Tag Archives: food and/or water deprivation

Animal Abandonment, Equine Abuse, Hoarders, horses and ponies, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire: Dianne Pearson

May 2, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Dianne Pearson, born c. 1953, from Sowerby Bridge – for cruelty offences to 10 horses, many of whom were put to sleep.

RSPCA prosecution of Dianne Pearson from Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, for cruelty to 10 horses in her care.

Concerns about Pearson’s horses were raised with the RSPCA and World Horse Welfare in April 2023, and officers went to the scene in the village of Norland, Sowerby Bridge. There they discovered 10 horses and ponies kept in cramped, dirty stables and building. Faeces and soiled bedding had built up to the extent that the horses were struggling to stand.

Some of the horses had difficulty walking due to lameness while many were suffering from dental issues and other health problems. One horse was so thirsty he drank readily from a bucket of water when offered to him.

In her witness statement, RSPCA inspector Demi Hodby said all the horses were being kept in unsuitable conditions.

“There was no ventilation and very limited lighting inside,” she said. “All the stables were piled high with bedding and faeces and it was clear they had not been mucked out in some time. The bedding inside all the stables was piled so high that most of the horses’ heads were touching the roof. There was no water inside any of the stables.”

She added: “During our visit, Pearson admitted that Bud had not been out of his stable for two years and it took her over 10 minutes to dig the muck from behind Ellie’s stable door before she could open it and get her out. It also took her some time to dig out another horse called Rio.”

Rescuers had to dig their way into some of their stables owing to the build-up of soiled bedding and faeces.

Four horses were removed that day and six the next; all were examined by an equine vet, whose witness statement said: “In my opinion the environmental conditions these horses were found in were completely and wholly unsuitable.

“Many of the stables were in complete or mostly in darkness and most had little ventilation.This meant that when some of the horses reached the boarding establishment, they found normal visual things extremely stressful, and one horse had to be medicated for this. This shows the psychological suffering caused to these horses.

“The owner failed to take steps to meet the needs of these animals, and this has caused suffering in all of the horses due to the poor and unsuitable environments, and five out of 10 of these horses due to ailments observed.”

Pearson signed six horses over to the care of the RSPCA. After the case a deprivation order was secured so the remaining four came into the charity’s care.

After the case, Ms Hodby said: “I am so pleased to see Fern, Cody, Inca and JJ are thriving with our team at RSPCA Felledge, and delighted to hear that Tilly and Finn have already found their forever homes.

“This was a really sad case to work on and to see ponies kept in such awful conditions was heartbreaking. I’d like to say thank you to our colleagues at World Horse Welfare for their assistance in the rescue and investigating. Working together with other agencies allows us to reach more horses and ponies that need our help and make a big difference to animal welfare.”

Vets made the decision to put Bling, Bud, Ellie and Rio down for health reasons.

World Horse Welfare field officer Gilly Howard said: “Having been shut in those small and dirty stables for so long, Tilly was a very nervous pony and especially difficult to catch. But our amazing team at Penny Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lancashire are working with her to gain her trust and the conclusion of this case means that she can be assessed with a view to finding her a forever home.”

Pearson’s age and her early guilty pleas were considered in mitigation, and it was agreed that although she “feels no particular remorse for the suffering occasioned to her horses”, she “does feel a sense of sadness and believes she always tried her best”.

“The defendant has come to accept that she doesn’t want any of the horses returned to her. She has no desire to keep horses in the future.”

Sentencing | 20-week suspended prison sentence for each of the four offences, to run concurrently, suspended for 12 months; 20 days of rehabilitation activity; £7,000 costs. Disqualified from owning horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and their hybrids indefinitely, with no right of appeal for 15 years.

Horse & Hound

Dogs

Colne, Lancashire: Amanda Hawkins

May 2, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Amanda Hawkins, born 3 April 1974, of Keighley Avenue, Colne BB8 9EP – failed to get veterinary treatment for her dog’s chronic ear infection and skin condition.

RSPCA prosecution of Amanda Hawkins from Colne, Lancashire, who left her pet dog to suffer with a severe ear infection and skin condition.

Hawkins admitted one animal welfare offence in relation to nine-year-old Labrador, Robin, whom she had left to suffer for at least two months.. The RSPCA had provided Hawkins with a voucher for veterinary treatment but she claimed she had mislaid it.

Sadly, Robin’s condition had deteriorated to such an extent that a vet decided he should be put to sleep on welfare grounds.

In written evidence to the court, RSPCA Inspector Vicki Brooks, who attended Hawkins’ home in Keighley Avenue, Colne, said: “I was immediately aware of the unpleasant smell that I associate with dogs that have skin issues. I advised her that I was there to check that she had taken her dog for veterinary treatment in relation to a number of health issues.

“Robin was in lean body condition and had extensive fur loss and a skin condition affecting most of his body. I could see patches where he had scratched or rubbed himself to the point of bleeding. His ears were swollen and deformed, and he was shaking his head regularly which was a sign that he most likely had an ear infection.

“Amanda Hawkins told me that she had not taken Robin to the vet because she could not afford it. I reminded her that a previous colleague had issued her with an assistance voucher to contribute towards her veterinary costs and she told me she had lost the voucher.”

Hawkins was told Robin required urgent treatment and as she had not followed previous advice, animal welfare officers may have been committed.

She agreed for the officer to take him and he was seen at the RSPCA’s Greater Manchester Animal Hospital later that day.

In written evidence, the vet who saw him said: “Robin had signs of chronic ear problems. Both the left and right ear canal were markedly thickened, meaning it was not possible to examine them while he was conscious.

“There was a diffuse reddening of the skin over much of the dog’s body with thinning hair, especially over the back. The presence of live fleas was also noted.

“Examination under a general anaesthetic showed that the right ear canal was narrowed so far as being completely closed over. The extent of scarring, thickening and signs of infection in both ears are likely to be associated with significant pain and discomfort for this dog. Aural haematomas, as suspected in this case, often arise from head shaking as a result of ongoing ear irritation/infection.

“Ear disease with this appearance takes some time to develop. In the early stages, a simple ear infection may not cause significant suffering, but the level of scarring seen here is likely to have caused significant suffering for at least two months, likely significantly longer.”

In interview, Hawkins said that Robin had started nibbling himself and that he was treated regularly for fleas and bathed in flea shampoo. She said she had switched his food to wheat-free but that got too expensive and nothing had worked.

RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Susie Micallef, who was also involved in the investigation, said: “This was a particularly sad case to deal with. Robin’s suffering could have been avoided had he received early veterinary intervention and his owner acted on the help and support that had been given to her.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work; £114 victim surcharge. Five-year ban (expires May 2029).

Lancashire Telegraph

Animal Abandonment, Cats

Wetherby, City of Leeds: Reece Glossop

April 28, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Reece Glossop, born c. 2000, of Wharfedale Lawns, Wetherby, Leeds LS22 6PU – abandoned two cats in an unhygienic flat littered with faeces and hazards.

RSPCA prosecution of Reece Glossop from Wetherby, Leeds, who abandoned his cats for 9 days

Glossop left his home over the festive season, leaving his cats Daisy and Mustafa behind for nine days to fend for themselves inside the filthy and hazardous flat.

No litter tray had been provided and RSPCA inspectors found faeces piled up on the floor which was also strewn with rubbish.

Glossop, who didn’t even have the decency to attend court for his first hearing, was found guilty in his absence of one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

In a a written statement read to the court RSPCA Inspector Emma Ellis described being met with a strong smell of ammonia in the communal area outside the flat during her visit on January 11, 2023.

The inspector met Glossop at the property, and he said he was cleaning to the flat.

She asked about the welfare of the cats and he said he had left on December 24 to go to London because of family issues. He said “someone was supposed to be looking after them”.

“He said he came back on December 28 to check on the cats, but he had to return to London and then he came back again on January 6. When I asked who was looking after the cats during that time he replied, ‘they were looking after themselves’,” said the inspector.

Glossop had left food in a bowl in the living room, but there was no water.

Daisy and Mustafa were in a normal body condition, but it was later found that Mustafa had a heart murmur, which could have been caused by stress.

In mitigation, the court heard how Glossop had been diagnosed with ADHD and suffered from psychosis. He had received therapy for a personality disorder while at a psychiatric unit.

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 hours of unpaid work and 15 hours of “rehabilitation”; £200 costs and £114 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for just three years (expires April 2027).

LeedsLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Gateshead, Tyne and Wear: Toni Rowland

April 24, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Toni Leigh Rowland, born 22 August 1997, of Dundas Way, Felling, Gateshead NE10 9JR – left an 11-month-old dog to starve in a filthy cage.

RSPCA prosecution of Toni Rowland, a single mother from Gateshead, who starved a dog locked in a cage.

Northumbria Police found Rowland’s dog- an American bulldog called Nala – in a urine-soaked cage in a bedroom at a property in Leeming Gardens. Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, on August 27, 2023, and rushed her to a veterinary practice

The puppy was so weak she couldn’t stand for longer than half a minute without falling over. The vet gave her a body condition score of just one out of nine and estimated she had been suffering from hunger for weeks if not months.

The RSPCA was contacted and an investigation started.

In written evidence to the court, Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws, who saw Nala at the vets, said: “She was desperately skinny and I was able to see every bone in her body.

“Her rib cage was visibly protruding from her body and I could count the bones along her spine. Her legs and back end were stained yellow with a strong smell of urine and she was unable to stand for longer than around 30 seconds or so without falling to the ground.

“I could see pressure sores on the pads of her feet and on her elbows. She was friendly despite being visibly very weak.”

The court heard that the team at Vets Now ran blood tests and instigated a feeding plan, aimed at preventing refeeding syndrome, which can be fatal.

Nala was cared for by a veterinary nurse from the practice before being transferred to the RSPCA rehoming centre for ongoing care in November 2023.

In court Nala’s owner, Rowland, a single mother whose two children have apparently been taken into care, admitted to two animal welfare offences.

Magistrates were told Rowland was suffering from “mental health problems” at the time.

When Nala arrived at the RSPCA Felledge Animal and Equine Centre in Chester-le-Street, she would urinate on the floor when staff called her name, so they stopped using it. Thankfully, there has been a happy ending for Nala, who has since been renamed Penny and rehomed with Beth Atkinson, who described her as “my world”.

Inspector Keogh-Laws praised Northumbria Police and vets for their support in the case, adding: “Without a doubt she was the thinnest dog I have ever seen alive. She couldn’t stand unaided at the vets for more than 30 seconds and was quite literally wasting away in a filthy cage.

“She was a very poorly dog when she first arrived at Vets Now in Gateshead and the team there were instrumental in her recovery. I think we were all hoping for the best but possibly fearing the worst, but they did a wonderful job. To see Penny now in her new home, transformed and living her best life with Beth, is just incredible.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 20 days of “rehabilitation” and 200 hours of unpaid work. FIVE-year disqualification order (expires April 2029).

Chronicle Live
ITV News

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Eastbourne, East Sussex: Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne

April 24, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Sophie Charlotte Singer, born April 1982, and Keith Byrne, born 27 April 1984, of 3 Beauchamp Court, 3 Wilmington Gardens, Eastbourne BN21 4PB – left their 14-year-old boxer dog to die while they swanned off on holiday to Center Parcs.

RSPCA prosecution of cruel couple Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne from Eastbourne, who left their elderly pet dog to die while they went on holiday — Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne, who left their boxer dog to starve, were given a suspended prison sentence after the judge heard they have seven children

The heartless couple refused to accept their elderly pet, known as Bentley, was suffering before they abandoned him at home in January 2022.

One of their neighbours raised the alarm in their absence, after entering the home through a broken front door to find Bentley at the foot of the stairs the day after they left.

His breathing was ‘rapid and shallow’, and the neighbour thought he was dying.

Bentley was ‘barely alive’ when an RSPCA inspector entered their home through an unlocked door the next day.

He was covered in scabs and weighed just 12.5kg – less than half the weight of an average boxer.

He had been so hungry, he turned to eating food wrappers and a felt pen found in his stomach. His claws were so overgrown they’d become talons.

Bentley was in such a poor state, police told the RSPCA inspector to remove him despite not legally being allowed to.

Judge Christine Laing KC, who said she has never owned a dog, said: ‘I find this case really extraordinary.

‘Even as a non dog owner, I would have seen instantly that this dog was in a terrible state.’

She added: ‘He would not have been able to move without being in agony.

‘The ribs showing through his skin you could not have failed to miss.

‘He had scabs and inflammation on his skin you could not have failed to miss.’

He had prominent ribs, hips and spine. His eyes were sunken and his claws were curling over.

The RSPCA did their best to save him, but Bentley died overnight after suffering months of neglect.

When contacted by the RSPCA through information found on Bentley’s chip, long distance lorry driver Byrne told them Bentley had not seen a vet for a year.

Singer said they put his condition down to old age and tiredness, claiming she believed he wouldn’t have come home if they had taken him to a vet.

The pair tried convincing the court they had left Bentley – their pet of seven years – in the care of a family friend, but the judge rejected this claim.

Judge Laing said: ‘You insist on continuing to persist with this bizarre story.

‘The dog had clearly been suffering for a very substantial period of time and you decided to swan off on holiday.

‘I’m not even convinced you had somebody to look after it or that this person even existed.

‘The animal was clearly starving. There was no food in its stomach.

‘It really is appalling behaviour. I am at a loss.

‘Both of you talk about it as if it was a beloved family pet.

‘What an example you are showing to your children about what love is.’
Singer and Byrne were convicted in their absence of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and failing to ensure his welfare.

Criticising their avoidance of court, the judge said: ‘There is no mitigation to be found.

‘I’m quite satisfied you have gone to considerable efforts to avoid the whole court process.’

The judge told them they would likely have had to serve time behind bars if they were not the parents of seven children.

Sentencing |
Singer: six month prison term, suspended for two years.; 200 hours of unpaid work.
Byrne: nine month prison term, suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work.
£350 costs each.
FIVE-year ban (expires April 2029).

Sussex World
The Mirror
Metro

Dogs

Lisburn, County Antrim: Kyle Vaughan

April 22, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Kyle Vaughan, born 28 August 1997, of 100 Milltown Road, Lisburn BT28 3TZ – starved two dogs to a skeletal condition.

Prosecution of animal abuser Kyle Vaughan from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, who starved dogs to emaciation.

Vaughan, owner of vehicle valeting business K.V Carkleen, was convicted of cruelty to a Doberman-type and Husky-type dog.

The unnamed dogs were examined by a vet who found they were “suffering due to starvation”. Both had visible hip and rib bones and their spines were prominent.

The charges date back to September 2023 when a local authority animal welfare officer received a report of concern from council enforcement officers who had taken possession of the two dogs.

The dogs were taken into the care of a local animal sanctuary and nursed back to health. They have since been rehomed.

Sentencing | two-year conditional discharge; ordered to pay a total of £369 in legal costs and vet fees. Disqualified from keeping animals for five years (expires April 2029).

Belfast Telegraph

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Todmorden, West Yorkshire: Leah O’Connor

April 21, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | Leah Mae O’Connor, born 23 June 1999, of Summerfield Road, Todmorden OL14 – left two dogs to starve to death in an abandoned property.

RSPCA prosecution of Leah O'Connor from Todmorden, West Yorkshire, who left two dogs in an empty house to starve to death. — Leah O’Connor left two dogs to starve to death in a filthy house

Bulldog Doris and Rottweiler puppy Rox were left behind when single mother Leah O’Connor moved out of a house on Melrose Street, Halifax, in February 2023.

The RSPCA were alerted after the property’s landlord discovered the abandoned pets.

In written evidence to the court, Inspector Demi Hodby said: “The property itself was full of faeces and urine.

“Where there wasn’t faeces there was rubbish and other hazards on the floor and it was difficult to move around.

“It smelt strongly of urine and faeces and it was difficult to stay inside.

“The smell caused my eyes and nose to burn.”

There was a dog cage covered with a blue blanket in the house and inside was the body of Rox.

Inspector Hodby said: “There was no food or water inside the cage and it looked as though the dog had been trying for some time to get out.”

She added: “The dog itself was in an emaciated condition.

“One of its legs was poked through the cage and wrapped around the bars.

“It was absolutely heartbreaking to think what this dog has gone through leading up to its death.”

Doris was barely alive – emaciated, shivering, and lethargic, the court heard.

She was rushed for veterinary treatment and found to be severely dehydrated, covered in fleas, and had to be carried into the room because “she was too weak to stand”.

It was found she had eaten plastic to survive.

The bulldog was there for more than a week but her condition deteriorated and she had to be put down.

The court heard O’Connor had “spun a web of lies” to neighbours and family members, telling them Doris and Rox had been rehomed to someone on a farm.

She told Inspector Hodby in an interview she had done this after leaving the address and claimed someone must have broken in, as she was not aware the dogs were there.

O’Connor had concealed the dog’s suffering and the state of the property, which she wouldn’t allow anyone to enter, before finally leaving the house and abandoning the dogs to die inside.

In mitigation, the court was told O’Connor had been diagnosed with low maturity.

She also struggled with alcohol and drug issues – which she was getting help for – as well as depression and anxiety.

The magistrates were told that the “prolonged neglect” and abandonment of the dogs by their owner for a long period of time could not be regarded as anything other than “a deliberate act, perhaps short of sadistic behaviour”.

O’Connor pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and was ordered to undertake rehabilitation activities.

Speaking after the case, Inspector Hodby said: “The sight of Rox, who had wasted away in that filthy cage, unable to escape, is something that will stay with me, and those who discovered her, for a long time.

“Along with Doris, she’d endured unimaginable suffering over a prolonged period of time, having been abandoned and forgotten about.”

Sentencing | suspended 20-week prison sentence; 33 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. Banned from keeping animals indefinitely.

Telegraph & Argus
YorkshireLive

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Totton, Southampton: Carrie Hansford

April 21, 2024 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Carrie Hansford aka Carrie Matthews, born c. 1980, of Wickham Court, Totton, Southampton SO40 3GJ – caused a 10-year-old dog “unimaginable suffering” after leaving him to starve to death in an abandoned flat.

RSPCA prosecution of Southampton woman Carrie Hansford, who moved out of her home leaving behind her dog to starve to death — Heartless Carrie Hansford left her dog behind to die after moving in with a new boyfriend

Hansford left Staffy Rocky alone in her property on Junction Road, Southampton, after she moved in with a new boyfriend.

The court heard she saw Rocky the day after he died – December 17, 2022 – but left him there to rot.

Eventually a dog warden found Rocky’s emaciated body surrounded by his own faeces.

A statement from an expert vet witness said: “In the kitchen area there were hundreds of faeces deposits.

“There were also a number of household items on the floor along with a deceased male brindle-and-white Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog. The dog was wearing a slack collar and the bony prominences were easily observed.”

The court heard that Rocky had died from starvation and dehydration. He weighed less than 7kg.

The vet’s statement explained the amount of faeces in the kitchen was consistent with Rocky having had access to food and water on a regular basis for a prolonged period.

It added: “However, at some point this must have stopped, and a lack of access to food caused Rocky to lose weight and arrive at an emaciated bodily condition.

“More importantly, at some point in time Rocky’s access to water must have also stopped, resulting in dehydration and death.

“In addition, Rocky would have been spending long periods of time in social isolation. As a social species, this would have affected the mental health of this animal.”

Hansford pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal between 7th August 2022 and 7th December 2022.

Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Mark Knight, the dog warden who discovered Rocky’s remains said it was one of the most distressing cases of animal abuse in his career.

The former veterinary nurse added: “It is clear the owner intended to leave the dog to die. She easily could have gotten assistance and help and that would’ve given the dog a chance.

“He had no chance being locked behind a door with no food or water.

“There were ripped packages, ripped everything, everywhere. The dog had been searching for food and trying to find a way to survive.

“As an animal warden, I am there for the welfare of animals. I felt raw emotion at that time.”

Mark described the punishment meted out to Hansford as “quite shocking”.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “Dogs are completely reliant on their owners and to not provide for their needs is a breach of the law.

“Providing food, water and a suitable living environment are essential elements of that care.

“The vet highlighted that Rocky had been left without food and water for a prolonged period of time and the suffering Rocky endured as a result is unimaginable.”

Sentencing | four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months; 100 hours of unpaid work. A FIVE-year ban on keeping animals.

Daily Mail
ITV News
Daily Echo

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Skelmersdale, West Lancashire: Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne

April 21, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED | mother and son Susan Shaw, born 10 April 1964, and Jack Wynne, born 13 November 1993, of Blakehall, Skelmersdale WN8 9AZ – starved one dog to death and seriously neglected another.

RSPCA prosecution of dog killers Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne from Skelmersdale, West Lancashire.

The body of French bulldog Gucci was found in a mummified state in the bath. She weighed just 3.5kg – around a third of the average weight of a healthy dog of her breed.

Officers then found Violet, who was severely dehydrated and malnourished. At 7.6kg she was also significantly underweight.

The dogs’ feeding bowls were dry and there was no water for them.

An expert vet witness said in a statement read to the court that Violet “was shaking and when offered water drank it quickly.”

A second vet who examined Violet found that she was underweight and had issues with her eyes and skin.

Within three months of vet treatment she gained over 3kg (6.6lb) in weight and her eyes and skin started to improve.

Shaw and Wynne pleaded guilty to five animal welfare offences each.

A snake and a fish were also found at the property and were signed over to the RSPCA’s care.

Sentencing |
Shaw: 26-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Wynne: three-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months. They were both ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.
Both are banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

Manchester Evening News
Lancashire Telegraph

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

Fleur de Lis, Caerphilly: Colin and Ruth Williams

April 21, 2024 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2024) | unlicensed backyard breeders Colin Williams, born c. 1977, and Ruth Williams ( née Ruth Sanders), born c. 1972, of Glanddu Road, Fleur de Lis, Blackwood NP12 3XT – for a catalogue of animal cruelty offences towards dogs and puppies they exploited for money.

Prosecution of prolific backyard breeders Colin Williams and Ruth Williams from Fleur de Lis, Blackwood, Caerphilly, Wales - for dog cruelty.

The couple were prosecuted followed an investigation by Caerphilly County Borough Council trading standards.

Together with officers from Gwent Police, a veterinary surgeon, and officials from neighbouring councils, a warrant was executed at the Williams’ home address in June 2023. The premises was suspected of being used for unlicensed dog breeding.

Three French bulldogs, two British bulldogs and two cavalier King Charles spaniels were found severely confined in pens in one room with no access to water.

One of the pens, which housed two other dogs was in an alcove under the stairs. The conditions provided insufficient space with the animals having no stimulation and unable to show normal behaviour.

All nine dogs had conditions which caused them unnecessary suffering. The dogs were found to be suffering from skin, eye, ear and airway diseases.

The dogs were seized after being looked at by the vet and placed into the care of Hope Rescue. They have since been rehomed.

Colin Williams, who used to run a business called Valley Ultrasound and Microchipping and now works as a window cleaner, admitted 17 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and one charge under Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for not declaring he was a breeder when he advertised the dogs’ sale.

He also admitted a charge under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) (Wales) Order 2007 of the Animal Health Act 1981, for illegally taking two pregnant dogs to Heathrow Airport.

Ruth Williams admitted 15 cruelty charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and a charge under consumer protection law.

Lyndsey Smith, rescue and adoption manager of Hope Rescue Centre, said: “Many of the dogs arrived with health issues so we were shocked to hear they were still being bred from.

“Amongst the group of dogs were a very nervous duo of cavalier bitches. They moved out to foster care together and developed such a lovely relationship – we just had to find them a home where they could stay together.”

Sentencing |
Colin Williams: jailed for four months. Indefinite ban.
Ruth Williams: eight-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. 10-year ban.
£12,000 costs.

Caerphilly Observer
South Wales Argus

UK Animal Cruelty Files

Tag Archives: food and/or water deprivation

Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire: Dianne Pearson

CONVICTED (2024) | Dianne Pearson, born c. 1953, from Sowerby Bridge – for cruelty offences to 10 horses, many of whom were put to sleep.

Colne, Lancashire: Amanda Hawkins

CONVICTED (2024) | Amanda Hawkins, born 3 April 1974, of Keighley Avenue, Colne BB8 9EP – failed to get veterinary treatment for her dog’s chronic ear infection and skin condition.

Wetherby, City of Leeds: Reece Glossop

CONVICTED (2024) | Reece Glossop, born c. 2000, of Wharfedale Lawns, Wetherby, Leeds LS22 6PU – abandoned two cats in an unhygienic flat littered with faeces and hazards.

Gateshead, Tyne and Wear: Toni Rowland

CONVICTED (2024) | Toni Leigh Rowland, born 22 August 1997, of Dundas Way, Felling, Gateshead NE10 9JR – left an 11-month-old dog to starve in a filthy cage.

Eastbourne, East Sussex: Sophie Singer and Keith Byrne

CONVICTED (2024) | Sophie Charlotte Singer, born April 1982, and Keith Byrne, born 27 April 1984, of 3 Beauchamp Court, 3 Wilmington Gardens, Eastbourne BN21 4PB – left their 14-year-old boxer dog to die while they swanned off on holiday to Center Parcs.

Lisburn, County Antrim: Kyle Vaughan

CONVICTED (2024) | Kyle Vaughan, born 28 August 1997, of 100 Milltown Road, Lisburn BT28 3TZ – starved two dogs to a skeletal condition.

Todmorden, West Yorkshire: Leah O’Connor

CONVICTED (2024) | Leah Mae O’Connor, born 23 June 1999, of Summerfield Road, Todmorden OL14 – left two dogs to starve to death in an abandoned property.

Totton, Southampton: Carrie Hansford

CONVICTED (2024) | Carrie Hansford aka Carrie Matthews, born c. 1980, of Wickham Court, Totton, Southampton SO40 3GJ – caused a 10-year-old dog “unimaginable suffering” after leaving him to starve to death in an abandoned flat.

Skelmersdale, West Lancashire: Sue Shaw and Jack Wynne

CONVICTED | mother and son Susan Shaw, born 10 April 1964, and Jack Wynne, born 13 November 1993, of Blakehall, Skelmersdale WN8 9AZ – starved one dog to death and seriously neglected another.

Fleur de Lis, Caerphilly: Colin and Ruth Williams

CONVICTED (2024) | unlicensed backyard breeders Colin Williams, born c. 1977, and Ruth Williams ( née Ruth Sanders), born c. 1972, of Glanddu Road, Fleur de Lis, Blackwood NP12 3XT – for a catalogue of animal cruelty offences towards dogs and puppies they exploited for money.

We collate data on animal cruelty convictions in the UK