Tag Archives: ban of 6 to 9 years

Dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Lytchett Matravers, Dorset: Mark Mabey

October 28, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder Mark Amos Mabey, born c. 1964, of Bridge Close, Peatons Lane, Lytchett Matravers, Poole BH16 6HW – for cruelty to 11 severely neglected dogs kept in poor conditions.

Dorset animal abuser: Mark Mabey of Lytchett Matravers near Poole — Photo credit: Dorset Police Rural Crime Team

Mark Amos Mabey, who is from a notorious Dorset-based traveller family, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Mabey, who has previous for wildlife crime, was prosecuted alongside others* after police paid him a visit on 26 November 2022 and found 11 dogs living in poor conditions. A vet certified the animals to be suffering and they were seized by police under the Animal Welfare Act.

Alongside a suspended prison sentence and curfew order, Mabey is disqualified from having anything to do with dogs for the next seven years. This prohibits him from:

Owning dogs
Keeping dogs whether on a temporary or permanent basis
Participating in the keeping of dogs
Allowing any dogs to be kept at his residence or any property to which the defendant has control or ownership of
Being party to an arrangement under which he is entitled to control or influence the way in which dogs are kept
Participating in the sale or exchange of dogs
Transporting or arranging the transportation of dogs

PC Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said:

“Mabey was responsible for causing unnecessary suffering to a significant number of dogs.

“As part of our proactive work, we ensured that the dogs have all since been lovingly rehomed and are being well looked after.

“I am pleased that the disqualification order was granted over an extended period of time to prevent Mabey from causing further harm to any dogs. This is an essential bit of legislation that can be used to protect animals.

“I would urge members of the public to please contact Dorset Police if they are aware of Mabey contravening the terms of his order.”

Sentencing | five-month custodial suspended for 18 months; five-month tagging order; 60 hours of unpaid work. Seven-year ban in relation to dogs only (expires October 2030).

Planet Radio

*The following relatives/close associates of Mark Mabey were originally charged alongside him in relation to the same 11 dogs:

Lee Anthony Mabey, born c. 1991, of Bridge Close, Peatons Lane, Lytchett Matravers
Lewis Todd Longstaffe (who has previous for wildlife persecution alongside Mark Mabey) , born c. 1995, of Lytchett Matravers
Tani Mabey, born 12 May 1998, of Bridge Close, Peatons Lane, Lytchett Matravers. She was prosecuted and convicted of cruelty to pygmy hedgehogs.
Jay-Lee Arnold (Tani Mabey’s partner), born c. 1997, of Upton
Kylie Melissa Davies, born c. 1987 of Spetisbury

Dorset animal abusersl: travellers Lewis Longstaffe, Jay-Lee Arnold, Lee Mabey, Tani Mabey — Clockwise from top left Lewis Longstaffe, Jay-Lee Arnold, Lee Mabey, Tani Mabey

Lee Mabey suspected puppy farmer and animal abuser — Charges against Lee Mabey and two other suspects have been dropped

We are advised that the prosecution offered no evidence against Jay-Lee Arnold, Kylie Davies and Lee Mabey and the charges against them have been dropped.

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Newent, Gloucestershire: Scott Birt

October 26, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Scott Birt, born c. 2002, of Poinsettia Way, Newent GL18 1LB – caught on CCTV kicking and punching his pet dog.

Newent thug Scott Birt was filmed beating a terrified dog in a prolonged attack

Birt pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences at Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court after being filmed inflicting “appalling and unnecessary violence” on the dog.

The thug was captured on CCTV while he was cycling with another man and the dog, named Hugo. Footage showed Hugo trailing behind, before Birt got off his bike.

Hugo cowers down in fear, before Birt kicks him in the side of his head, causing him to fall backwards. He then punches the dog before holding him down to deliver further punches and standing on his lead so he is unable to flee.

Speaking after the conclusion of the case, RSPCA inspector Jack Alderson, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Birt inflicted appalling and totally unnecessary violence on Hugo.

“There is never an excuse for treating an animal in this way.”

Hugo went to a foster carer after being placed in the care of the RSPCA and will now be re-homed having been signed over in court.

Sentencing | 100 hours of unpaid work. Seven-year ban on keeping animals but can appeal after four years (expires October 2030).

BBC News
GloucestershireLive

Cats, Hoarders, Worst of the Worst

Beeston, City of Leeds: Donna Adams

September 30, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | pet hoarder Donna R Adams, born 11 May 1971, of 101 Tempest Road, Beeston Hill, Leeds LS11 6RD – failed to feed her eight cats a proper diet or treat their ailments.

Leeds animal abuser Donna Adams fed her eight cats a diet of boiled eggs, bread and cheese — Donna Adams fed her eight poorly cats a diet of boiled eggs, bread and cheese but refused to acknowledge her failure to meet their needs

Adams appealed unsuccessfully against her animal cruelty conviction following a trial in February 2023.

She was prosecuted by the RSPCA after the eight cats, who were underweight and suffering from eye and dental issues, were discovered at her flat in Tempest Road, Beeston Hill on 14 January 2022.

Two of the most underweight cats, Claudia and Barnaby, each weighed only 1.4 kilograms (3.086 pounds) and many of them had conjunctivitis, corneal lesions and dental disease.

Sadly two cats was put to sleep on veterinary advice because of kidney failure.

The vet who examined the cats gave the majority of the felines body condition scores of just two or three out of nine.

She said she was highly concerned their basic nutritional needs were not being met and their low body weights suggested they were suffering as a result of a poor diet. Only one cat had been able to obtain enough nutrition to maintain an acceptable condition.

The vet told the court she suspected the cats had suffered for a period of between ‘several weeks and up to two to three months’.

She added: “The significant weight gain and improvement in their body condition once in RSPCA care proved that their previous diet was either unsuitable or of an insufficient quantity.

“Failure to provide suitable food would have resulted in the cats suffering from hunger, and this could have been avoided through the provision of proper food, seeking appropriate dietary advice or reaching out to animal welfare charities to assist with rehoming.”

In her evidence at the appeal hearing, Adams – who refused to sign any of the animals over – said she had kept cats for over ten years and in her view, they were all well fed and in good condition.

She confirmed their feeding regime included two boiled eggs, a slice of bread and some oil, bits of cheese and an occasional tray of chicken and access to biscuits.

She insisted the cats were in good condition and disputed their diet was inadequate or that the ocular discharge and dental disease required specialist veterinary intervention.

In cross-examination, she conceded that only one cat, Barnaby, had seen the PDSA – which was the day before they were removed – but evidence of other consultations could not be found.

Adams’ appeal against her conviction and sentence was dismissed following a hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Friday 15 September 2023.

Dismissing the appeal, Judge Simon Phillips KC and two lay magistrates said they were in no doubt as to the evidence in the case, which showed prolonged neglect and harm had been caused to the cats.

They said the complete lack of insight shown by Adams led them to believe that her disqualification should be extended in relation to all animals from a period of five years to seven years.

RSPCA inspector Kris Walker, one of the investigating officers, said:

“Adams continued to maintain that her cats were well cared for, despite the overwhelming veterinary evidence to the contrary. A responsible owner would have recognised their pet was not thriving and would have proactively sought professional help and advice.”

Sentencing | seven-year ban on keeping animals (expires September 2030).

South Leeds Life
LeedsLive

Cats

Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire: Lovelle Paharsingh

August 21, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Lovelle Paharsingh,born 13 February 2003, of Heneage Road, Grimsby DN32 9NP – failed to take a kitten with an unexplained lip injury to the vet.

Animal abuser Lovelle Paharsingh originally from Sheffield, South Yorks, but now of Grimsby, NE Lincolnshire. Photo: Facebook

Paharsingh, who’s originally from the Shiregreen area of Sheffield and retains family links to the city, changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

The charges were in relation to an unnamed black and white kitten.

Animal abuser Lovelle Paharsingh originally from Sheffield, South Yorks, but now of Grimsby, NE Lincolnshire.

Paharsingh admitted failing to care for or obtain proper veterinary care for an injury to the animal’s lip.

The condition of the kitten was not reported.

Sentencing | fined £270 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £34. Banned from keeping cats for eight years,

GrimsbyLive

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Roath, Cardiff: Aman Kahssay

August 9, 2023 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Aman Kahssay, born c. 1981, of Claude Road, Roath, Cardiff CF24 – caused his dog to suffer with a large mass which had become ulcerated and infected.

Cardiff man Aman Kahssay left his pet dog to suffer with an ulcerated and infected mass which attracted flies

Kahssay pleaded guilty to cruelty to a Staffy-type dog called Holly in that he failed to provide a continuation of vet treatment for a large mammary mass which became ulcerated and infected. He also failed to follow vet advice to euthanise the dog.

The court heard a written statement from RSPCA inspector Sophie Daniels who said she had spoken with Kahssay outside his property on 15 June 2022.

When she saw Holly she described her as in “normal body condition and mobile and alert” however on the left underside of her abdomen area was a “large jaffa orange sized mass”.

She said: “It was an open, cavernous mass, with no skin covering half of it and the internal area was pink and had fleshy pockets and a honeycomb appearance. There was no visible discharge and it appeared clean, but there was a smell of infection present. Flies were starting to show interest in the mass whilst the dog was outside.”

A call was made to a vets – and it was confirmed that Holly had last been seen on March 2, 2022 after Kahssay’s neighbours took her. Euthanasia could not be carried out without the owner’s permission, however and no further contact was made with the vet.

Kahssay agreed for inspector Daniels to take Holly to a vet who confirmed that she had “deteriorated and that the tumour was inoperable and that she would be in pain”. He advised euthanasia, but stated that he could not enforce this.

Kahssay, who declined euthanasia, was issued with two weeks’ worth of palliative treatment for Holly, including pain relief, steroids and antibiotics. It was strongly advised that Holly be euthanised at the end of this period and an appointment was booked. Kahssay was also issued with an RSPCA warning notice.

The court heard that this appointment was cancelled and although another appointment was later booked he did not attend.

RSPCA Daniels left voicemails and made several attempts to speak and see Kahssay but he was not contactable. On August 24, a warrant was executed by South Wales Police.

In mitigation, the court heard that Kahssay had no intention to cause harm, claiming that Holly was a loved pet who he didn’t want to put down. It was also said he regretted his actions.

Sentencing | 16-week custodial, suspended for 18 months; 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154 and costs of £200. Disqualified from keeping any animals for eight years (expires August 2031)).

WalesOnline
Wales247

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking, Worst of the Worst

Woodhouse, Sheffield: Ricki Haywood

July 13, 2023 misanthropic 10 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Ricki Haywood, born 11 October 1982, of New Cross Walk, Woodhouse, Sheffield S13 7GJ – for cruelty to an emaciated bulldog who had to be put to sleep after collapsing.

Sheffield woman Ricki Haywood starved two dogs and kept one of them confined in a dilapidated shed over winter — Ricki Haywood starved two dogs and kept one of them confined in a dilapidated shed over winter

Heartless Ricki Haywood left the starving American XL bulldog, called Tyson, outside in freezing conditions. RSPCA inspector Leanne Booth visited Haywood’s home to investigate a report of concern about underweight dogs and saw Tyson collapse and fall down a set of concrete steps.

The stricken dog was rushed to the vets where staff fought to save him for 48 hours. Sadly he continued to deteriorate and was ultimately put to sleep to end his appalling suffering.

A second XL bully named Lola was also found in an emaciated state at Haywood’s home. Tyson had also been confined to a derelict shed in the back garden during the winter months. This was strewn with faeces and full of hazards, including a child’s pushchair.

The court heard how Inspector Booth asked Haywood if she could see the dogs when she visited on December 17, 2022, and was told to look over the fence. When she called out Tyson’s name, he staggered into view from the shed and then toppled down the steps.

In a statement to the court Inspector Booth said: ‘Even from a distance I could clearly see the dog was extremely poorly as his ribs, hips and spine were all clearly visible as were his skull bones,

“He attempted to walk down the steps, but collapsed and fell before he lay at the foot of the steps for several seconds. I did not think he was going to get back up, but he managed to get on his feet and staggered out of sight.”

Inspector Booth called at the defendant’s front door to tell her Tyson needed urgent medical treatment and requested to see her other dog. The court heard that Haywood replied ‘you can just take them both, I can’t cope with them’, before she brought out Lola, who was very underweight with her spine and rib and hip bones showing.

Tyson, who was suffering from hypothermia, collapsed again as both dogs were being taken from the property.

A vet who examined the dogs said in a statement presented to the court that Tyson’s was ‘the worst case of emaciation and starvation’ she had dealt with.

She said he had suffered from hypothermia for several days as a result of being kept outside in sub-zero temperatures without adequate shelter, and his weight had plummeted by a third in less than two months.

In mitigation, the court was told Haywood was suffering from depression at the time of the offences and had ‘not cared about anything’.

Lola was underweight but recovered in the RSPCA’s care. She has since been rehomed

Lola was signed over to the RSPCA and has since put on weight and thrived under the care of staff at the South Yorkshire Animal Centre in Bawtry, run by RSPCA Doncaster, Rotherham and District Branches. She has now been rehomed by the charity.

Magistrates stated the offences were serious enough to merit a custodial sentence, but opted to step back from that because they believe Haywood can be rehabilitated in the community.

Speaking after the sentencing, Inspector Booth said: “This is one of the worst cases I have come across in my 17-year career as an inspector. What I witnessed on that day will stay with me for a very long time. The defendant showed no concern for Tyson as he lay dying at her feet.”

Sentencing | 250 hours of unpaid work; 20 rehabilitation activity days; £400 costs and victim surcharge of £114. Banned from keeping animals for eight years (expires July 2031).

The Star
ITV News

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

St Budeaux, Plymouth: Zoe Small

July 9, 2023 misanthropic 9 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder Zoe Louise Small, born 21 April 1992, of Tamerton Avenue, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1TW – starved a pregnant dog and kept her in horrendous conditions.

Backyard breeder Zoe Louise Small from St Budeaux, Plymouth, Devon

Small, a make-up artist trading under the name Make-up by Zoe Small, admitted two animal welfare offences in relation to springer spaniel Bella, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

Plymouth backyard breeder Zoe Small's dog was starved and kept in horrendous conditions

Shockingly, South and West Devon Magistrates’ Court ordered the destruction of Bella and her puppies supposedly on the grounds that they had endured enough suffering, but this was later overturned following an appeal from the RSPCA solicitor. All dogs will now be rehomed.

Small, who runs a dog breeding business with husband Daniel Small, specialising in French bulldogs, admitted failing to adequately explore and address the causes of Bella’s weight loss. She also failed to ensure that Bella’s needs were met in that the dog was not provided with a suitable environment that was dry.

Prolific backyard breeders Zoe Small and Daniel Small from Plymouth, Devon — Zoe and Daniel Small

Following Small’s conviction, the RSPCA released distressing pictures showing the living conditions the heavily pregnant dog was kept in.

RSPCA Inspector Jim Farr, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was contacted by vets after Bella was admitted to the surgery in the evening, before an emergency caesarean.

The vet, who was concerned that Bella was very thin and lethargic, said she was suffering from prolonged malnutrition and that her needs as a pregnant dog were not being met.

As a result the RSPCA launched an investigation and Inspector Farr, who visited the run-down stables where Bella was being kept at Blackdown Meadows, near Kingsbridge, with police and a vet, described what he found.

He said: “We made our way to the stable block which comprises four individual stables. The immediate area to some of the entrances of the stables was flooded. There was also an assortment of discarded items, a large number of tools including a small motorbike.

“The second stable from the left was where the information I had received was where Bella was being housed up until her removal the day before.

“The interior was very damp. The floor had an inch or two of sodden earth and other matter which was possibly old shavings.

“The floor also had a scattering of faeces. In one corner was a small triangular sectioned area which offered some cloth bedding which was damp.

“This sectioned off area would have been too small if Bella had had her pups within it. The rest of the stable offered no dry area if she had given birth on the floor.

“There was an empty bowl but no water to be seen. A scattering of dog food was on the floor by the stable door which appeared to have just thrown in on the sodden floor. The stable itself was approximately 12ft x 12ft with the bedding area being 4ft x 3ft x 2ft 6insdeep approximately.”

Sentencing | 200 hours of unpaid work; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days; costs of £250 and £114 to fund victim services. Banned from keeping a dog for eight years (expires July 2031).

ITV News
Kingsbridge Today
DevonLive

Additional Information

The following social media screenshots demonstrate that Zoe and Daniel Small were prolific backyard breeders.

Plymouth backyard breeders Zoe Small, Daniel Small flog puppies on Facebook

Birds, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Verwood, Dorset: Sonny-Joe Barney

June 30, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Sonny-Joe Barney, born 18 March 2003, of 11 Summer Fields, Verwood BH31 6LG – goaded his dogs into attacking and killing a chicken.

Animal abuser Sonny-Joe Barney from Verwood, Dorset

Barney, a traveller, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a chicken by releasing dogs on it.

Dorset Police’s rural crime team found evidence of a dog being set on a chicken during an investigation into hare coursing. The chicken was killed in the incident, which took place in a field on 7 July 2022.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 days of rehabilitation activity. 12-month disqualification order, which states that he must not transport or arrange transport, own, keep or take part in keeping dogs or chickens.

Dorset Echo

Update | July 2023

Barney was given a criminal behaviour order, banning him from owning wild animals or catapults, as well as to keep off private farmland.

Sonny-Joe Barney, a serial animal abuser from Verwood, Dorset — Image: Dorset Police

He appeared at Poole Magistrates Court again on Friday 14 July, 2023, to be handed the criminal behaviour order. That states that for a five-year period, he must not:

Be in possession of a wild animal, wild bird or part of a wild animal or bird living or dead
Be knowingly in possession of a catapult or shot such as ball bearings or a hunting lamp including in a vehicle with a catapult or such shot in a place to which the public have access or private land as a trespasser
Allow a dog under his control off a lead except on private land with the landowners written permission which must be presented to a police officer on request
Be on private farmland, agricultural land or forestry land without written permission of the appropriate authority or landowner, this permission must be presented to a police officer on request

If Barney breaches any of the terms of the order, he can be arrested and taken back to court.

Police Constable Lauren Middleton, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team, said: “Our investigation revealed evidence that Barney was believed to be involved in hare coursing and the offence for which he has been convicted shows that he has little regard for the welfare of animals.

“We have worked hard to compile evidence and secure this order from the court, which we hope will assist in stopping the defendant from reoffending in the future. We would like to send a special thank you to Dorset Council’s Community Safety Team for helping us secure this order.

“We hope this demonstrates to our rural communities that we will take decisive action against those who commit offences of this nature, and we would urge them to work with us by reporting any suspected breaches of the order to police so we can take further steps if necessary.”

Planet Radio

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Boulevard, Kingston upon Hull: Chloe Hill

June 27, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Chloe Hill, born 9 June 1997, of Graham Avenue, Airlie Street, Boulevard, Hull HU3 3JQ – allowed her dog to fall into a state of such neglect, experts couldn’t even tell her breed.

Convicted animal abuser Chloe Hill from Kingston upon Hull, UK. Pic: Facebook — Chloe Hill was banned from keeping animals for eight years for the shocking neglect of an elderly Shih Tzu

Hill was prosecuted by the RSPCA after taking the “mummified” remains of the nine-year-old Shih Tzu, named Porsha, to a vet for cremation. Veterinary staff were so concerned over the deceased animal’s poor condition, they contacted the charity.

Porsha had been severely neglected for months before she died

Inspector Laura Barber went to look at Porsha’s body. Giving evidence at Hull Magistrates’ Court, she said: “On top of the freezer was a pitiful, shocking sight of a deceased dog. It was unrecognisable what breed of dog it was.

“I was informed she was a female Shih Tzu dog called Porsha. On first look, she appeared to have the appearance of a mummified animal. Every bone could be clearly seen on her little body, including every rib, pelvic and spinal bones. It was very upsetting to see.”

Porsha was almost completely bald and was given a body condition score of just one out of nine. Veterinary records showed that the dog had not been seen by a vet since October 2020 and an appointment had been missed in April 2022.

Porsha in healthier times | Chloe Hill, Facebook

The vet on duty on the day Porsha was brought in dead told the court: “It was difficult to immediately identify which breed of dog she was, though on subsequently checking her file, she was seen to be recorded as a Shih Tzu. Her body was that of an emaciated female dog and she was almost completely devoid of hair. There were several live fleas present on the body.

“The nails on all four paws were severely overgrown, several of them had grown right round and into the pads, which would have made walking very painful, if even possible. The right eye was milky white and appeared to have been suffering with a severe cataract, with Porsha unlikely to have been able to see with this eye.

“Her teeth were in a better condition than the 15 years of age which was stated when the body was handed in. A subsequent review of her records indicated she was nine years and 11 months of age.”

The vet went on to say that Porsha’s “significant” weight loss likely spanned months, rather than weeks. She believed that if the defendant had sought treatment sooner, any underlying condition could have been identified. If the condition was not treatable, Porsha could have been humanely put down, rather than being left to suffer.

Hill pleaded guilty to failing to protect Porsha from pain, suffering, injury or disease by not seeking veterinary care.

She told the court that she was remorseful and had loved her dog. She had acted in good faith, but had been let down by bad advice from others.

The deputy district judge who heard the case said the offending crossed the threshold for custody. It was only the defendant’s early guilty plea, her lack of previous convictions and her caring responsibilities that had prevented an immediate term of imprisonment from being imposed.

Speaking after the case, Inspector Barber said: “I’ve been an inspector for over 17 years but I’ve never seen a dog that was so unrecognisable I couldn’t tell the breed.

“It would have been clear that Porsha needed help well before she was taken to the vets, yet her plight was ignored. The shocking sight of her lying there, emaciated and almost completely bald, is something that will stay with me for some time.”

Sentencing | 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months; 150 hours of unpaid work; costs of £400. Banned from keeping any animals for eight years (expires June 2031).

Hull Daily Mail

Dogs

Carmyle, Glasgow: Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan

June 13, 2023 misanthropic 6 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Chantelle Margaret Angela Crossan, born 13 September 1998, and partner Liam McLachlan, born 17 June 1999, of Carmyle Avenue, Carmyle, Glasgow G32 – for the neglect and starvation of their two dogs.

Animal abusers | Glasgow couple Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan were branded "disgraceful" for their shocking treatment of two dogs — Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan were branded “disgraceful” for their shocking treatment of two dogs

Chantelle Crossan and Liam McLachlan, who have two young children, admitted failing to provide two dogs in their care with appropriate pain relief and veterinary treatment for their emaciated and underweight body conditions. They were prosecuted in relation to a three-year-old Staffy named Kenzo and a five-month-old Cane Corso cross called Tyson.

Puppy Tyson's ribs were also prominent through his fur. He was also suffering from n untreated skin condition that had caused hair loss to his face — Puppy Tyson’s ribs were also prominent through his fur. He was also suffering from n untreated skin condition that had caused hair loss to his face

Scottish SPCA chief inspector McIntyre said: “On 30 January 2022 we attended Carmyle Avenue, Glasgow in response to information we had received from our animal helpline. The information came from a complainant who stated that they were concerned for two dogs at the address as they had heard noises coming from the property which sounded like the dogs were fighting.

Three-year-old Kenzo was also very thin following months of neglect by her owners, Chantelle Crossan and Liam Mclachlan from Glasgow — Three-year-old Kenzo was also very thin following months of neglect by her owners.

“We had tried to make previous contact with the owner of the dogs on 21 January 2022, after receiving information from our animal helpline regarding a separate complaint that the dogs were underweight.

“An appointment was made to visit the address to view the dogs on 24 January 2022, but the owner then cancelled the visit, and asked to rearrange it for the following week.

Healthier times: Tyson and Kenzo in images shared to Facebook by their owners Chantelle Crossan and Liam Mclachlan from Glasgow — Healthier times: Tyson and Kenzo in images shared to Facebook by their owners

“On 30 January we were met at the door by a woman who identified herself as Chantelle Crossan.

“Inside the property were two dogs, a white and tan coloured, female, Staffordshire bull terrier type dog called Kenzo, and a dark brindle coloured, male, cane corso type dog, called Tyson.

“We could see straight away that both dogs were in poor condition. Kenzo was underweight, with her hips and spine visible. Tyson was emaciated, with all ribs clearly visible, as well as his hip bones and spine being very prominent underneath his fur. His skin also appeared to be in poor condition and was very dry and flaky, with some hair loss around his legs and face.

“We asked for some further details regarding the dogs, including their ages, and whether they were under any veterinary treatment. They stated that Kenzo was approximately three years old and that Tyson was approximately five months old. It was stated that neither dog was under veterinary treatment.

“It was advised that the dogs were in need of immediate veterinary attention and that we would be removing the dogs due to concerns for their welfare.

“Both dogs were immediately taken to be examined by a vet who confirmed that Kenzo was very underweight and that no injuries or underlying conditions were evident.

“Tyson was emaciated. His legs had very little muscle and his groin had thin, taught skin as there was so little tissue due to his malnutrition. He had hair loss on both thighs which was attributed to his malnutrition. He had mild redness in his right ear and one of his testicles was not fully developed.

“Due to the absence of any injuries or obvious underlying conditions, the vet’s opinion was that this low body condition was due to chronic underfeeding and negligence. The dogs further had their welfare compromised by the failure to seek veterinary treatment to find out if there was an underlying reason for their poor condition.

“The vet estimated it would have taken a period of at least three months for the dogs to come to be in this condition.

“This has been exacerbated in the case of Tyson as he was such a young puppy and would have needed extra nutrition to maintain condition and to develop appropriately. The long term effects of malnutrition at this stage may still impact him in the future.”

Banning the couple from having anything to do with animals for six years Sheriff Kevin McCarron told them: “I have read the background reports that this was a bit of an oversight and there were pressures of life.

“I don’t find any of that an acceptable explanation for these two dogs being in that awful condition.

“The responsibility for that is entirely on yourselves. The fact you let these dogs get in that condition is disgraceful, frankly.”

The Scottish SPCA expressed disappointment with the short length of the banning order. They said that “given the level of neglect, we would have liked it to be for a longer period of time.”

Sentencing |
Crossan: 80 hours of community service.
McLachlan: 120 hours of community service.
Both were banned from owning/keeping any animal for six years (expires June 2029).

Glasgow Live
Scottish SPCA news
Glasgow Live

UK Animal Cruelty Files