CONVICTED (2022) | Philip D Stevens, born c. 1984, of 11 Lon Cadfan, Prestatyn LL19 8HJ – convicted for badger baiting and dog cruelty.
Stevens, owner of landscaping business Cut Above Tree & Landscapes, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty offences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This included causing unnecessary suffering to his own dogs.
A joint investigation by North Wales Police and the RSPCA was initiated by the investigations team at Naturewatch Foundation following the discovery of disturbing photographs showing Stevens’ brutality towards wildlife.
Photographs posted to social media showed Stevens posing with his badly injured dogs. He had attempted to cover his face with emojis but was identified anyway.
A warrant was executed at Stevens’ property during which it was found that he was keeping dogs with untreated injuries outside in poor living conditions.
A white Patterdale Lakeland cross terrier called Millie, had extensive facial scarring resulting in the partial loss of her nose and an area of fresh grazing and reddening below her left eye.
She was also more than five weeks pregnant.
Another kennel housed a black and tan female terrier called Jess, who was sheltering in a plastic barrel. This dog seemed reluctant to move and appeared withdrawn and lethargic.
She was suffering from an extensive injury to her chin, which had scabbed over, and a laceration to the lower lip on the left-hand side.
Both nostrils were also blocked, preventing her from breathing normally.
A male and female bull lurcher were also both removed from the premises.
All four animals have since been rehomed by the RSPCA after being signed over into the charity’s care.
Stevens, who said he didn’t own the dogs but was responsible for them, was told that they were being seized, to which he replied: “Can I say goodbye to them? I love my dogs.”
Analysis of his mobile phone revealed dozens of further disturbing images and footage, including:
- Stevens digging at the entrance of a badger sett.
- One of the severely injured terriers with injuries consistent with those seen at the time they were seized.
- A live badger recently stunned and disabled but still kicking above ground with one of the dogs attacking it and another present.
- Two of the dogs being used to dig underground.
- Stevens holding one of the terriers who has significant injuries to her nose and face.
- One of the dogs being encouraged to attack a badger.
- One of the dogs attacking a fox, which is thought to be alive, with Stevens’ voice heard in the background.
- Stevens and an unknown male with one of the dogs and a dead fox.
Naturewatch Foundation’s investigator tasked with this case said, “We commenced our investigation into Phil Stevens and suspected badger digging in early 2021 and were determined to seek justice for the animals who suffered so terribly at his hands.
“Wild mammals suffered a violent and protracted death and Stevens’ dogs sustained serious injuries, purely for his entertainment. He failed to provide his dogs with veterinary treatment for their wounds, causing them to suffer further. The images of the conditions these poor dogs were found living in speak for themselves.”
Sentencing | two years in jail suspended for 12 months; 180 hours of community service; £628 in costs and surcharge. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years (expires October 2027)
Naturewatch
Daily Post
Rhyl Journal
Additional Information
Phil Stevens is a tree surgeon by trade. He trades under the names Cut Above Tree Services or Cut Above Tree and Landscapes.
His mobile telephone number is 07833 595787.
He is married to June Stevens, a science teacher at Prestatyn High School.
