchen, piles of dirty clothing, household rubbish and food wrappers which had been torn and scratched open.”

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

There was no water available at the property and the cats appeared extremely hungry. Many were infested with fleas and were generally unwell

RSPCA prosecution of Cambridgeshire pet hoarder/kitten breeder Amy Roxby for keeping poorly cats in squalor.

Four adult cats and five kittens were removed from the premises, and Roxby signed them over to the RSPCA.

They were taken to a vet where it was confirmed they were suffering from cat flu, flea and worm infestations, anaemia and starvation.

Roxby pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Sentencing | 16-week suspended prison sentence; ordered to pay £600 in costs and a £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping pets for an unspecified period.

Hunts Post
CambridgeshireLive

Animal Abandonment, Cats, Denial of Veterinary Treatment, England, Starvation / Malnutrition, Unfit Living Conditions, West Midlands

Moseley, Birmingham: Shaine Osborne

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CONVICTED (2025) | Shaine Osborne, born c. 1996, of Church Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 9AG – for the “incompetent” care of her two cats, one of whom had to be put to sleep due to her ill-treatment and neglect.

Yogi was put to sleep following months of neglect by his despicable owner, Shaine Osborne from Moseley, Birmingham.
Yogi was put to sleep following months of neglect by his “incoompetent” owner, Shaine Osborne from Moseley, Birmingham.

Osborne was visited by RSPCA animal rescue officer Katey Freckelton, after concerns were raised about her pet cats, Yogi and Grey.

The animals were living in the communal garden at the block of flats, but were in a poor condition.

Ms Freckelton said: “I could immediately see the cats were both very underweight, in my opinion, a body condition score of 1/9.

“I could feel all their bones, including ribs, spine and hip bones.

“I noticed both cats had wet discharge from their nose and Grey had a matted rear end with flies on him.”

Osborne confirmed they were her cats and consented to the RSPCA officer taking them to see a vet,

During triage, Yogi collapsed as his condition deteriorated further. Osborne consented to him being put to sleep on welfare grounds.

Grey was admitted into RSPCA Birmingham Animal Hospital for assessment and treatment, where he tested positive for parvovirus. Happily he recovered and was later rehomed by the charity.

Osborne pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

The charges included:

  • failing to provide adequate nutrition
  • failing to ensure the cats had access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times
  • failing to provide parasitic control, failing to resolve flystrike and maggot infestation
  • failing to protect the animals from suffering and distress.

It was heard in mitigation that she had not been deliberately cruel to the pets; rather, her lack of care was due to incompetence.

Animal rescue officer Freckleton added: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive the care they need.

“Pets are completely reliant on their owners to ensure they are kept safe and healthy.

“Sadly, these cats were not provided with that basic care, including food, water or vet treatment.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 40 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay a £180 fine and £114 victim surcharge. Four-year ban on keeping any animal but can appeal after just two years (expires December 2029).

BirminghamLive

Denial of Veterinary Treatment, Dogs, England, North East England

Jarrow, Tyne and Wear: Jordan Gilchrist

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CONVICTED (2025) | Jordan Gilchrist, born 12 May 1995, of Salcombe Avenue, Jarrow NE32 3SN – left his dog to endure weeks of suffering with a catalogue of ailments.

RSPCA prosecution of Jarrow man Jordan Gilchrist, who left his dog in pain with multiple untreated health conditions.

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Heather Wade went to Jordan Gilchrist’s address on July 7, 2025, because of concerns for the welfare of his dog, a Staffy called Reggie.

The dog, who is around eight years old, had areas of exposed red skin that looked to be bleeding and scabs and fur loss were evident.

He appeared to be extremely uncomfortable and was rubbing and scratching himself constantly.

RSPCA prosecution of Jarrow man Jordan Gilchrist, who left his dog in pain with multiple untreated health conditions.

In her written statement to the court the RSPCA officer said: “Mr Gilchrist said he had just washed Reggie.

“He showed me his own neck which had a big red patch on it. He said he had been to the doctor for himself and the doctor had told him it was contact dermatitis and had given him gel which he had been using on himself and the dog.”

Gilchrist confirmed he owned Reggie and the dog hadn’t seen a vet for about two years.

The RSPCA officer continued: “Mr Gilchrist claimed he had been struggling to get in contact with the vets and had to re-register with them. I advised him I would like to remove Reggie and take him to see a vet and Mr Gilchrist agreed.”

A local vet who examined Reggie on behalf of the RSPCA said he was suffering from severe skin disease with multiple areas of infection and fur loss.

RSPCA prosecution of Jarrow man Jordan Gilchrist, who left his dog in pain with multiple untreated health conditions.

He had red conjunctiva, chronically inflamed ears, swollen gums and a large, but painless, skin tag hanging from his lower abdomen which was nearly touching the floor.

Some of Reggie’s nails were so long they were growing into his pads, and his feet were particularly sore, inflamed and infected.

RSPCA prosecution of Jarrow man Jordan Gilchrist, who left his dog in pain with multiple untreated health conditions.

In her written evidence to the court the vet said: “There was an overwhelming smell coming from Reggie’s coat. He was very itchy on any touch over his coat and there were flakes and scabs falling onto the floor as he was examined.

“The left ear had marked thickening and inflammation and throughout the ear canal and the proximal third of the canal was filled with thick waxy purulent discharge. It is my professional opinion that Reggie was caused unnecessary suffering by the person(s) responsible for his care by their failure to provide appropriate veterinary care.

“The extent of the skin, eye and ear disease that Reggie was suffering from would be very easily recognised by a lay person and it would be obvious that veterinary attention should be sought.

“This dog showed evidence of chronic changes to the skin and ear canals which would have taken no less than six to eight weeks to develop but likely to have been considerably longer.”

Jordan Gilchrist pleaded guilty to one offence contrary to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA prosecution of Jarrow man Jordan Gilchrist, who left his dog in pain with multiple untreated health conditions.

Reggie stayed overnight at the vets before being transferred to a private boarding facility for ongoing care on behalf of the RSPCA. In October 2025 he was transferred to the charity’s Blackpool & North Lancs Branch for rehoming.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 12 days of ‘rehab’ and mental health treatment requirement.He was also ordered to pay £400 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping animals for ten years (expires December 2035).

ChronicleLive
Northern Echo
Shields Gazette

Animal Torture, Dogs, England, Lifers, Traveller Animal Crimes, West Midlands, Worst of the Worst

West Bromwich, West Midlands: Leon Kramolis

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CONVICTED (2025) | Leon Kramolis, born c. 2000, of 17 Wheatley Street, West Bromwich B70 9TY – inflicted multiple injuries on a tiny puppy, including cutting off his toes.

RSPCA prosecution of sadistic puppy killer Leon Kramolis from West Bromwich, West Midlands - routinely abused a puppy causing fatal injuries

Kramolis, a Roma gypsy, was caught on CCTV slapping the young Staffordshire bull terrier, named Rex, wrapping a dish cloth around his head and placing a mug over his face and muzzle.

The pup, who was between eight and ten weeks old, was found to have a broken skull, jaw and ribs, when he was rescued. Most shockingly some of his toes had been completely severed.

Tragically, Rex was so unwell he had to be euthanised.

RSPCA prosecution of sadistic puppy killer Leon Kramolis from West Bromwich, West Midlands - routinely abused a puppy causing fatal injuries. The victim, Rex, is pictured before he was put to sleep

Kramolis, who came to the UK from the Czech Republic, began abusing the dog while he was living at supported accommodation in Nicholls Street, West Bromwich.

RSPCA prosecutor Sarah Pratt told the court that when support workers first saw the puppy he seemed ‘happy and healthy’ with no obvious injuries.

There were concerns that Kramolis was feeding the dog tomatoes and potatoes, however.

Kramolis was told that he would be unable to keep the dog at the centre and would have to rehome him.

Ms Pratt stated there was a ‘distinct difference’ between Kramolis’ behaviour towards the dog in the presence of staff, and then a few minutes later when he was captured on CCTV ‘tying a dish cloth around the puppy’s head’.

Further footage showed him slapping the puppy, handling him roughly, pulling at his limbs and putting a mug over his face.

In the early hours of March 1, 2025, Kramolis was caught on camera fetching two knives from the kitchen.

Ms Pratt said: “As a result there were concerns about the puppy and the defendant.

“The defendant appeared to be hiding the puppy. He left the property without it.

“When questioned he appeared to be hiding it in his room.”

RSPCA prosecution of sadistic puppy killer Leon Kramolis from West Bromwich, West Midlands - routinely abused a puppy causing fatal injuries

Staff called the police who confirmed the dog was inside his room alive.

Kramolis was evicted and escorted out of the property the following day.

Ms Pratt said: “The puppy was concealed inside his coat. It didn’t appear to be moving and breathing properly.

“When the defendant arrived at his mother’s home he placed it in a dog bed.

“It appeared unwell and motionless. At this time the mutilation was seen.

“It had no toenails left, they had been cut down to the quick and beyond.”

Police and the RSPCA were called and the dog was taken to a vet in a comatose state.

Not only had the nails been cut too far down but some of the toes had been completely severed.

The puppy had also developed septicaemia because of older injuries that had not been treated.

Ms Pratt added: “Sadly this puppy was so unwell permission was obtained to put it to sleep.”

Bloodstained sheets were found back at Kramolis’ room.

RSPCA prosecution of sadistic puppy killer Leon Kramolis from West Bromwich, West Midlands - routinely abused a puppy causing fatal injuries. Puppy's injured foot is pictured.

Kramolis provided no explanation for the injuries only to say he had been cutting the dog’s toenails.

Thomas Duggan, defending, conceded his client’s actions were ‘unspeakable’ and confirmed he was taking cocaine and heroin at the time.

He stated he was now drug-free in custody where he had made positive progress, adding that he was genuinely remorseful.

Kramolis admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and two further welfare offences.

RSPCA prosecution of sadistic puppy killer Leon Kramolis from West Bromwich, West Midlands - routinely abused a puppy causing fatal injuries

Judge Simon Drew QC described the case as ‘horrible’ and concluded Kramolis’s actions were ‘sadistic’.

He said: “If you are pushed out of the prison gates without support, frankly I can see you coming back here very quickly.

“This is primarily aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment.

“You have already suffered punishment in custody for a substantial period of time.”

Sentencing | two-year community order with 42 days of ‘rehabilitation’. Lifetime ban.

BirminghamLive