CONVICTED (2023) | racehorse trainer Gary Sanderson, born 9 July 1963, of Lilling Hall Farm, Moor Lane, Sheriff Hutton, York YO60 6RL – for cruelty and neglect relating to several mares and a gelding.
York Magistrates’ Court heard that Sanderson, who trades under the name Lilling Hall Racing or Lilling Hall Farm, looked after horses “that made money” for him but not those that did not.
During his lengthy trial, witnesses described how the RSPCA found horses in his care with lice and worm infestations, poor dental care, overgrown hooves, poor bodily condition and living without proper feed.
They also found that he had failed to get veterinary treatment for a wounded horse and one in poor physical condition, didn’t protect horses from pain and suffering and that one horse had been able to get into dilapidated farm buildings where she could be harmed.
Defence barrister Christopher Moran said the trainer and breeder “lives and breathes” horses and had done so all his life.
But his training licence was suspended when he was charged with the offences and he will not get it back, said the defence barrister.
Sanderson denied nine charges of cruelty or neglect of horses, all relating to mares he was using for breeding, and a gelding, but was convicted after a lengthy trial.
He intends to appeal the convictions.
District judge Adrian Lower told him: “You were well able to look after the horses in the yard because they made money for you. They were racehorses.”
He added: “You were not looking after the mares and gelding. There was no money in them. They were simply to be bred from so you could buy race horses.”
The judge said he suspected the British horse licensing authority would decide as a result of the convictions that Sanderson was “not a fit and proper person” to hold a training licence.
He ordered Sanderson to hand over the horses that he had been cruel towards or had neglected.
He decided against disqualifying him from looking after horses after Mr Moran said the RSPCA had inspected Sanderson’s stables twice since he was charged and had found nothing to concern them about the horses there.
The judge initially ordered Sanderson to pay the RSPCA’s prosecution costs of £94,482, but Mr Moran said he didn’t have the power to do so when a defendant didn’t have any money.
Both Sanderson and his wife, Lynne Sanderson, gave evidence that he doesn’t own any property and that he lives off his wife’s income from hairdressing and caravan businesses.
They said though Sanderson continues to breed horses, that business is not turning a profit because of the time delay between conception and the growth of a foal to a stage where it can be sold.
The judge said the RSPCA could sue Sanderson for the money through the civil courts.
Mr Moran said the lengthy court case had already been a punishment to Sanderson because it had affected his marriage and his mental health. The first court appearance was in 2019 and subsequent hearings were delayed by the courts’ closing during the pandemic and listing problems when they reopened.
Sentencing | deprivation order on the horses he abused. Ordered to pay the RSPCA’s costs (but claims financial hardship). Not banned from keeping horses or any other animal.
CONVICTED (2023) | greyhound trainer Rebecca Perkins, born 29 June 1981, of Hill Farm, Hunmanby Road, Burton Fleming, Driffield YO25 3PU – for the abandonment of 37 dogs in her care.
Greyhound trainer Rebecca Perkins shut starving dogs in filthy stable blocks to die
Perkins, who had been licensed to train greyhounds for 17 years, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
She was prosecuted after an unannounced inspection in September 2022 by a steward from the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) uncovered a scene of horror at her kennels.
Dozens of emaciated dogs were found in filthy kennels with no food or water.
The steward was immediately struck by a foul stench from the stable block housing the dogs which left him feeling sick.
The decomposing remains of dogs that had starved to death were found alongside live animals
A small black greyhound was discovered lying inside a small plastic portable kennel. The dog was so weak, thin and emaciated that he struggled to get out of the kennel and could hardly walk.
Several thin, very underweight greyhounds were also found in stable blocks along with the skeleton of a small dog.
A further four dead dogs were also found at various locations. Many of the dogs were found to be extremely thin
Excrement was present across the floor of the kennels, and the smell was described as “overpowering”.
All of the surviving dogs were emaciated. Many had collapsed and were too weak to stand
The inspector alerted the RSPCA and Inspector Claire Mitchell and animal rescue officer (ARO) Daniel Richardson attended the farm.
In the first kennel block Inspector Mitchell found a very thin greyhound whose ribs, spine and backbone were all visible. A further three thin black greyhounds were discovered in another barn which was littered with soiled pillows.
Numerous live and dead greyhounds were observed in the main kennel block.
In a witness statement, Inspector Mitchell said: “Every single kennel in this kennel block was heavily soiled with faeces and urine, as was all the bedding for the greyhounds. The smell in the (main) kennel block was overpowering and almost unbearable.”
Mr Richardson’s witness statement described the conditions in one of the kennel blocks. He said: “As we walked down the first row, we noticed nearly all of the pens had greyhounds in, several of which were deceased. There were living dogs in the kennels with the deceased dogs.
“The majority of the dogs were very skinny and several were unable to stand. I noticed the dogs were in very poor body condition, I noticed fur loss and sores on many of the dogs. One in particular had a nasty open wound on its front leg. I noticed several of the kennels containing deceased dogs that were in different stages of decay.”
Perkins signed all the greyhounds in her care over to the RSPCA. Sadly, a collapsed brindle greyhound in the poorest condition died before he reached a vet for treatment. Two further greyhounds were put to sleep that day on welfare grounds, while a further greyhound had to be put to sleep several days later.
An independent vet told the court: “I have been shown a number of photographs of the conditions all the dogs were living in and would say that their needs haven’t been met as required by good practice due to the heavily soiled living area.
“In my opinion all 37 dogs were suffering for a minimum of two weeks, but likely several weeks, possibly a couple of months, due to their multiple issues.”
Some of the greyhounds examined by a vet were given a 1/9 body score – the lowest – indicating they were emaciated.
Fortunately, all of the surviving dogs did very well in RSPCA care, gaining significant weight, and the process of rehoming is well under way.
In court, Perkins admitted causing 37 greyhounds to suffer unnecessarily as a result of her failure to secure veterinary attention addressing their poor body condition. She also admitted causing three of the greyhounds to suffer after failing to ensure vet care to address lameness and sores; and to failing to provide a suitable, hygienic environment for 35 of the greyhounds.
In mitigation, the court heard that Perkins pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. She also cited a recent health scare and financial issues.
Speaking after sentencing, Mr Richardson said: “This distressing case saw a large number of greyhounds suffer in their owner’s care due to a failure to get them urgent veterinary treatment they so clearly needed. The conditions at the property were wholly unacceptable, with faeces everywhere and an overpowering smell, all of which contributed to a totally inappropriate and illegal environment.
“Looking after a large number of greyhounds like this can be very challenging – and clearly they were badly let down on this occasion, to such an extent that a number had to be put to sleep given the severity of the welfare problems. Thankfully, once in RSPCA care, the greyhounds that survived have done very well and gained significant weight. The process of rehoming these dogs is underway – offering them each a second chance of forever home happiness.”
Perkins was given three weeks to make arrangements for her other animals, which were not part of the prosecution, and had not been previously signed over to the RSPCA. The charity is now monitoring this.
Sentencing | jailed for a total of 36 weeks; £187 victim surcharge. Lifetime ban on keeping all animals but may appeal after just 10 years.
CONVICTED (2023) | Rosemary Purvis, born c. 1963, of Potter Walk, Hartlepool TS24 8DY – ignored her elderly dog’s chronic skin condition.
Purvis pleaded guilty to two offences of causing unnecessary suffering and failing to meet 10-year-old cocker spaniel Skye’s needs between March 3, 2022 and February 3, 2023.
She had extensive fur loss and her skin was scabby, inflamed, red and bleeding in places.
Her nails were also overgrown and she was scratching her skin constantly when seen by an RSPCA inspector.
Skye was signed over into the RSPCA’s care and an independent vet concluded that she had been left to suffer from severe chronic skin disease for at least a year.
The animal charity said if treated earlier, her suffering could have been avoided.
In mitigation, the court heard Purvis was genuinely remorseful and had been struggling for money.
Inspector Lucy Green said: “A reasonable owner would have ensured that Skye was taken to a vet for veterinary treatment.
“If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in financial difficulties.
“People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.
“There is no excuse for allowing any pet to get into the state Skye was in.”
Sentencing | £720 costs. Indefinite ban on keeping animals.
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.
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’
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.
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.
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).
The 18-week-old shepherd cross, named Fatty, was howling in agony after suffering a broken leg but Kildare refused to take him to a vet for treatment. The puppy was also hungry and thirsty.
Fiscal depute Ellen Barr told Banff Sheriff Court that the puppy was hit by a car on February 1 2021.
Fatty was left in immense pain for at least two hours without veterinary treatment
A witness contacted the SSPCA at 6.05pm to share their fear that Kildare wasn’t going to take his dog for medical treatment.
When an officer from the charity visited Kildare’s home, they were allowed in.
While there, the officer received a second call expressing concern for the same puppy.
“This caller reported that she heard what she describes as a ‘horrendous scream’ coming from the street and that she knew from the sounds it was being made by a dog,” Ms Barr said.
“She went out of her house and saw the accused carrying a puppy. He was also holding a tin of beer, a bag of shopping and appeared to be trying to light a cigarette.
“She offered to take the accused and the dog to the vet but he declined this offer.”
Kildare did, however, agree to bring the dog to the woman’s porch so they could inspect his injuries under the light.
“He held it under the light and said it looked fine,” the court heard.
“The witness pressed the matter and suggested the dog should be seen by a vet – but the accused said no.
“She described the puppy as lying dazed in his arms.”
SSPCA officers said they found the puppy lying on the sofa and it was “immediately obvious that the dog was badly injured”.
Fatty’s fractured and bloodied right leg was swollen to double the size of his left leg, with broken nails and scratches to the pads of his feet. The injuries were all consistent with being hit by a car..
The dog was “subdued as though in shock” and when Kildare touched his leg he “howled in pain”.
At 8pm, Kildare also lied to officers and said the accident had happened only an hour before – despite the witness confirming it occurred at 5.40pm.
The charity said that his failure to seek treatment had left the dog in pain for at least two hours and had left the puppy with injuries that will haunt them for life.
Kildare told them he “couldn’t afford” to take the puppy to the vet and remained “indecisive and unclear” about giving the SSPCA permission to do it for him.
But after being told they didn’t need his permission, the dog was seized and taken to a vet in Fraserburgh and given surgery that night.
“The puppy’s pain score was rated 4 out of 5 and the dog couldn’t bear any weight on his right leg,” the fiscal added.
“Methadone was given through an IV drip and anti-inflammatory drugs were used. The dog was extremely hungry and thirsty too.”
X-rays confirmed that Fatty’s right leg had become fractured and Kildare eventually signed the dog into the SSPCA’s care.
In court, he pleaded guilty to one charge of causing an animal unnecessary suffering.
Kildare’s lawyer told the court his client was “a talented head chef” but turned to substance abuse.
The solicitor said that Fatty’s mother remains in Kildare’s ownership and there were no concerns about her care.
However, she is currently living with a friend while Kildare serves a prison sentence until at least August 2024.
Sheriff Robert McDonald told Kildare: “I am satisfied this is not necessarily a case of you persistently neglecting an animal but more that you didn’t recognise that it needed veterinary treatment – whether you could afford it or not”.
He fined Kildare, a prisoner of HMP Grampian, £790 but accepted he couldn’t pay it.
Instead, Kildare was given the alternative of 28 days’ imprisonment – to run concurrently with his current sentence for a violent offence, meaning he won’t spend any extra time in jail.
Speaking about the investigation and sentencing Scottish SPCA inspector Fiona Mckenzie said:
“Fatty should have been seen by a vet immediately after incident. Kildare’s failure to seek veterinary treatment for Fatty undoubtedly caused this young puppy immense suffering.
“Although we’re glad that Kildare has received a fine we would have liked him to receive a ban on keeping animals due to the disregard he showed for Fatty’s well-being in this case.
“We hope he seriously reconsiders his ability to care for any animal in future.”
CONVICTED (2023) | Philip Alexander Robertson, born c. 1974 , of 94 Withins Drive, Breightmet, Bolton BL2 5LG – failed to take his elderly dog to the vet after she became seriously ill.
Philip Robertson was given a lifetime ban after he failed to seek help for his emaciated elderly dog
Crossbreed Sacha weighed just 26 pounds when she was found collapsed on a kitchen floor at Robertson’s flat. He has now been banned from keeping animals for life after pleading guilty to causing ./suffering to the dog, who was aged between 10 and 12 years.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Jessica Pierce visited the property on January 3, 2023, after receiving a welfare concern about a dog at the address.
Sacha, who was put to sleep on welfare grounds, was described as “very thin with every bone showing” but her owner ignored her plight
In her evidence Jessica said: “I arrived at the address and was met by a man at the door who was not the owner of the dog but I was invited in and shown upstairs”.
“In the kitchen I observed an elderly female brindle dog lying on an old coat on the floor.
“She was visibly very thin with every bone showing. When I tried to get her to stand up her feet were buckling underneath her and she wasn’t able to walk more than a couple of steps. She had discharge in both of her eyes and ears and she was also coughing and it appeared to be a struggle for her to breathe.”
Police were called to assist and Sacha was seized under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She was taken to the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital where she was examined by a vet on arrival and admitted for urgent treatment.
Sacha was in an emaciated, lethargic state. Her ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones were all visible from a distance, and the examination showed increased heart and respiratory rates, an enlarged left kidney, dyspnoea and a respiratory noise on her chest.
The following day, Sacha’s condition deteriorated further. Her dyspnoea was worsening and it was becoming even harder for her to breathe.
She had also started to vomit a coffee ground substance – typically associated with an internal bleed – and fresh blood was found in her faeces.
Due to her suffering, veterinary staff decided it was in her best interest to be put to sleep.
As her owner had still not made contact, police were asked to authorise euthanasia on welfare grounds.
The vet who gave evidence in the case said Sacha would have been suffering for many weeks as a minimum, and likely longer.
“I would expect a responsible dog owner to seek veterinary attention should their pet become underweight, moreover, if their animal became weak,” she said.
“Presenting with an increased respiratory rate and effort will have caused distress to Sacha.
“She will have struggled to breathe and been uncomfortable with every breath. Furthermore, this would have caused both physical stress to her body and mental suffering.
“Ultimately she had endured suffering unnecessarily. Regardless of the cause of the poor body condition, lethargy and respiratory distress and whether treatable or not, veterinary treatment should have been sought much earlier in this case.”
In his interview, Robertson, who works as a landscape gardener, said he always put plenty of food out for Sacha but she refused to touch it. He said he could not afford to take her to see a vet and had not sought help because he was always at work and never had credit on his phone. However, he said he thought he had done all he could for her.
Sentencing Robertson, magistrates said Sacha had been left to die in ‘unmentionable circumstances’ and the case passed the threshold for custody. However, they said Robertson’s lack of previous convictions and his employment were relevant in their decision to impose a suspended sentence.
Speaking after the hearing, RSPCA inspector Deborah Beats said; “Sacha was an elderly, vulnerable dog who should have received the appropriate care in her twilight years. There were a number of indications that things weren’t right, but unfortunately advice and treatment wasn’t sought and Sacha continued to deteriorate.
“As animals get older they can be prone to certain health conditions that are linked with age, just like humans, so it’s really important that senior pets have regular check-ups with a vet so that any issues can be picked up and investigated at an early stage.
“It’s an extremely sad case and we would always urge people who are in financial difficulty to reach out for help as there are many organisations that can offer support.”
Sentencing | 12-month prison sentence, suspended for one year. Banned from keeping all animals for the rest of his life.
CONVICTED (2023) | puppy and kitten farmer Daanyaal Chowdhury, born 29 April 1993, a serial animal abuser of 24 Meldon Road, Longsight, Manchester M13 0TT but with links to east London and Chadwell St Mary, Grays, Essex – kept dozens of starving animals in inhumane conditions.
Daanyaal Chowdhury admitted causing unnecessary suffering to dozens of cats and dogs at his Perthshire farm.
In a shocking case involving the “widespread and indiscriminate neglect” of dozens of cats and dogs on a breeding facility in rural Perthshire, Daanyaal Chowdhury was convicted of multiple animal cruelty offences but only received a community sentence.
Footage showing grim and inhumane conditions on Daanyaal Chowdhury’s “chaotic and hazardous” puppy farm
Chowdhury’s company K9 Cube Limited provided animals to work in security and as sniffer dogs and had used South Cairnies Farm Cottage, Glenalmond, Perth PH1 3RY as a hub for a large-scale breeding operation.
German shepherd Sophie – also known as Stacy – had chronic skin disease, wounds between her toes, hair loss and overgrown nails
Some 32 dogs, including multiple German Shepherds, were found living in their own waste in homemade kennels, starving and with no water, along with 17 kittens and 16 cats
The alarm was raised after Chowdhury sent a diseased German Shepherd pup named Sophie to the vets.
Animal welfare officers found more than 60 cats and dogs living in extreme squalor at South Cairnies Farm Cottage, which is around 12 miles from Perth city centre
The Scottish SPCA were called in and a warrant was obtained to search the premises on October 28, 2020.
Inspectors found South Cairnies Farm Cottage to be ‘chaotic and hazardous’ with homemade kennels and various broken items scattered about.
Inspectors descended on the dilapidated site after local vets raised the alarm
An initial search found groups of puppies and kittens within three rooms of the cottage. No food or water was evident, the rooms were wet and dirty, as were the puppies and there was an extremely strong smell of faeces and urine.
Some of the dogs were living in outdoor kennels without natural light or flooring, while others had been completely exposed to the wind and rain
The homemade kennels at the rear of the property housed a number of large breed dogs. The kennels, where they had shelter, were not watertight. They all were filthy and strewn with urine and faeces; most had no water or bedding.
homemade kennels housed a number of large breed dogs
Some of the dogs were living in outdoor kennels without natural light or flooring, while others had been completely exposed to the wind and rain.
The cats were kept in a separate building. Again, the living areas were dirty and covered in faeces and there was no water. The plyboard walls and roof of the structure were wet and mouldy.
The accommodation for the cats was equally poor. No water had been provided and the plyboard walls and roof were wet and mouldy
A veterinary witness examined 32 dogs, 17 kittens and 16 cats at the property. They found multiple dermatological, respiratory, ophthalmic, and ear related diseases.
A Bengal cat called Bella, who had eye conditions, respiratory problems and neurological disease including severe ataxia had to be euthanised on welfare grounds.
A court hearing in October 2021 in relation to a Scottish SPCA civil case against Chowdhury’s firm K9 Cube heard that one dog required to be put to sleep, six suffered hip dysplasia, seven puppies had dermatitis, four had inflamed ears, six had dental disease or fractures, and the cats were suffering from conjunctivitis and ear mite infestation.
Young puppies were living in extreme squalor, with no food or water.
Of 49 puppies born from the dogs seized, eight passed away shortly after birth, one was put to sleep with a neurological condition and seven were born with congenital deformity and either passed away or were put to sleep as a result of their condition.
In court on May 25, 2023, Chowdhury admitted three animal welfare offences. These were that as the person responsible for animals, by act or omission he caused them unnecessary suffering by failing to provide adequate care or treatment and failing to get veterinary advice or treatment for health conditions.
Between April 20 and October 28 2020, he failed to treat:
A black and tan German Shepherd called Sophie, found with a chronic skin disease and wounds between her toes;
Dolly, a female Spanish Mastiff-type dog which had dermatitis, eczema, an infected wound, hair loss and a matted coat;
Dogs Sky, Lexi and Kilo which suffered orthopaedic conditions including degrees of dysplasia;
Dogs Kilo, Nancy, Coco, Roxy and Diago, all suffering from dental diseases such as fractured teeth.
Neglected cats kept in homemade cages
He further pleaded guilty to causing suffering to 15 cats – including one which later died – which had ear mite infestations and conjunctivitis.
Chowdhury also admitted he failed to provide suitable accommodation for all 33 dogs, 17 puppies and 16 cats.
The homemade kennels had no natural or artificial light, and most had no bedding or shelter from the elements
The court heard the animals were exposed to waste, loose and exposed electrical cables and garden debris hazards.
They did not have adequate resting areas, dry bedding or proper shelter from the elements.
He further failed to provide some of the animals with adequate ventilation, light, hydration and nutrition.
The vast majority of animals seized were female, and many were pregnant
Chowdhury originally denied all charges, blaming a man who was employed to manage the site on his behalf.
He changed his plea to guilty on the morning of his trial, after accepting ultimate responsibility for the animals’ welfare.
He was ordered to complete 90 hours of unpaid work and will be subject to a one-year supervision order. He was banned from keeping animals for just five years.
Sheriff Garry Sutherland said he had decided against imposing a custodial sentence, after hearing that Chowdhury had lost his livelihood with K9 Cube now bankrupt and owing creditors some £360,000.
Source: The Courier
Following the hearing, bitter Chowdhury complained to court reporters that he had been treated “like a drug dealer” by police.
He said: “I wasn’t based at the farm. Because of Covid, I couldn’t travel and our business went to zero. All of our dogs were kennelled.
“I spent hundreds of thousands of pounds there, but we had six members of staff who weren’t doing their jobs correctly.
“Unfortunately, the charges were only brought against me, on the day I wasn’t there.
“I feel that has been a miscarriage of justice because why were the people there not charged?”
Chowdhury said the business had operated out of the site for three years previously, with no issues.
The Scottish SPCA slammed the sentence, however, with inspector Katherine Aitchison saying: “We are extremely disappointed at this lenient sentencing, considering the appalling conditions these animals were kept in.
Following the October 2020 raid on Chowdhury’s farm the Scottish SPCA launched an urgent appeal for donations to provide care and rehabilitation services for the rescued animals
“The dogs and cats in his care clearly suffered and a harsher sentence should have been given.”
She added: “Chowdhury has undoubtedly shown that he was not able to provide his animals with the care they needed, and we would have hoped this to be reflected in a ban on owning or keeping animals.”
Dogs were crammed into filthy makeshift kennels
Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central and Fife, said: “This was a case of widespread and indiscriminate neglect where cats, dogs and puppies were caused unnecessary suffering.
“This suffering was entirely preventable and could have been avoided by proper management and timely veterinary involvement.
“Instead, Daanyaal Chowdhury failed to provide the animals he was responsible for with an adequate environment and kept them in terrible, inhumane conditions. He failed to provide proper care and treatment and protect them from disease.
“I would like to thank the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland for their part in investigating and gathering evidence of these offences.
“The Procurator Fiscal will continue to hold to account those who would commit such crimes and we would urge anyone with information of animal neglect to contact the police or the Scottish SPCA.”
Most of the animals were rehomed by the SSPCA following its successful civil case against Chowdhury’s company in October 2021. The charity was granted permission to move on “or otherwise dispose of” the surviving animals after the court heard that its bills for the seizure and temporary accommodation for the animals was rapidly approaching £100,000.
K9 Cube Ltd – which claimed to have been adversely affected by the Covid lockdown – sought to have the animals returned as they were “integral assets” to the company.
K9 Cube Ltd was also find liable for the expenses of the court proceedings.
Sentencing | 12-month supervision order; 90 hours of unpaid work. Five-year ban on owning, keeping or dealing in animals (expires May 2028).
“It was all just horrific” | former workers describe the atrocities they witnessed at Daanyaal Chowdhury’s breeding hub
In various interviews with the media, former employees of Daanyaal Chowdhury laid bare the shocking conditions dozens of dogs and cats were subjected to on his farm.
Speaking to local newspaper The Courier (see also here), Tiegan Walker said she cried and quit on her first day after seeing the “horrific” conditions animals were living in.
Source: The Courier
Tiegan responded to an advert posted on Gumtree for an “in house dog and cat carer and cleaner” offering £1,000 a month to live on the site.
The advert stated the owners bred German Shepherds.
The qualified animal care worker was left in tears after witnessing the “horrible” conditions the animals were being kept in and reported the owner to the authorities.
Tiegan said she had seen blind kittens walking in circles, a German Shepherd and her puppies forced to live in a cramped cupboard and a host of overbred females.
Chowdhury told Tiegan that at the height of business, before lockdown, he had around 125 animals living on the property.
She said: “I wasn’t allowed out the back because the dogs were too aggressive, but from what I could see there was around 10 but there must have been more because they were so noisy.
“Inside they must have had three litters of puppies plus their mums and then they had litters of kittens – about 20 of them.
“They were Bengal cats and they were kept in horrific conditions.”
She said the younger kittens were inside but the older cats were forced outside into kennels despite horrible weather conditions.
Tiegan added: “There were Akita puppies and I don’t even know where the mum was.
“They told me the Akita had killed her own puppies so they had taken them away and given them to the German Shepherd.
“It was all just horrific. They had the big German Shepherd, it was such a lovely dog, in a cupboard with the puppies.
“There was nowhere for her to move and there was no water for her.
“She was such a happy dog and for them to (do) that was just cruel.”
Tiegan said she also witnessed puppies living in the bathroom of the house and believes dogs were being allowed to mix-breed purely to create more puppies.
She said: “It’s just disgusting. I just don’t know how someone can do that.
“He told me that before I arrived there had been a litter of puppies who had all died from a disease.
“I just couldn’t believe it. I cried. It’s so sad.”
A second person, who wished to remain anonymous, spent less than half a day working at the property before fleeing in horror and alerting the authorities.
They said: “(I) was shown into a dirty house and asked to clean out a room with approximately eight German Shepherd puppies in it.
“It was covered in faeces and urine, and the puppies were wet and cold and (had) no food or water – until I took them some.
“No adult dogs were with them. There were three rooms like this then an outdoor kennels.
“These kennels were again dirty with no beds, food, water or any heating, there were two dogs to each kennel and were numbered rather than named.
“There were also a large number of dogs in a field that appeared older. These all weren’t German Shepherds.
“Some of the puppies did not seem in great health, some were missing eyes and limbs.”
He stayed at the cottage in Glenalmond for many months and claims he was not paid. With no money and living in a rural location he was unfamiliar with, the worker said he felt stuck in the situation.
He also claimed to have buried many puppies that did not survive.
“A lot of puppies died,” he said.
“I buried a lot of puppies myself, dogs too.
“Because when you are alone, and I am not a vet, sometimes you don’t notice but some of them got sick and they died.
“A lot of puppies died because it was cold. I didn’t really know how to take care of puppies.”
He also believes the female dogs suffered from overbreeding which caused problems with their litters.
A local from the area said he reported the property to the Scottish SPCA around 18 months earlier.
“You can hear the dogs non-stop,” he said.
“At that time they were being kept in polytunnels, in cages, in intense heat.
“All the dogs were kept out the back but if someone came to look at a dog they would take them to the front.
“They had far too many dogs. If anyone went near the place they would all just set off.
“This has been going on for 18 months. I was one of the first people to contact the SSPCA and at that time there were about 30 dogs.”
The local added that during lockdown the property was being visited frequently by people buying puppies.
Scottish SPCA and Perth and Kinross Council under fire after 18 months of complaints about Chowdhury’s puppy farm
In late December 2020, The Courier published an in-depth article on the case and highlighted the apparent failings of the authorities to take action against Daanyaal Chowdhury at a much earlier stage.
Investigative journalists Sean O’Neil and Blair Dingwall reported they had seen letters from Karen Reid, chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish SPCA boss Kirsteen Campbell where they admit that their respective officers had visited Chowdhury’s establishment in June 2019.
The documents stated both council officers and Scottish SPCA officers were happy with the way the dogs were being kept but noted some animals were currently housed in “temporary shelters”.
Ms Reid claimed in her letter, dated October 8, 2019, that “there is no evidence to suggest that a dog breeding licence is currently required”.
However in the same letter the chief executive stated: “(The animal welfare officer) considers the levels of noise from the establishment as typical from a dog breeding environment.”
It confirmed the local authority had received two complaints from different people regarding the property and an investigation was being carried out.
It said neglect allegations were “unsubstantiated” – but that officers would continue to visit the property over complaints alleging “animal cruelty, neglect and activities associated with puppy farming”.
Scottish SPCA chief executive Kirsteen Campbell stated in her letter, dated September 23 2019, that officers had viewed “several dogs” during a June 2019 visit which were being kept in “an adequate temporary shelter” while a permanent shelter was being built.
During a follow-up visit in July 2019, officers were “comfortable improvements had been made and were reassured the owner was keen to continue to make these”.
Ms Campbell wrote: “We can only act on the evidence we see and gather whilst investigating at the time.
“On every occasion we’ve visited, the owner has been fully cooperative and all advice regarding welfare and living conditions has been followed.”
The animal welfare charity refused to say if owners were given advance warning of visits by animal welfare officers.
Numerous locals hit out at the authorities’ responses and questioned why the raid took so long to take place.
Speaking in late December 2020 one resident said: “The whole thing has been going on for 18 months and we have been trying to get answers for 18 months.
“It’s a complete whitewash. The whole thing was brushed under the carpet.
“Why did all these dogs and puppies have to suffer for 18 months because of inaction by the SSPCA and animal welfare? Why? It is appalling.”
Another told The Courier: “I have never been so disgusted with the lack of acknowledgement and intervention from the very authorities which are there to help animals and law abiding citizens live in a safe, clean and peaceful environment.”
One local asked: “Why did all these dogs and puppies have to suffer for 18 months?” due to apparent inaction by the authorities
The individual claimed the Scottish SPCA and council were alerted at least 16 months earlier when dogs were being kept in “cages, boxes, boots of cars, vans and in chains”.
Another person from the area said: “At that time they were being kept in polytunnels, in cages, in intense heat.
“All the dogs were kept out the back but if someone came to look at a dog they would take them to the front.
“They had far too many dogs. If anyone went near the place they would all just set off.
“This has been going on for 18 months. I was one of the first people to contact the SSPCA and at that time there were about 30 dogs.”
Another local said he was not surprised by the lack of action in a case that had frustrated and horrified nearby residents for the past 18 months.
He said: “It doesn’t surprise me whatsoever.
“I wasn’t there when the raid happened but they had plenty of time to arrest him, people reported when he was in the cottage. Surely someone should have been arrested.
“In the early days there was 15 or so people staying there. I couldn’t say if the cottage was ever empty but there was always cars going up and down.”
The resident told the Courier he couldn’t understand the lack of information available to locals from the Scottish SPCA.
He said: “We still can’t get our head around that no-one will give us any answers.
“How many puppies were sold down there? It must have been hundreds. It’s very hard to describe when puppies are yelping and you know they’re being hit. It’s so upsetting to hear.”
Perth and Kinross Council defended the length of time taken to investigate, while the Scottish SPCA insisted it would not comment on what was an ongoing case at the time.
A council spokesman said: “Perth and Kinross Council takes animal cruelty or neglect extremely seriously and we thoroughly investigate all allegations regarding the mistreatment of animals we receive.
“Our animal welfare officers were involved in a joint investigation with the SSPCA and Police Scotland into allegations of commercial breeding in rural Perthshire that resulted in last month’s raid.”
A long history of animal abuse? Previous allegations against Daanyaal Chowdhury
Before moving to his current address in Longsight, Manchester, Daanyaal Chowdhury lived at 49 Lea Road, Chadwell St Mary, Grays RM16 4DD with relative Abdullah Mahmood-Al Hassan Chowdhury. On April 21, 2019 a local animal lover took to Facebook to raise concerns about the welfare of two German shepherd-type dogs kept at the property. The woman alleged that the dogs were not only starved, but also beaten.
Her post included a photograph she had taken of Daanyaal Chowdhury and an image of his logo for K9 Cube.
Another Facebook user then uploaded a video which they’d taken from Chowdhury’s Instagram profile under username life_explore007 (now defunct) which showed him laughing as he poured champagne over a litter of young puppies in a bathtub.
Chowdhury also shared this image to his Instagram account showing some of his security dogs on a site, with their living conditions looking far from ideal:
The original post was shared across multiple animal groups, causing outrage.
One man decided to take matters into his own hands and pay Chowdhury’s premises a visit. He was horrified by what he found:
Feeling the pressure after the original post went viral, Chowdhury, described by one Facebook user as a wannabe gangster who had allegedly bragged about facing an attempted murder charge, removed all traces of his personal and company profiles from social media.
Pressure group campaign poster
The authorities also took action, but not on animal welfare grounds. Instead in July 2019 it was reported that the co-occupant of 49 Lea Road, Abdullah Al-Hassan Chowdhury, i.e. Daanyaal Chowdhury’s relative, had been fined around £12,000 by Thurrock Council for failing to comply with a noise abatement notice. The court heard that he had been keeping up to 20 dogs including Dobermans, Alsatians, Rottweilers and large crossbreeds at his home. and that they were being raised to work in the owner’s “security business”.
One neighbour told the local newspaper: “[The dogs] were living in what I can only describe as purgatory.
“No proper kennels, no decent food, no exercise or play.
“Often leaving these dogs shut up in make-do ‘kennels’ for days on end. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.
“We were told by people living nearer to this house how the dog mess was never cleared, and the yard was never washed down. The number grew until there were 21.
“Some would be taken to work at night and the others would be left outside, often in bad weather.
“I witnessed the dogs being kicked, kneed and hit with sticks.”
The final straw for many residents was when they witnessed two of the dogs fighting in early June 2021, with neighbours forced to spray a hose over the fence in an attempt to separate them.
Residents stated one animal was “left in a pool of blood”, and it is unclear what has happened to the dog now.
Although pleased a prosecution has been secured, the resident raised frustrations at what she felt was a lack of action by the RSPCA or police during the ordeal.
In September 2019 Abdullah Al-Hassan Chowdhury was also hit with a 10-year criminal behaviour order following further action by the local authority. The order means Chowdhury must not bring onto, or keep, any animals within any residential address, use any residential address for commercial or business purposes, or engage in any threatening or abusive behaviour.
Locals remained sceptical that the order would safeguard the welfare of a single dog and it was reported that the Chowdhurys had already taken the dogs elsewhere in any event.
A few months later, in October 2019, national newspaper the Daily Mail carried a report of eight starving dogs being kept in a garden at 132 St George’s Road, Dagenham, east London RM9 5JB, apparently without food, water or shelter.
A local animal welfare group called Scruffy’s Angels became aware of the dogs’ plight after reuniting a stray dog with the occupants, who were said to be Asian and owners of a canine security company (note: it’s not confirmed if this was K9 Cube or another firm).
The volunteer wrote: ‘These are the pics from Dagenham – no food, no shelter, no water.
‘We have been waiting for the RSPCA to attend since yesterday despite numerous calls.’
They added: ‘The address is registered to a security company which has approximately five different addresses.’
Volunteers lowered buckets of food and water for the dogs, to at least keep them alive while waiting for the authorities to attend.
The RSPCA eventually attended and two of the eight dogs were taken into their care immediately with the remaining six also due to be collected.
The occupant of 132 St Georges Road was later named as Abdullah Aslam Baker, born November 1994, and the company name was Baker Guarding Limited. According to Companies House Baker has since resigned as a director the company. The company is still active, however, with an Asif Butt as its remaining sole director..
It’s not known if anyone was ever prosecuted in relation to the Dagenham dogs of if Abdullah Baker is linked to Daanyaal Chowdhury, but the pair have much in common.
CONVICTED (2023) | hoarders Neil Hamilton, born c. 1965, and Elaine Patricia Hamilton, born c. 1981, of Front Street, Pity Me, Durham DH1 – neglected the six dogs in their care.
Beau was skeletal with his hips, spine and ribs visible through his fur
Married couple Neil and Elaine Hamilton were convicted of neglecting their six pet dogs named Ozzy, Oscar, Megan, Beau, Lexi and Bella following an RSPCA prosecution.
When RSPCA inspector Lucy Green arrived at the pair’s home in October 2022 she found all of their dogs were in a neglected state.
In her witness statement, inspector Green said: “Lexi, a tan coloured female chihuahua type dog was lean,
“Beau, a white crossbreed type dog was very thin – his hips, spine and ribs were easily visible. He was lying on a sofa before standing up and vomiting onto the floor.
“Bella, a black and white female lurcher type, was underweight with hips, ribs and spine visible.
Megan
“Megan, a tri coloured terrier type dog, was also very thin. She was long haired but her spine, ribs and hips could easily be felt.
Oscar
“Oscar, a black and white male crossbreed type dog was also underweight with his hips, ribs and spine easily visible and Ozzy a black and white male lurcher type dog was a little underweight with ribs hips and spine visible.
“While in the property Bella put her two front paws in a large empty bowl on the floor. Neil Hamilton went to fill the bowl with water and when he placed it on the floor Bella, Megan, Oscar and Ozzy all drank from the bowl immediately.
“Lexi was hiding under the table and Beau was still lying on the sofa”.
The dogs were taken to a vet for examination who confirmed Beau, Bella and Megan were in a suffering state and Lexi, Oscar and Ozzy would be caused to suffer if their circumstances did not change.
Beau was diagnosed as suffering from a gastrointestinal disease as he had diarrhoea. He was emaciated with a loss of muscle mass.
The vet gave him a body condition score of one out of nine. At 5.5kg he weighed half of what a dog of his breed would be expected to weigh.
Bella, Ozzy and Oscar | Source: Elaine Hamilton – Facebook
Ozzy had suffered a leg fracture after being hit by a car, but the Hamiltons took him to a cat-only clinic and failed to seek follow-up treatment.
Bella had a fever while Megan was malnourished with overgrown nails and severe dental disease.
The RSPCA said that none of the dogs had been given adequate nutrition, fresh clean drinking water or necessary vet treatment.
The court heard in mitigation that the couple had a lack of money.
Healthy again: all six dogs have recovered from their ordeal in the care of the RSPCA
Following the sentencing hearing, Inspector Green said: “All of Mr and Mrs Hamilton’s dogs were underweight ranging from lean to, as stated by the vet, emaciation. Reasonable owners should have noticed this and taken the dogs to a vet to address the issues.
“Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it.
“If people are struggling to cover the costs, there are a number of charities which provide help for veterinary care for pet owners in genuine financial difficulties.
“People can also work with their vet to spread the cost of treatment.”
Sentencing | Neil Hamilton was fined £300, and must pay £75 costs and a £120 victim surcharge. Elaine Hamilton was fined £125 and told to pay £175 costs and £48 victim surcharge. They were both banned from owning animals for 10 years (expires March 2033).
CONVICTED (2023) | repeat offender Nigel John Foster, born May 1967, of 6 Whiterock Road, Killinchy, Newtownards BT23 6PR – for cruelty to pigs found in appalling conditions.
Nigel Foster, who owns a farm in Drumcaw Road, Clough, Downpatrick, admitted 10 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to animals and one charge of failing to dispose of animal carcasses in November 2019.
The court heard that inspectors found approximately 70 animals on the farm. Some were dead, others were “profoundly emaciated” and three were in such bad condition that they had to be euthanised.
Some of the live animals were feeding on the carcases of the dead pigs. Many of the pigs had no access to food while others were being fed flour. None of the animals, which were kept in pens, had access to bedding material or dry, lined areas.
Leaking pipes meant there was a build-up of water faeces.
When Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) inspectors contacted Foster, he claimed the animals were suffering from disease so he couldn’t sell them for fear of it spreading.
Foster further claimed to the inspectors that the pigs were under veterinary treatment.
Foster was ordered to dispose of the carcasses but they were still there a week later when inspectors returned.
The court was told that Foster was suffering from a broken left foot at the time of the latest offences, and told inspectors he had “made alternative arrangements” for the animals’ care.
During an earlier hearing the court heard that Nigel Foster was a declared bankrupt and he and his wife were facing having their home repossessed.
Imprisoning Foster, Judge Gordon Kerr KC said the offences amounted to a “very bad case” of animal suffering.
“The scene, as described, is absolutely appalling. No animals should be kept in this condition and there is no excuse for this type of behaviour,” said the judge, revealing that it was the third time Foster had been in court for animal welfare offences.
Sentencing | jailed for seven and a half months with the same period on licence; compensation order for £7,500. Banned from keeping animals for seven years (expires 2030).
In December 2006 Nigel Foster received a two-month suspended sentence and was fined £1,400 after he was convicted over cruelty to sows and piglets.
He was banned from keeping livestock for two years and received a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.
Foster was convicted of permitting unnecessary suffering to a sow and permitting unnecessary pain or distress to five piglets.
He was also convicted on three counts of failing to provide access to an adequate water supply, two of failing to provide access to a well-maintained lying area with dry bedding and one count of failing to provide pigs with a wholesome diet.
CONVICTED (2023) | Abby Mulhearn, age unknown, of Bank Square, Southport PR9 0DG – left her dog in agony with untreated skin and ear infections.
Mother-of-two Abby Mulhearn was prosecuted by the RSPCA in relation to Staffordshire bull terrier Luna after she failed to follow their advice to seek veterinary treatment for the dog’s painful ear and skin infection. The charity even gave Mulhearn a voucher to cover part of the cost. But on a return visit inspector Leanne Cooper found Luna “yelping and screaming” in agony after scratching herself sore.
In a statement to the court, inspector Cooper said she attended Mulhearn’s flat on March 30, 2022 to investigate a report of a dog with sore ears. She found that Luna’s ears were thickened and dirty and in need of urgent veterinary treatment. Mulhearn told the inspector she would take her to the vets herself.
Inspector Cooper said: “She told me that she didn’t get her money for another nine days, so I agreed to give her a welfare voucher covering £50 of veterinary costs to help get Luna seen as soon as possible and I issued her with a warning notice advising that was done by April 4.”
On a return visit, Mulhearn told inspector Cooper she had booked Luna in to see the vet the following week. But after assessing the dog’s condition, the inspector took her to Greater Manchester Animal Hospital for treatment.
The inspector said she thought the dog had lost weight and added: “I could hear Luna yelping and screaming before I had even entered the flat. She had scratched herself sore around her ears and the ears looked inflamed inside, while she also had sore pink-coloured front paws.”
A vet’s expert report stated that both Luna’s left and right ears were ulcerated and there was lichenification, a thickening which is the sign of a chronic disease. The ear canals were narrowed and there was a dark discharge in both ears and the vet said the dog was in pain.
The vet concluded that Luna had been suffering for at least two weeks and added that she “had developed irreversible changes in her skin and ears, which leads to chronic skin and ear disease for the rest of her life. This may or may not be possible to manage medically, but she may require major ear surgery.”
Luna received ectoparasite and corticosteroids treatments, but her condition did not improve and her overall health deteriorated. Sadly a vet made the difficult decision to put her to sleep to end her suffering.
In mitigation, the court was told that Mulhearn was unemployed and had just separated from her partner.
Mulhearn pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Luna by failing to seek veterinary advice under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and received a suspended prison sentence.
Speaking after the sentencing, inspector Cooper said: “Luna’s owner should have got vet treatment for her at the first signs of illness. The dog had ongoing issues with her skin and we tried to work with the defendant by giving her time to get Luna to a vet.”
Sentencing | 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for two years; a total of £654 in costs and victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for five years (expires February 2028).
