Tag Archives: curfew and tagging order

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Multiple Species, rabbits, Serial Animal Abusers, Small Furries

Denny, Falkirk: Jackson Aitken

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CONVICTED (2023) | Jackson Lewis Aitken, born c. 2000, of 210 Braes View, Denny, Falkirk FK6 5NF: for the neglect of multiple animals found suffering and in pain at his filthy home.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook
Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, was already well-known to the SSPCA

Aitken plead guilty to cruelty charges in relation to mice, a hamster, a rabbit and a dog.

He admitted failing to provide vet treatment for a mouse named Miko and failing to provide adequate hydration and a clean environment for a hamster named Spirit, a rabbit, a number of mice and his dog, Digger. He also pleaded guilty to failing to allow Digger adequate room to exercise.

Digger was neglected by Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook
Aitken’s dog Digger was kept in a tiny cage with dirty water for drinking

Scottish SPCA inspector, Andrew Gray, said, “We had attended Jackson Aitken’s address on two prior occasions in June 2019 and January 2022.

On both occasions we provided Aitken with advice and support on how to care for his animals but had no immediate concerns for their welfare.

“However, on 29 July 2022 we then received another call regarding Jackson Aitken from a member of the public who was concerned his animals were being left alone for days at a time.

“We attended the property but no one was home and we could not hear or see any animals. We continued to try to make contact with Aitken over the coming days but we were unsuccessful.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook

“On 1 August when we attended a small black dog could be seen through the letterbox. The dog was in a crate. On subsequent visits on 2 and 3 August the dog was still in the crate and we became concerned for the animal’s welfare. Contact was then made with the local housing officer to gain access to the premises.

“On entering the property we found it was cluttered with rubbish and hazardous materials. Digger, a small black and white terrier type dog, was still in the small cage. He had a pillow and a small amount of dirty water.

“Upstairs we found a white and tan hamster, named Sprit, who was very lethargic and cold to the touch, as well as a rabbit and three mice. While two of the mice were in reasonable condition, one male mouse, named Miko, had a large open wound on his side.

“All of the cages for the animals were dirty and none of them had been provided with any food or water.

“Due to immediate concerns for the welfare of the animals, we removed them from the property and took them to be examined by a vet.

“The wound on Miko’s side was found to be an abscess, secondary to a ruptured tumour, and had likely been causing the mouse pain for several weeks, if not months. He was euthanised on veterinary advice to prevent any further suffering.

Animal abuser Jackson Aitken, who also goes by the name Jackson Aitken-Dunlop, from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland. Image: Facebook

“Spirit the hamster was severely dehydrated, which the vet estimated would have taken at least a week without water, if not longer. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the team at our animal rescue and rehoming centre, Spirit continued to suffer complications from dehydration and had to be put to sleep on veterinary advice.

“Aitken met with us on one subsequent visit to the property but all further attempts to contact him have failed to be met with any response.

“We are glad Aitken received a ban and hope he will seriously consider his ability to care for any animal in future.”

Sentencing | three-year supervision order and eight-month restriction of liberty order; 15-year ban on owning animals.

Scottish SPCA News

Equine Abuse, farms / smallholdings, Food Production, horses and ponies, Multiple Species

Peasedown St John, Somerset: Katrianna Rich

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CONVICTED (2023) | smallholder Katrianna Jade Rich, born 4 May 1994, of 4 Lower Peasedown, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8AH – starved a horse over a prolonged period and left him to suffer.

Animal abuser Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset

Rich pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences following an investigation by the RSPCA

The court heard how Rich, who ran a smallholding with a number of horses, sheep and goats, was visited by RSPCA Inspector Daniel Hatfield and a field officer from World Horse Welfare on February 9, 2023 after welfare concerns were raised.

Horse starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset

While there, they discovered a horse named Murphy, who despite being covered with three rugs, was in visibly poor condition.

Inspector Hatfield said: “I could still easily see his hip bones sticking through the rugs, appearing in really poor body condition and once the rugs were removed you could see just how poor bodily condition he was in.

“You could see his ribs, hips and spine easily and he stood there with his head stooped down looking extremely depressed and you could see the dips in the side of his head.”

Horses starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset

A vet was called to examine Murphy, who was found to be emaciated with a body condition score of just 0.5 out of 5. He also had poor feet with overgrown hooves which were impacted with debris, including embedded stones, and poor dental health, including a fractured tooth.

He was certified as suffering by the vet and was taken into possession by police and passed into the care of the RSPCA.

Further tests found he had a high worm burden but showed nothing abnormal to account for the poor body condition, aside from prolonged starvation.

Murphy gained weight once in the care of the RSPCA by simply being given a normal diet.

Sentencing | nine week curfew; £400 costs. Banned from keeping horses for 10 years.

Midsomer Norton, Radstock & District Journal
BBC News
ITV News

Additional Information

Katrianna Rich was only prosecuted in relation to Murphy, but there is evidence shared on social media that he was not the only horse neglected by her.

Horse starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset
Horse starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset
Conditions in which starved and neglected horses were kept by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset
Horse starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset
Horse starved and neglected by Katrianna Jade Rich from Peasedown St John, Bath, Somerset
Horses before and after they were taken into Katrianna Rich’s care

Katrianna Rich is a self-employed beautician and manicurist who has traded under the names Rich’s Beauty Den and Katrianna Pinup Parlour.

She also provides pet services under the name The Smallholder Fairy Pet Services & Groomer and Canis Canine.

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

Strood, Kent / Eltham, South-East London: Sammy and Jay Daniels and Ricky Kerswell

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CONVICTED | puppy farm dealers/backyard breeders Samantha Louise Daniels, nee Ludlow, born 3 August 1987, and husband Jayson George Daniels, born 10 September 1988, both of Willow Road, Strood, Rochester ME2 2LW, and Ricky Billy Kerswell, born 8 November 1989, from Beaumanor Gardens, Coldharbour Estate, Eltham, London SE9 3HG – for the mistreatment of two Dachshunds with severe skin conditions.

Puppy farm dealers, breeders, dog abusers Sammy and Jay Daniel from Rochester, Kent, and Ricky Kerswell from Eltham, SE London

The’ Daniels and their associate Ricky Kerswell, a traveller, admitted cruelty to a female wirehaired Dachshund known as Coco and to a female wirehaired Dachshund puppy by failing to provide veterinary treatment in respect of the animals’ skin disease.

Puppy neglected by Puppy farm dealers, breeders, dog abusers Sammy and Jay Daniel from Rochester, Kent, and Ricky Kerswell from Eltham, SE London

In a written statement from an RSPCA inspector, the court heard that Coco and the puppy had been found in a downstairs small room at the rear of a property in Willow Road, Rochester. They were found in dirty conditions. Fleas were evident and they had fur loss.

Puppy neglected by Puppy farm dealers, breeders, dog abusers Sammy and Jay Daniel from Rochester, Kent, and Ricky Kerswell from Eltham, SE London

A vet who attended the location also provided a written statement for the court. It was said that Coco’s “skin had large patches of hair loss and small areas of inflammation”.

He added: “The dog had a strong smell typical of animals with severe skin disease. The bald patches were particularly obvious around the eyes, on the ears, and on the limbs and tail. Patches of infected and red skin were noted on the belly, neck and rump.”

The puppy was also said to have “a lot of hair loss”.

Puppy neglected by Puppy farm dealers, breeders, dog abusers Sammy and Jay Daniel from Rochester, Kent, and Ricky Kerswell from Eltham, SE London

The vet said: “The ears were bald and leathery due to the severe skin disease.

“The pup smelt much stronger than the mother and was noticeably withdrawn and depressed. She scratched and rubbed her belly at least every minute. Fleas could also be seen crawling over her body.”

Animal abuser Ricky Kerswell from Eltham, SE London
Puppy farm dealers, breeders, dog abusers Sammy and Jay Daniel from Rochester, Kent

Both were said to be suffering by the vet due to the severe skin disease.
Following a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 10 July both of the dogs were signed over to the RSPCA. At sentencing an order to remove further dogs was also made.

In RSPCA care the two Dachshunds made a full recovery and have been cared for by some of the charity’s dedicated foster carers.

The Daniels have indicated that they intend to appeal.

Sentencing | ordered to pay £333 costs and a £114 victim surcharge. Samantha Daniels received a 10 week tagged curfew, Jayson Daniels received 108 hours unpaid work and Kerswell was ordered to undertake 108 hours unpaid work plus 20 RAR days. All were disqualified from keeping dogs for a woeful 18 months (expires early 2025),

ITV News
London Post
Kent Online

Additional Information

Ricky Kerswell is a tree surgeon by trade. His company name is Cut Above the Rest Tree Care Ltd. Facebook business page here.

animal fighting / baiting, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Lifers, Snaring and Trapping, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Newmains, North Lanarkshire: Grant and David Campbell

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CONVICTED (2023) | hillbilly brothers Grant Stuart Campbell and David Campbell of 74 Woodside Crescent, Newmains, Wishaw ML2 9NA – for appalling cruelty to multiple dogs in their care.

Animal abuser Grant Campbell from Newmains, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Image: Daily Record.
Grant Campbell received an indefinite ban on owning animals while David Campbell is only disqualified for five years.
Photo: Daily Record

Self-styled ‘rat-catcher‘ Grant Campbell pleaded guilty to seven charges of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary treatment for various conditions and injuries affecting six dogs in his care, including a broken leg.

Injured dogs were kept in shocking conditions at the family home brothers Grant and David Campbell share with their mother Mary
The Campbells’ home in Woodside Crescent, Newmains, viewed from above

His brother David Campbell pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to provide a suitable environment for two of the dogs and failing to keep them free from suffering, injury or disease as their clinical condition strongly displayed signs of neglect and failure to seek veterinary care.

Dog neglected by hillybilly brothers Grant Campbell and David Campbell from Newmains, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Image: SSPCA

Scottish SPCA inspector, Dawn Murrie, said: “We had several dealings with Grant and David Campbell from March 2021 in regard to the conditions dogs were being kept in and traps Grant Campbell had around the Newmains area.

“Advice was given on the conditions the dogs were being kept in on several occasions and we issued an animal welfare notice that the Campbells complied with. Advice was also given to Grant Campbell on the operation of his traps and the requirements for their appropriate use.

Dog neglected by hillybilly brothers Grant Campbell and David Campbell from Newmains, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Image: SSPCA
Tara’s painful arthritis went untreated by her heartless owners

“On 19 October 2021 we received another complaint to our animal helpline about the conditions at the property.

“We attended and it was immediately clear that there were issues throughout. There was a strong foul odour as we entered, and the pathway into the garden and dog kennels was covered in faeces, hazards and rubbish.

“The kennels themselves were full of urine and faeces with a complete lack of suitable, dry bedding available for the dogs.

“One kennel was so full of faeces that no part of the flooring was visible. The door to this kennel was closed over and, at first, we assumed this to be a dumping ground for all of the faeces accumulated from the other dogs. Further examination revealed two large, adult deerhound type dogs, lying in the back compartment of the kennel.

“We had immediate concerns for the welfare of all of the animals on the premises and removed them for veterinary examination.

“Lass, one of the deerhounds, was found to have pressure sores and a fracture in her leg that the vet estimated would have been present for around three to four weeks. The break had been left untreated for so long that she had to have her leg amputated.

Dog neglected by hillybilly brothers Grant Campbell and David Campbell from Newmains, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Image: SSPCA

“Boy, another deerhound, only had three legs and was suffering from a displaced toe. Not only would this have caused him pain but the extra stress on them due to his missing leg would have been more than a normal limb usually supports.

“Gibbs, a pug, was suffering from a severe bacterial skin infection. Pinky, another pug, had an extremely infected and swollen toe.

“Tara, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and Buffy, a lurcher, were found to have arthritis, an extremely painful condition when left untreated.

“All of the dogs were suffering from dental disease to some extent.

“We are pleased that both brothers have received bans on keeping animals.”

Sentencing |

Grant Campbell: two year supervision order and six month restriction of liberty order. Banned from keeping any animal indefinitely.

David Campbell: community payback order of 300 hours to be completed over three years. Banned from keeping any animal for five years (expires July 2028).

Daily Record
Scottish SPCA

Dogs, Hoarders

Blackpool, Lancashire: Ryan Seel and Debbie Slater

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CONVICTED (2023) | Ryan Seel, born 18 October 1994, and Debbie Slater, born 20 May 1990, of Peter Street, Blackpool – starved three of their six dogs until they were 24 hours from death.

Animal abusers Debbie Slater and Ryan Seel from Blackpool

Three of the six Jack Russells owned by Ryan Seel and Debbie Slater would most likely have died in 24 hours, if the RSPCA hadn’t seized them and taken them to an animal hospital for emergency treatment.

Staff from the local authority were first alerted to the dogs’ plight after a number of complaints about the dogs making noise.

All three dogs were so emaciated they were transported in a cat basket together

Council officers visited the home and later reported them to the RSPCA. The charity’s welfare team then investigated and removed the dogs after discovering how underweight they were .

“Three of the six were 24 hours from death ,” said prosecutor Paul Ridehalgh. “This was either due to long term poor diet or short term starvation.”

The couple's emaciated dogs were 'within 24 hours of dying'
The couple’s emaciated dogs were ‘within 24 hours of dying’

Defence lawyer Gerry Coyle – representing Ryan Seel – said his client lived in a property which suffered from damp and leaks. He added that the pair were on Universal Credit and ‘living in poverty’ and unable to afford vets fees.

“What happened with the dogs was not because they don’t love and care for them, but for financial reasons,” he told magistrates.

Animal abusers Debbie Slater and Ryan Seel from Blackpool

Brett Chappell, defending Seel’s partner Debbie Slater, appealed for leniency and told the court about the couple’s other dog – a Shar Pei – who was fit and well.

“What happened was not a deliberate act of cruelty, but her efforts fell well short of what is acceptable,” said Mr Chappell.

Animal abusers Debbie Slater and Ryan Seel from Blackpool

Slater and Seel each admitted two offences of causing the Jack Russell dogs unnecessary suffering and failing to maintain the animals’ welfare by giving them adequate food and water.

The six dogs, two males and four females – Jack, Junior, Sasha, Angel, Coraline and Jazz – remain in the care of the RSPCA.

Sentencing | one-year community punishment with ten rehabilitation days. Seel must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and Slater was given a four month curfew. The pair were each ordered to pay £414 in costs. Banned from keeping animals for 10 years (expires June 2033).

Blackpool Gazette
ITV News

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

Marston Green, West Midlands: Xavier Tulley and David Barlow

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CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeders Xavier Tulley, born 28 August 1991, and David Barlow, born c. 1961, of Norwich Croft, Marston Green, Solihull, Birmingham B37 5PR – failed to provide care for puppies bred to sell, leading to one being put down.

Birmingham backyard breeder Xavier Tulley mistreated puppies he bred to sell. Image: Facebook.
Xavier Tulley, who has links to the Smethwick area of Birmingham, mistreated the puppies he bred to sell

Xavier Tulley and his father David Barlow were both found guilty of two animal welfare offences, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

Puppy Star was in an extremely poor condition after being neglected by Birmingham backyard breeders Xavier Tulley and David Barlow
Star and her sister Jet were both found in an extremely poor condition.
Puppy Star was in an extremely poor condition after being neglected by Birmingham backyard breeders Xavier Tulley and David Barlow
Puppy Star was in an extremely poor condition after being neglected by Birmingham backyard breeders Xavier Tulley and David Barlow

Concerned vets contacted the RSPCA after two 13-week-old American bulldog puppies, named Jet and Star, were presented to different vets at different times – both in a state of neglect.

Star was taken to a vets’ practice on February 8, 2022, by Barlow. He said that she had been attacked by her mother earlier that day and had sustained several bite wounds around her head, ears and chest.

He informed the vet that she was one of a litter of eleven, intentionally bred from his own bitch and son’s male dog and all of whom, including this pup, had been sold already for £200 each.

Puppy Star was in an extremely poor condition after being neglected by Birmingham backyard breeders Xavier Tulley and David Barlow

He said the puppy was not vaccinated nor microchipped. He thought she had received worming treatment but was not sure with what or when and she had received no other antiparasitic treatment.

Upon examination, the vet found her in an extremely poor condition, thin with massive abdominal distension.

In their report, the vet concluded: “The physical needs of this puppy were not met and in this respect she had suffered as a consequence over the weeks prior to examination.

“There was no suggestion that the owner had inflicted any injury but I felt her extremely poor physical state and filthy condition represented a failure to care for her properly and to ensure her needs were met.

“I was very concerned that the owner had failed to notice that she was very unwell in other respects than for the reason she was presented.”

Birmingham backyard breeder Xavier Tulley mistreated puppies he bred to sell. Image: Facebook.

Just days later on February 11, a second puppy, called Jet, was taken to a different vet by Barlow, who reported that she had been involved in a fight with another similarly aged puppy.

Jet was in a collapsed state and had multiple wounds over her body, which the vet said would have been causing her to suffer pain and discomfort because of the severity.

Barlow said that the wounds had been inflicted approximately 18 hours prior to being presented to the vet.

However, on presentation, the condition and odour of the wounds on Jet’s body suggested to the vet they were older than this, and that the severity warranted immediate veterinary attention.

Following discussions with Barlow, the decision was made to have her euthanised to alleviate her suffering.

Birmingham backyard breeder Xavier Tulley mistreated puppies he bred to sell. Image: Facebook.

RSPCA Inspector Ben Jones said: “These puppies had been bred and sold for financial gain but were failed when they didn’t receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they urgently needed it.

“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy and ensuring appropriate veterinary care is a key part of that responsibility.”

Star, who has been in the care of the RSPCA since her rescue, was signed over to the charity by the court when Tulley was sentenced and can now be found a new home.

Sentencing |

Xavier Tulley: jailed for 18 weeks

David Barlow: three-month curfew; costs of £600 and £95 victim surcharge.

Both received a lifetime disqualification on keeping all animals.

Express & Star

Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders

Manor / Darnall, Sheffield: Claire Wainwright, Tariq Ajmal, Adam Ajmal

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CONVICTED (2023) | Claire Wainwright, born c. 1982 and Tariq Ajmal, born 7 March 2002, both of Prince of Wales Road, Manor, Sheffield S2 1EX, and Adam Ajmal, born 7 March 2002, of Swales Gardens, Darnall, Sheffield S9 4LD – kept seven dogs and a parrot in disgusting conditions.

Claire Wainwright and sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were banned from keeping animals for three years after the RSPCA found seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot living in dreadful conditions at a Sheffield property.

Claire Wainwright and twin sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were prosecuted by the RSPCA for cruelty towards seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot found at their family home in Prince of Wales Road in the Manor area of Sheffield.

Wainwright pleaded guilty to two animal cruelty offences relating to a shepherd puppy called Hugo and a rottweiler puppy named Winnie.

Tariq Ajmal pleaded guilty to one animal cruelty offence relating to four other dogs, named Shotty, River and Vegas and Coco.

Adam Ajmal pleaded guilty to one animal cruelty offence relating to a dog called Shadow.

Claire Wainwright and sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were banned from keeping animals for three years after the RSPCA found seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot living in dreadful conditions at a Sheffield property.

RSPCA inspector Leanne Booth attended the property with police on March 30, 2022, after concerns were raised about the animals.

Seven dogs and puppies plus a parrot, were found living in unsuitable conditions.

Inspector Booth said in a statement to the court she noted a strong smell of urine and faeces in the kitchen, where she found two puppies confined to a small wooden dog kennel placed with its door against a wall.

“The kennel was soaking wet and covered in faeces, while there was no bedding and nowhere dry for the puppies to lay down. Hugo’s coat was soaking wet with a mixture of urine and faeces dripping from him. It was difficult to hold him due to the smell,” said the inspector.

“Winnie was also wet and extremely smelly covered in the same unpleasant liquid as Hugo.”

Claire Wainwright and sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were banned from keeping animals for three years after the RSPCA found seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot living in dreadful conditions at a Sheffield property.

There was also a small cage in the kitchen, housing a yellow parrot called Zara. Her cage was covered in faeces and old food and her drinking pot contained soiled water.

When the inspector heard the sound of barking from the garden, Tariq Ajmal led her to a fenced off area where the other dogs were running loose or tethered.

One of the dogs, a cane corso, needed to be restrained by the owner as she was attacking one of the tethered dogs, who was in pain.

“The dog had a small harness tightly fastened around her abdomen and to a chain on a metal ring on the floor, so her movements were severely restricted. She could not access water, she had no shelter or a comfortable rest area and she was limping in pain,” added the inspector.

“Another dog, Coco, had a choke chain around her neck attached to a very short chain, which meant the dog could only stand up in a crouched position. She had no access to water, shelter, or rest area. There was also a cane corso (Shadow), whose tail had been docked and ears cropped.

“The loose dogs in the garden had access to a large garage with three separate rooms which were in complete darkness with no natural light or ventilation. The floor was completely covered with faeces and there were no beds or bedding material, while there were maggots among the faeces and the smell within the garage was overpowering.”

All the animals were seized by the police and taken into the care of the RSPCA.

Claire Wainwright and sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were banned from keeping animals for three years after the RSPCA found seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot living in dreadful conditions at a Sheffield property.

Wainwright told the inspector the dogs belonged to her two sons, Tariq and Adam Ajmal, and that she had helped care for the puppies, while the parrot was owned by the family as a whole.

A vet’s expert report concluded: “There are a number of huge concerns with the conditions these animals were kept in, most notably the poor sanitation in the garage and outside as well as on the young puppies’ fur.

“There was no suitable bedding or suitable-sized shelter and it is unacceptable to keep animals in conditions where there is no access to fresh water, while they are restrained and tethered for long periods with no bowls within reach. The suffering these animals faced was inexcusable and completely avoidable.”

Claire Wainwright and sons Tariq and Adam Ajmal were banned from keeping animals for three years after the RSPCA found seven dogs, including two puppies, and a parrot living in dreadful conditions at a Sheffield property.

In mitigation, the court was told Wainwright had suffered bereavement and physical illness at the time of the offence and it was said she had “too much on her plate” to be able to cope with the dogs.

For Tariq Ajmal, it was said he struggled after the loss of his father and he found it difficult to be at the house on a regular basis. Adam Ajmal was also badly affected by the death of his father and claimed he was not responsible for docking Shadow’s tail or cropping her ears and that he had “rescued the canine from abroad”.

The dogs and the parrot have been cared for by the RSPCA and will be rehomed when they are ready for adoption – the dogs will need suitable and knowledgeable owners as they are large, powerful canines.

Speaking after the sentencing, inspector Booth said: “The conditions in the garage at this property were horrendous, there was not one part of the garage floor that was not covered by faeces. The dogs did not have any dry space to lay in at all.

Sentencing | 12-week curfew; costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £95. Banned from keeping animals for a pathetic three years (expires April 2026).

The Star

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

Aberdeen / Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire: Ricky Hanratty and Steven McDonald

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CONVICTED (2023) | Aberdeenshire hare coursers Richard Hanratty, born 12 December 1993, of 23 Cardens Knowe, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB22 8PE, and Steven McDonald, born c. 1984, of Duff Drive, Oldmeldrum Inverurie AB51 0GW – used their dogs to chase and kill terrified wild hares.

Aberdeenshire men Ricky Hanratty (left) and Steven McDonald used dogs to hunt terrified wild hares
Ricky Hanratty (left) and Steven McDonald used dogs to hunt terrified wild hares. Image source: Press & Journal

The court heard that on 21 August 2019 Oldmeldrum man Steven McDonald had allowed dogs to kill a brown hare in Mosstown Field in Udny, Aberdeenshire. A witness saw two dogs chase down and kill a hare.

The hare’s body was recovered from the field by police and the gamekeeper shortly after McDonald was arrested leaving the area.

Aberdeenshire men Ricky Hanratty (left) and Steven McDonald used dogs to hunt terrified wild hares

In later incidents McDonald, in a distinctive blue jacket, was filmed hare coursing at Ardconnon Farm, Oldmeldrum on 11 February 2020. Hanratty, from Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, was also captured hare coursing at Milton-croft, Dumbreck on 16 February 2021.

Aberdeenshire men Ricky Hanratty (left) and Steven McDonald used dogs to hunt terrified wild hares
Ricky Hanratty

The pair admitted being involved in the illegal blood sport on various occasions between 2019 and 2021.

They were both banned from keeping dogs and ordered to hand over all their animal collars.

Sentencing |
McDonald: four-month restriction of liberty order; 200 hours of unpaid work. Eight year animal ban (expires April 2031).
Hanratty: 100 hours of unpaid work. Banned from keeping dogs for three years (expires April 2026).

Daily Record
Sky News

Animal Abandonment, guinea pigs, Small Furries, Worst of the Worst

Drumchapel, Glasgow: Robert Dyer-Sheppard

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CONVICTED (2023) | Robert Stewart Dyer-Sheppard, born 30 June 1977, previously of Linkwood Crescent, Drumchapel, but now believed to be in the Haghill area of Dennistoun, Glasgow* – moved out of his home, leaving behind eight guinea pigs to starve to death.

Dyer-Sheppard pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate food and water for the eight guinea pigs.

When the guinea pigs were found, seven of them had passed away and the surviving female, named Ollie, was emaciated.

Scottish SPCA chief inspector Jennifer Connolly said, “On 18 April 2022 we received a call to our animal helpline regarding concerns that a number of guinea pigs had been left alone at the address for several days.

“We contacted the local council to gain access and discovered Sheppard had moved out on 8 April 2022. Meanwhile our animal helpline received another call, this time from a council employee who had attended the property to change the locks, and discovered a number of dead guinea pigs on the veranda area.

“We attended and discovered the bodies of six Guinea pigs on the veranda. There was a large amount of guinea pig faeces everywhere. There were two empty bowls and an empty cake tin on the floor. No food or water was present.

“There was a plastic cage sitting on top of a hutch containing a further two guinea pigs which was closed, meaning they had no way to leave the cage. One of the animals inside was dead.

“We immediately removed the surviving guinea pig, named Ollie, to a clean pet carrier.

“Ollie was taken to one of our centres for veterinary treatment where she was found to be underweight, but bright and alert.

“In our care she quickly regained weight and has since found a loving new home where she can get the love and attention she deserves.

“We sought a veterinary opinion on how the other seven guinea pigs died and it is estimated they succumbed to dehydration. It’s estimated it would take somewhere between three and five days for a Guinea pig to die of dehydration or over a week to die of starvation assuming water was available.

“Given the timescales of when Sheppard vacated the property we assume there must have been a supply of food and water left initially. However, these resources would not have been evenly shared between the animals and the weaker animals would have passed away more quickly.

“We are pleased that Sheppard received a ban but, given the level of neglect these animals were subjected to, we would have liked for it to have been for a longer period of time.

“Any reasonable owner would not leave their animals unsupervised like this for such an extended period of time and would ensure that someone trustworthy and reliable was responsible for tending to them.”

Sentencing | 75-day restriction of liberty order. Two year ban on owning animals (expires April 2025).

SSPCA News
Glasgow Times
Clydebank Post

*Update | April 2023

We are advised that Robert Dyer-Sheppard now lives in Aberfeldy Street, Haghill, Dennistoun, Glasgow G31 3NS.

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Burnley, Lancashire: Carl Harwood

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CONVICTED (2023) | Carl Harwood, born 15 April 1995, of Lowerhouse Lane, Burnley BB12 6HZ* – goaded two dogs into fighting a badger and filmed the carnage.

Badger baiter and dog abuser: Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: Facebook

Police discovered disturbing footage showing a fight between two dogs and a badger on the phone of an associate of Carl Harwood. The unnamed man and Harwood were being investigated in relation to another matter.

The dogs, including a 14-month-old bull lurcher called Toby, were seen attacking the badger on the head, throat and back, with a male voice encouraging them on.

Dog used and abused by badger baiter Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: RSPCA
Bull lurcher Toby dog was left with more than 30 puncture wounds from illegal badger baiting

Following an investigation, RSPCA inspector Lyndsey Taylor, along with the charity’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) and Lancashire Police’s Ribble Valley Rural Task Force visited the defendants’ house on October 19 2021.

Magistrates heard how they went into the living room and saw Toby being held on a lead by Harwood.

Dog used and abused by badger baiter Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: RSPCA

The dog, who was wearing the same type of collar as that seen in the mobile phone footage, had a significant scar which ran lengthwise along almost the entire length of the top of his head.

On the left hand side of the lower jaw and surrounding area there were 22 individual scarred puncture wounds and on the right hand side there were nine. More recent scarring and scabbing was seen underneath his left hind paw and lower leg.

Dog used and abused by badger baiter Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: RSPCA

Harwood told the officers they’d been sustained while out lamping and ratting.

Toby was seized by the police and taken into RSPCA care and seen by a vet. He was subsequently microchipped, vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms.

Harwood with partner Poppy Duckworth who sees no wrong in his evil-doings
Harwood with partner Poppy Duckworth who sees no wrong in his evil-doings

In her evidence to the court, inspector Taylor described the mobile phone footage.

She said: “It was filmed in the dark but two dogs can be seen attacking a badger as initially, when the recording begins, a bright light can be seen being shone on the animals.

“The footage is very difficult to watch and to listen to, it is absolutely horrific. All the way through the footage the badger can be heard screaming in pain and it is extremely distressed, with the dogs heard panting also.

“At around eight seconds, when Toby has lost interest and has left the badger, a male voice can be heard to say something like ‘here Toby, Toby get it, get it.’

“The dog can then be seen joining the first dog in attacking the badger again.

“The men heard to be present during the recording made no attempt or effort to get the dogs under control and prevent them from fighting and attacking the badger.”

Dog used and abused by badger baiter Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: RSPCA

Her colleague, inspector Chris Haywood told the court: “In 34 years of dealing with dogs I have never seen these types of injuries on any other breeds other than lurchers, bull lurchers and terriers and known them to be caused by any other means than by a badger.”

A vet who examined Toby on 20 October, 2022, told the court the scars represented skin injuries that had healed and therefore occurred at least four weeks prior to his examination.

“In my opinion, Toby would have been caused to suffer in the absence of timely and appropriate veterinary care at the time of skin injury,” he said.

“With regards to the video footage, the person present at the time the two dogs were attacking the badger failed to take reasonable steps to intervene and bring the dog under close control in order to prevent him from continuing to fight with the badger, thereby failing to protect these animals from injury, pain and suffering.”

The court was told that Harwood said he didn’t think there was anything wrong with the footage – although he knew it was illegal – and didn’t believe that his dog required veterinary treatment for his injuries.

Badger baiter and dog abuser: Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: Facebook

He also denied having an encounter with a badger, any involvement with injuring or killing one and said he didn’t believe it was Toby in the footage. He couldn’t explain why the scarring on his dog may not have matched the injuries that would be sustained from going ‘ratting’ with him.

Harwood was found guilty of one offence contrary to the Protection of Badgers Act 1991 and admitted a second charge relating to the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Sentencing Harwood, District Judge Alexander Boyd told him: “Setting a dog on a badger to injure it is not a sport, it is wilful cruelty.

“The fact that you videoed it and kept it on your phone would suggest to me that you took pleasure from what you did to that badger using your own dog.

“That makes these offences even worse than they already are.”

An arrest warrant has been issued for another man in relation to the case.

Dog used and abused by badger baiter Carl Harwood from Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Pic: RSPCA

Speaking after sentencing, inspector Taylor said: “Illegal badger baiting causes significant pain, suffering, huge distress and even death to the animals involved, all for the enjoyment of people who take part in it and shockingly, find pleasure in such activities.

“We would urge anyone with information about incidents like this to report them to the RSPCA or their local rural crime team.”
An arrest warrant has been issued for another man in relation to the case.

Toby has recovered well in RSPCA care and the charity hopes to rehome him in due course. The whereabouts and owner of the other dog seen in the video are unknown.

Sentencing | 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months; 150 hours of unpaid work; costs of £500; three-month curfew from 8pm to 8am. Disqualified from keeping any animals for five years (expires February 2028).

Lancashire Telegraph
Burnley Express
ITV News

Update | October 2023

Carl Harwood’s accomplice, failed jockey Brandon Lawlor who’s originally from Ireland, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison for his part in the attack on the badger and the video made of the kill.

Lawlor now lives at 16 Cobden Street, Padiham, Burnley BB12 8DS.