Tag Archives: Ban of less than one year

Cats

Werneth, Greater Manchester: Adele Milne

November 18, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Adele Milne, born May 1985, of Manchester Road, Werneth, Oldham OL8 4EU – left her cat in agony with an ulcerated necrotic mass on her stomach.

Oldham woman Adele Milne was hauled before the courts after failing to get veterinary help for the 'largest wound' an RSPCA officer had ever seen. — Adele Milne was hauled before the courts after failing to get veterinary help for the ‘largest wound’ an RSPCA officer had ever seen.

Milne pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her black and white cat, Millie, between May 22 and June 5, 2023.

She failed to act when Millie needed treatment on an ulcerated necrotic mass, or tumour. This had broken through her skin, creating a wound on her stomach.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce went to Milne’s home on June 5, 2023, to investigate a report of concern over the welfare of a cat at the address.

Oldham woman Adele Milne left her cat to suffer with an ulcerated mass to her stomach — Millie was left to suffer with an ulcerated mass to her stomach

In a court statement, Ms Pierce described Millie’s wound as the largest she had ever seen on a cat.

Ms Pierce continued: “The defendant said the wound had been there for a couple of months and started as a small lump which the cat had licked.

“She stated that she had tried ringing vets and an animal charity who had attended, but couldn’t catch the cat.”

Milne allowed Ms Pierce to take Millie to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment. Veterinary examination found she was suffering from a malignant mammary tumour in addition to severe dental disease.

The vet said the tumour would have caused the feline significant suffering for “at least a week and possibly significantly longer”.

In his expert report, he wrote: “The extent of ulceration, infection and areas of dying tissue were likely to be associated with significant pain.

“Early veterinary intervention could have been successful in treating the tumour.

“But such tumours often carry a poor prognosis, so euthanasia is often the best option before the lesion gets to a stage such as this to cause unnecessary suffering.

“In my opinion, allowing the ulceration to get to this extent, would have led to significant suffering for the cat.”

Sadly, euthanasia was considered the kindest option for Millie due to the extent of her suffering.

The court heard in mitigation that Milne had tried to treat Millie’s wound herself with products bought from shops.

Sentencing | community order, with 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement; ordered to pay a fine of £120, a victim surcharge of £114 and court costs of £50. Disqualified from owning or keeping an animal for a period of NINE months (expires August 2024).

Oldham Times
Manchester Evening News

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

Bucksburn, Aberdeen / Methil, Fife: Alexander Stewart and Jackie Stewart

November 26, 2022 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | hare coursers Alexander Stewart, born c. 1987, of Miltonfold, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9DR, and Jackie Stewart, aka John Stewart, born c. 1980, currently of Methil, Fife, but with a base at the notorious Clinterty travellers site in Aberdeen.

Alexander Stewart (left) and Jackie/John Stewart pictured outside court. Image credit: Courier

The Stewarts, who are Scottish travellers, pleaded guilty to wildlife offences after being caught hare coursing.

In the early morning of Sunday November 8, 2020, a local farmer spotted a Subaru belonging to Alexander Stewart in the Redwell Farm and the Balindarg area of Angus, near Forfar.

They called police because the same car had been used in earlier hare coursing incidents.

One witness saw one of the men with a lurcher-type dog and was left in no doubt they were hare coursing.

Police arrived and both Stewart and three boys were detained.

The men’s mobile phones were sent for analysis. where it was discovered Alexander Stewart’s phone held several voice note messages – including how he had bought a dog to kill hares.

Another revealed how he bought his Subaru vehicle to go poaching while a further clip showed that he had been poaching in Aberdeen. A chilling photo of a young boy holding a dead hare beside a lurcher was also found on the device.

Jackie Stewart’s phone revealed a text message from November 3 that two days earlier “a first chase killed it over down a road”.

The footage is blacked out as the phone is put into a pocket, but the sound keeps running. Alexander and Jackie Stewart can be heard discussing the decline of hares in the area due to the population dying out from them being killed.

It also held a video of him with Alexander Stewart and the boys on November 8, 2020, discussing discussing the decline of hares in the area due to them being killed.

Both men admitted hunting with several dogs at various locations in Angus and Aberdeenshire.

Sentencing |
Alexander Stewart was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Jackie Stewart was fined £1,000.
Both received a six-month ban on keeping dogs.

Daily Record
BBC News

Additional Information

Screenshot of Facebook conversation with Jackie Stewart, 26/11/2022

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Traveller Animal Crimes

West End, Southampton: Mike Levy

February 29, 2020 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2020) | Michael Edward Levy (aka Mike Stickland), born 08/05/1988, formerly of The Drive, West End, Southampton SO30 3AN, but gave his address in court as Metherell Avenue, Brixham, Devon TQ5 9QB – left horses in a field without clean water and shelter

Pictured is convicted animal abuser Mike Levy from Southampton — Convicted animal abuser Mike Levy is only banned from keeping equines for six months

Gypsy Michael Levy, who runs a company called Forest Falconry and Pest Control Ltd and has a previous conviction for fly-tipping, was found guilty of failing to ensure the needs of animals he was responsible for.

The father-of-five was also found guilty of transporting a pony in a way that was likely to cause injury.

Horse abuser Mike Levy with wife Maria Stickland — Levy with wife Maria Stickland

The court heard that RSPCA inspectors were called by the police after Levy allowed his ponies to fly-graze on land at Botley Road, West End, Southampton.

The land, which was littered with several hazards, did not have clean water, shade or shelter.

The fencing was also deemed inappropriate fencing for horses, which resulted in one horse getting trapped and losing a shoe.

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward described the scene.

“A metal gate between two paddocks was hanging off its hinges,” said Inspector Ward. “The paddock also had a hidden dangerous hazard; a cesspit covered by grass and rubble.

“There was rusting metal and car parts as well as partly buried plastic blue piping. All of these had the potential to cause serious harm and injury.”

Police body-camera footage recorded a Shetland pony being unloaded by Levy from a white van.

Inspector Ward said the pony “had been travelling with a rope headcollar on that was loose. There were no windows giving light or ventilation, no partition to support the pony’s body, which is particularly important.”

She said: “If the pony was to lose its balance when the vehicle went round a corner or stopped suddenly, he could have injured himself significantly.”

Inspector Ward added where the pony had been standing was a number of items including a tin of paint and metal ladders.

“These also had the potential to cause the pony serious injury had he had fallen over. The method of transporting the pony was highly dangerous and would have also caused significant distress,” she said.

Inspector Ward concluded: “There were no windows giving light or ventilation, no partition to support the pony’s body. The method of transporting the pony was highly dangerous and would have also caused significant distress.”

Sentencing: Levy was ordered to pay a total of £1,233. He was banned from keeping equines for six months.

Horse and Hound
Daily Echo

Dogs

Gedling, Nottinghamshire: Lisa Featherstone

March 28, 2019 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2019) | Lisa Featherstone, born 10 July 1978, of Perlethorpe Avenue, Gedling NG4 4GG – kept starving dogs in horrific conditions

Animal abuser: Lisa Featherstone from Gedling, Nottinghamshire

Featherstone admitted cruelty to her pet dogs Diesel and Rocky, one of whom was found close to death.

The court heard RSPCA inspector Dave MacAdam visited Featherstone’s home on December 6, 2018.

He had been told of problems faced by German Shepherd Rocky, who was kept in the muddy back garden.

Dogs starved and neglected by Lisa Featherstone from Gedling, Nottinghamshire

Paul Wright, prosecuting, said: “The dog was in such a bad state that there was a risk of dying.”

Featherstone allowed the inspector into the house where he found Staffordshire bull terrier Diesel inside a wire cage.

“It was immediately seen to be in a poor condition. Its ribs and spine were prominent through a short coat,” said Mr Wright.

The dogs were taken to a vet who assessed them on a scale of one to five, with one being regarded as “emaciated” and three the normal standard for a healthy dog. Rocky was classed as “emaciated” and Diesel was one level better.

“This was down to malnutrition, an inadequate diet for at least one month,” Mr Wright told the court.

But in another month, both dogs had made a good recovery and their condition was normal. Rocky’s weight had risen by 60 per cent and Diesel’s had increased by 25 per cent.

Matthew Smith, mitigating, said: “In many ways, this is a sad case and there is no excuse from Miss Featherstone, simply an explanation.

“This is born out of an inability to cope with financial hardship rather than deliberate neglect of those dogs.

“She cut corners with feeding them and she accepts that. Whilst the dogs were fed, they were not fed enough and not given food of sufficient quality.

“Both have been loved family pets,” added Mr Smith, who applied for their return to her home.

He said Featherstone “rescued” Diesel nine years ago from a pub where she worked. She had Rocky for two years.

But District Judge Tim Spruce refused to allow the dogs to go back, telling Featherstone: “I can’t take the risk against the background of your current situation that the dogs would not be neglected again.”
As part of the probation order, she will get help in “problem solving, finances, relationships and emotions”.

Sentencing | one year’s probation; total of £235 costs and charges. Banned from keeping any dog for a mere six months (expired).

Nottingham Post

Dogs, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Boarding Kennels, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Pudsey, Leeds: Jacqueline Wilkins

January 7, 2019 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2019) | professional dog walker Jacqueline Wilkins, born c. 1972, of Dorset Grove, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7EN – caught on CCTV abusing a customer’s pet

Dog abuser Jacqueline Wilkins from Pudsey, Leeds — Professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins was caught on camera terrorising one of the dogs she was meant to be looking after

Jacqui Wilkins, owner of dog-walking service Wilkins Walkies, was caught on camera striking boxer Bella twice and shouting at her repeatedly when the dog would not stay still long enough for her to remove her harness after a walk.

Bella's owner noticed changes in her pet's behaviour during the time in the 'care' of professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins — Petrified: Bella’s owner noticed changes in her pet’s behaviour during the time in the ‘care’ of professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins

In footage captured on CCTV cameras inside the home of Bella’s owners Gary Hirtsch and Louise Williams, Wilkins can be heard shouting “You’re not doing as you’re told, are you?” and “Do you want another smack?”

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard the couple had hired Wilkins when Miss Williams broke her wrist and was unable to walk Bella and their other dog, Coco.

Bella’s owners checked CCTV footage recorded in their home after noticing a change in the dog’s behaviour. They made a report to the RSPCA after seeing the footage.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson said: “What you can see there is what the defendant now accepts was unnecessarily rough treatment. The prosecution say there’s very rarely any reason for using that type of behaviour to discipline a dog.”

Wilkins admitted failing to meet the needs of a dog by protecting it from injury or distress. She had initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea following expert evidence about the psychological damage Bella may have suffered.

A separate charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal was dismissed.

Magistrates were told that Wilkins had experienced a “moment of madness” and felt she was disciplining Bella at the time, but now recognised her behaviour was wrong.

The court heard she was of previous good character and had told her clients about the case, prompting a number to write references and two of them to attend court in support.

A probation officer also reported that Wilkins had reflected on the harm she may have caused Bella and was “completely remorseful” about her actions.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hirtsch said: “I feel relieved. We had put her in a position of trust. I think they’ve done the right thing for the safety of the other dogs.”

He said Bella’s behaviour had changed significantly following the incident, adding: “Bella was so friendly, but then she was reluctant to go out. She used to cower on the sofa.

Wilkins was visibly upset as she left the courtroom after being told that she would not be allowed to keep her own dog, Bentley, during the two-year ban.

Friend and client Janet Pearson said: “Obviously she’s not going to have an income now but the thing she’s most upset about is losing her dog. Her dog is like her baby.

“I think the court has made an example of her. If I thought she didn’t care and was cruel, clearly there’s no way she would look after mine. It’s not just a business to her though. Dogs are her life.

“She’s worried about her clients too. What are they going to do?”

Sentencing: 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and an RSPCA education programme; total of £385 in costs and charges. Banned from keeping or caring for any dogs for two years – later reduced on appeal to just three months (expired).

Yorkshire Evening Post

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Castleton, Greater Manchester: Jason Smart

March 31, 2017 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2017) | Jason Smart, born 15 February 1969, of Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AW – battered his pet dog in the street

Former professional footballer Jason Smart was captured on CCTV beating his four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, Frank.

The footage filmed by shop owner Paula O’Connor showed Smart ‘punishing’ the animal after he ran out into the road.

Ms O’Connor, spotted Frank outside her pet shop on Manchester Road in Castleton, Rochdale, in October 2016, and initially thought he was a stray as there was no one with him, RSPCA prosecutors said.

However she then heard a man shouting and Smart emerged and hit him twice.

She told him: “Don’t hit the dog like that.”

Smart replied: “Shut up you stupid f***, it’s my dog, I can do what I want.”

Violent dog abuser Jason Smart from Rochdale, UK

Smart pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

The court heard that he was “utterly devoted” to Frank, who was taken from him and rehomed. Smart has since gone on to get another dog.

Sentencing: 150 hours of unpaid work; a total of £645 costs and charges. Deprivation order for Frank. SEVEN MONTH ban on keeping animals (expired).

Manchester Evening News

Dogs

Lurgan, County Armagh: Adrian Bentley and Jacqueline Clarke

September 9, 2016 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2016) | Adrian Bentley, born 14 September 1966 and Jacqueline Clarke (since deceased) of Avenue Road, Lurgan, Craigavon BT66 – kept a dog in a small yard littered with faeces

Animal abuser Adrian Bentley. Picture: Facebook. — Adrian Bentley only received a SIX-month ban despite his appalling neglect of collie Sky. Picture: Facebook.

Bentley and Clarke pleaded guilty to offences under the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011 relating to a female collie type dog named Sky.

Following a complaint an animal welfare officer from Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon District Council visited the property and noted Sky who appeared underweight and whose coat was heavily matted with faeces. An improvement notice was served on Bentley which required the dog to be groomed and wormed.

Sky was starved and kept in diabolical conditions by her owner. Inset photo shows Sky in 2010 in a photo Bentley posted to his Facebook account.

The council was forced to obtain a warrant to gain access to the property for a follow-up visit when Sky was discovered in the property’s back yard, which was littered with faeces. Her coat was still matted with faeces.

The dog was taken into the council’s possession and given veterinary treatment.

Charges were brought by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council against Bentley and Clarke in relation to their failure to take reasonable steps to ensure the needs of the dog were being met and obstruction of an Animal Welfare Officer. Additionally Bentley was charged with the offence of failure to comply with an improvement notice.

Sentence: fines of £600 and £500 respectively. Banned from keeping animals for six months (expired).

Source: Northern Ireland World (article removed)

UK Animal Cruelty Files