CONVICTED (2021) | Kris Conroy, born 5 May 1984, of 41 Brisbane Road Weymouth DT3 6RB – broke a puppy’s leg and failed to take her to the vet even though she was screaming in pain
Kris Conroy was only banned from owning dogs for 18 months despite leaving this one in agony for 18 days
Conroy pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after “accidentally” breaking the leg of six-month-old American bulldog Karma on December 22, 2019, leaving the animal in considerable pain.
Prosecuting for the RSPCA, Matthew Knight, said: “The police were called to [Conroy’s] home after the dog was heard screaming. Police recommended he should take the dog to the vet. He did so within a 24-hour period.
“Dogs have similar pain thresholds to people. The lack of action left the dog in a state of considerable pain and suffering.”
Mr Knight read a statement in court from the RPSCA inspector Marie Griffiths which said:
“I have never seen such a traumatised dog.”
The court heard how veterinary scans revealed the puppy’s leg was broken.
The dog was seized by the RSPCA on January 8, 2020, and has been in boarding care with the charity since.
Sentencing: 12-month community order; probation; costs and charges of £300. Banned from keeping or caring for any dog for 18 months (expired October 2022).
CONVICTED (2021) | Wayne Cleminson, born 31 July 1962, of Wingate Avenue, Morecambe – illegally traded in puppies
Cleminson pleaded guilty to his involvement in the unlicensed sale of animals as pets as well as the unlawful sale of pets after it was found that he was illegally selling Golden Retrievers, Cockapoos and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
The proceedings were brought by Animal Protection Services, a registered charity that investigates and prosecutes organised animal cruelty, and follows an investigation into the unlicensed sale of puppies in the North West.
A spokesperson from Animal Protection Service described Cleminson as an “opportunist” who exploited the system to make a quick buck.
“Court fines of this nature are based on the offenders weekly income,” the charity representative told LancsLive.
“As you can see from the fine, Cleminson is reasonably well paid. He is an example of an opportunist who has been utilising puppy trading to make money.
“It is quick and easy to do, Cleminson made more than £22,000 in two months, that is why we are seeing people who are working reasonably paid jobs that are exploiting the system.”
Sentencing: ordered to pay more than £1,200 to the court and was banned from dealing in canines for just one year (expired March 2022).
CONVICTED (2021) | Nicholas Hufton, born 7 November 1980, of 34 Duke Street, Whitehaven CA28 7NP – threw a Patterdale puppy, causing her to hit her head on a door
Violent Nicholas Hufton and Patterdale terrier Maximus
In a violent rampage, Hufton damaged a £500 door, assaulted a police officer by beating him, and grabbed and threw a young puppy, Maximus, causing her to hit her head on a door.
Hufton’s guilty plea was taken into consideration by the court, and he was instructed to pay a total of £325 compensation, a £95 victim surcharge, and £85 court costs – a total of £505.
He was also banned from keeping a dog for a period of 12 months, due to causing distress to an animal, and he must adhere to an electronically monitored curfew for six months.
CONVICTED (2021) | Toby William Holland, born October 1971, of Maengwyn, Maengwyn, Blaenporth, Cardigan, Ceridigion SA43 2AS – for the prolonged mistreatment of animals on his farm.
A trial held in February, 2020, heard that animal welfare officers from Ceredigion Council had previously visited the farm, which was run as a limited company with the name Maengwyn Farm Ltd (dissolved December 2023) and found a number of issues.
During the visit they found a sheep lying on its back unable to move. Officers said it was evident that the sheep had been there for some time and requested that Holland seek veterinary assistance.
However, when they returned the following day, on January 30, 2019, they discovered that treatment had not been requested and that the animal had in fact been left to die.
Officers also entered a barn which contained 19 pigs and found them to be “shrieking for food”. They said the pigs were “very thin” and were being kept in an accumulation of muck with no dry lying area available to them.
The pigs also had access to two dead pigs that were lying inside the barn, and a post-mortem on one of them revealed that it had likely died of starvation. A veterinarian who attended the farm concluded that both dead and alive pigs had been “suffering unnecessarily”.
In addition, a number of sheep carcasses were found on the land, strewn across fields, and were accessible to sheep that were still alive.
Then, a follow-up visit carried out four months later found that pigs on the farm were kept in a field where they had access to plastic bags containing metal sheeting with sharp edges, as well as animal bones and skulls.
Following the trial, a court warrant was issued for Holland’s arrest and he was arrested by police in December, 2020.
On January 6, 2021, Holland was found guilty in his absence of 10 charges in total relating to Animal Welfare and Animal By-Products offences.
Sentencing | 18 weeks in prison; £750 costs. Banned from keeping any animals for two years (expired January 2023).
CONVICTED (2020) | Stephen Smith, born c. 1977, formerly of High Street, Newarthill – failed to feed his pet cat for two months
Stephen Smith and Molly, who died after suffering severe organ failure from malnutrition.
Stephen Smith failed to provide his cat, Molly, with a safe, clean living environment and also failed to provide an adequate diet between April and June 2020.
This sadly resulted in Molly suffering severe organ failure due to malnutrition which resulted in her death.
Scottish SPCA inspector Dawn Robertson said the living conditions were some of the worst she had ever encountered.
She said: “A call came in to our animal helpline reporting welfare concerns about a cat, who we later found out was Molly, in Smith’s property. The caller told us that Smith left Molly in the property for long periods.
“We attended the address and found nobody to be home. We had immediate concerns due to the strong smell coming from inside the property. We returned the following day and were again met with no response.
“Working on intelligence, we obtained the address of where Smith was staying and found him there. Smith agreed to allow us entry to his home on the High Street where he had left Molly.
“Upon entering the house there was an overwhelming stench of ammonia and faeces.
“The property was in an appalling state. The floor wasn’t visible due to rubbish, damaged furniture and appliances throughout. There was faeces and dirt everywhere. It was no place for a human or animal.”
“There was only one litter tray in the property and was overflowing. The bathroom was covered in faeces and it would appear this is where Molly had been toileting.
“There was no sign of Molly in the house. Smith claimed she had been missing since June 25.”
Inspector Robertson added: “After a thorough search of the property, Molly’s extremely thin, malnourished body was discovered under a bed in the bedroom.
“A post-mortem found that Molly suffered organ failure due to severe malnutrition. It would have taken at least two months for her to come to be in this condition.
“Upon questioning, Smith said that he had not been living in the property but returned to feed Molly every few days. Due to the extent of Molly’s condition, we believe that Molly had not been fed at all over the two-month period.
“Molly would have been caused to suffer considerably in becoming this thin and living in the awful conditions at Smith’s property.
“We believe that any conviction is a success but we are disappointed with the sentence Smith received. We were hoping for a sentence that reflected the level of neglect in this case.
“Molly’s death was entirely avoidable if Smith had provided her with even the most basic of care. She suffered directly due to Smith’s actions and he is ultimately responsible for her death.
“We hope Smith will carefully consider his ability to look after any animal in the future.”
Sentencing: fined £420 and banned from keeping cats for ONE year (expired December 2021).
CONVICTED (2020) | Venezia Marie Strudwick, born 13 November 1994, of Lucas Road, Sudbury CO10 2WR – filmed kicking a dog in the ribs and dragging her by the lead.
Jana was kicked in the ribs by her owner, Venezia Sudwick, who has now been banned from keeping animals until December 2023
The RSPCA was contacted on February 8, 2020, by a witness who had recorded Strudwick roughly handling her dog, a black German Shepherd called Jana, and kicking her in the side.
The video showed Strudwick shouting and swearing at the dog, before yanking her on the lead as she put a rubbish bag in the bin.
A few moments later, Strudwick kicked the dog in the abdomen area with the side of her foot, causing her to yelp.
After being questioned by RSPCA inspector Nicky Thorne, Strudwick became “very aggressive” and denied kicking Jana, who appeared “subdued” and carried her head and tail low.
A different RSPCA inspector and police officers arrived at the address on February 13 and seized Jana, who was placed under the care of the welfare charity.
At a check-up, vets found Jana had suffered inflammation around her throat.
Strudwick pleaded not guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act, but she was found guilty and banned from keeping animals, with the exception of fish, for three years.
Magistrates warned Strudwick she was lucky to avoid a prison sentence.
Jana has remained in the care of the RSPCA since February, where she is waiting to be rehomed with owners with no other pets who can continue her positive training.
Inspector Thorne added: “I am so pleased that we were able to help Jana and that she can now live the rest of her life without fear.
“This case demonstrates how important it is to understand your pet’s behaviour and how your actions can actually magnify any perceived problems rather than solve them.
“It is never acceptable to physically abuse your dog.”
Sentencing | ordered to pay a total of £735. Banned from keeping animals apart from fish for just three years (expired December 2023). Deprivation order for Jana.
CONVICTED (2020) | James Stewart Hodgson, born 20 April 1988, of 25 Park Road, Worsbrough, Barnsley S70 5AL – witnessed repeatedly kicking and punching a dog and beating her with a metal lead
Violent dog abuser James Hodgson and his unnamed victim
James Hodgson was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal after reports that a dog was seen being abused on Barnsley Road, Golthorpe.
He was also convicted of using threatening and abusive behaviour to cause fear and harm and for breach of a domestic violence protection order.
2022 image of Hodgson
The unnamed dog survived the attack and recovered following veterinary treatment.
Sentencing: four-week jail term, suspended for 12 months, curfew with electronic monitoring, £222 costs. Banned from keeping animals for a mere 12 months.
CONVICTED (2020) | Richard John Kelly, born 3 July 1990, of 29 Merkins Avenue, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton G82 3EA – kept two dogs and three cats in filthy conditions and was violent towards at least one dog.
Police and inspectors from the Scottish SPCA attended Kelly’s home after receiving reports that he had kicked his pet dog.
Alasdair Millar, prosecuting, said: “On entering, they found living conditions to be appalling. They were immediately hit by an overwhelming smell of faeces and urine.”
The prosecutor said each room was dirty and unkempt. There was faeces on the floor, ripped carpet and “tens of dozens of flies”.
Kelly was caught after he ignored a court order barring him from going to see his ex. That non-harassment order (NHO) had been put in place for three years in December 2019 after Kelly emailed the woman threatening to slit her throat.
But on September 13, 2020, the woman was at home when Kelly turned up for an offer of a kitten from a cat’s new litter. He was allowed inside the home and stayed the night, playing computer games.
But both Kelly and his ex spent the following day drinking, and at 6.15pm, they got into a verbal argument.
Mr Millar told the court that Kelly had left the property. He was holding on the lead of one of his dogs when he ran off.
A witness heard the dog yelping and saw Kelly in the yard with the dog cowering in the grass. Kelly then proceeded to kick the dog.
When the witness shouted for Kelly to stop, he replied: “F*** sake, I’ve only hit him once.”
Kelly was traced by police the next day and the SSPCA checked on the welfare of the animals.
Sheriff William Gallacher said he was “anxious” about whether Kelly could comply with a community payback order (CPO).
He said: “These are very serious matters. That [non-harassment] order remains in place. You must have nothing else to do with her.
“Your treatment in relation to animals is horrifying. To hit any animal because you have had too much to drink will not do.”
The sheriff added: “If you break any of these orders, you will end up in custody for a long time.”
Kelly’s progress will be reviewed on February 3, 2021.
Scottish SPCA chief inspector Laura McIntyre told the Reporter: “We can confirm that we assisted Police Scotland to ensure the welfare of the animals involved.
“They are now at one of our rescue and rehoming centres receiving the care they need.”
Sentencing | 150 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. Two-year social work supervision order. Banned from owning any animal for three years (expired November 2023).
CONVICTED (2020) | Lawrence (Larry) Hughes, born c. 1956, of Eliburn South, Livingston EH54 – failed to treat his pet dog’s painful skin condition
Cruel Lawrence Hughes failed to treat his dog’s painful skin condition
Crossbreed Tara was found to have gnawed at her paws and legs and developed severe hair loss after her skin condition was left untreated for weeks
Tara’s owner, Lawrence Hughes, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.
Following a tip-off from a concerned neighbour, the SSPCA visited Hughes’ home where they found Tara in a great deal of discomfort and distress.
Crossbred Tara recovered in the Scottish SPCA’s care and made available for rehoming
Scottish SPCA inspector Jennifer Surgeon said, “As soon as we saw Tara it was clearly evident that she had a severe problem with her skin.
“She was constantly scratching at herself and gnawing at her paws and legs. She had severe hair loss from her rib cage down to her tail, affecting her under carriage and all four legs. Her skin was hot and clammy to touch, felt thickened and was covered in scabs. What hair there was on her body was very thin and the skin in these areas was also in poor condition.
“There was a strong, pungent smell within the property which was coming from Tara as her skin was so bad.
“Given the extent of the skin disease these dermatological changes were likely to have developed over a period of no less than 14 days although in reality it’s likely to have been much longer.
“We’re glad that Hughes has been given this ban and hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to care for any animal in future.
“Tara is now being looked after at one of our rescue and rehoming centres and we’re confident that we’ll be able to find her the loving home she deserves”.
Sentencing: six month community payback order. Banned from owning any pets for just one year (expired October 2021).
CONVICTED (2020) | backyard breeders John Drury, born 28 May 1981, and his wife Katie Drury, born 29 September 1983, both of 56 Quarryside Drive, Kirkby, Liverpool L33 6YA – illegally docked the tails of five puppies and left them to suffer in agony
Five puppies with docked tails were among 22 dogs discovered at the home of John and Katie Drury, who trade under the name Johnny Doberbulls. One dog could not stand or walk, and the docked tails of a further two pups had become infected and necrotic.
As well as the five puppies with docked tails, who were found in a box in the living room, an RSPCA inspector found a paralysed puppy whose legs had been tied together by the Drurys.
Clueless backyard breeders John and Katie Drury pictured leaving court
The couple had tied the dog’s legs together after internet research led them to mistakenly believe she was suffering from swimmers syndrome and this would help cure her. However, the puppy was suffering from a genetic condition and subsequently had to be put down.
Peter Mitchell, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, said: “The failure to investigate that matter by seeking veterinary attention had caused the puppy to suffer for approximately three weeks.”
John Drury admitted docking the tails of five puppies by tying string around their tails and waiting for the tissue to die from lack of blood flow. He also admitted failing to seek veterinary treatment.
He denied knowing that it was illegal to dock puppies’ tails for non-medical reasons, but Mr Mitchell said he had admitted to knowing it was against the law during his police interview, adding that Mr Drury had “in fact been operating as an unlicensed breeder”.
Brian O’Connor, defending the Drurys, described the couple as “dog lovers” who had decided to start a dog-breeding business two years ago.
He said: “They do love and care for the dogs, and the breeding aspect has probably disappeared but they would ask not to be disqualified or deprived of their animals.
“They have learned from their mistake and they have paid the penalty, they have been without [their dogs] for a year.”
But District Judge Andrew Shaw ordered the couple’s 22 dogs to be confiscated and disqualified them from owning or keeping dogs for 12 months.
The judge said he acknowledged that it was not the couple’s intention to be cruel and that they had shown remorse, but added: “The course of action you started was wrong.
“Having appreciated there was a problem you had an obligation to take them to the vet.”
Sentencing | John Drury: 10-week curfew. Katie Drury: 40 hours of unpaid work. Ordered to pay a total of £500 towards the prosecution’s costs and a victim surcharge of £85 each.Banned from owning dogs for just one year (expired October 2021).
