CONVICTED (2024) | Eugene Meenaghan, born 10 February 2001, of 43 Crabgate Lane, Skellow, Doncaster DN6 8LE, Joseph Murtagh, born December 2001, from Woodlands, Doncaster, Jay Poole born 2 April 2004, of 3 The Circuit, Woodlands, Doncaster DN6 7TE, and Jake Reidy, born 23 May 2005, of 58 Princess Avenue, Stainforth, Doncaster DN7 5QY – for the possession of hare coursing equipment and destroying a farmer’s field.
The four men, who are all prolific wildlife persecutors, travelled from Doncaster to the hamlet of Apley, near Wragby, East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, in the early hours of 1 October 2023. They then drove through a farmer’s field, damaging the land and destroying crops, before attempting to leave the area.
Eugene Meenaghan
The crime was reported to Lincolnshire Police and patrolling officers from Spec Ops quickly identified the vehicle and stopped the group near Burton Waters.
Officers found longdogs and equipment such as lamps – used in lamping to stun wild animals before dogs are set loose.
They were arrested and subsequently videos of animal fights were found on their phones.
Jake Reidy
All four men were charged with being equipped to hare course, breach of section nine of the animal welfare act and criminal damage. They pleaded guilty to these charges.
Jay Poole with father Craig Poole
On Thursday 25 April 2024 officials at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court told the group to pay out a combined total of £19,791.72 in costs and compensation.
Eugene Meenaghan will pay £5,262,93. Joseph Murtagh will pay £4,842.93. Jay Poole will pay £4,842.93. Jake Reidy will pay £4,842.93.
Magistrates described the crimes as ‘cruel and despicable’ and said the events of that night had ‘caused great distress’.
Joe Murtagh
This result comes after a lengthy police investigation and PC Karen Irving, who works for the rural crime action team, insists this behaviour won’t be tolerated.
She said: “We are determined to make Lincolnshire the safest place to live, work and visit. This result shows we will use all avenues available to us to bring people to justice and protect our communities and wildlife.
Sentencing | costs and compensation; 10-year criminal behaviour order not to enter Lincolnshire with longdogs; 100 hours of community service. Forfeiture of mobile phones and lamping equipment. Disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years..
CONVICTED (2024) | Sampson Richards, born 18 August 1995, of Liberty, Lestraynes Lane, Penryn TR10 9EL – goaded his dog into chasing and attacking a deer.
Richards pleaded guilty to an offence under the Deer Act 1991 after an RSPCA investigation led to his prosecution.
The animal charity was alerted after video clips showing a dog being encouraged into chasing down and attacking the young deer were shared on a Facebook group.
The footage, which was filmed at night, shows the 13-month-old beige saluki cross lurcher named Butch biting the terrified animal and shaking him vigorously while he screams out in pain. The voice of a male, who captured the footage under torch-light, is heard encouraging the dog throughout the chase and attack.
The video closes with the person filming saying: “It’s good for you to be able to see this”.
A vet, who examined the footage as part of the RSPCA investigation, said in their statement for the court: “The duration of the video was 73 seconds long, however this would not have represented the whole duration of the incident.
“I expect that the footage was started after the person in the video had realised that his dog was in pursuit.
“When the footage ended the deer was clearly still alive. We cannot say how long before the poor creature was put out of its pain, nor what method was used for this. Hence, the incident was probably far longer than the duration of the video.
“This extremely distressful video shows the illegal coursing of a deer by a lurcher. ‘Lamping’ refers to the usage of a specialised torch to enable the pursuit. Such a light was later found at the premises of Sampson Richards.
“The dog was actively encouraged and helped to chase and attack the deer and clearly praised for his activities by the person making the video.
“The deer was terrified and afraid and suffered great pain and distress. At no time did the person try to stop the chase. No attempt was made to pull the dog off the deer whilst the person was standing right over it.
“There was no evidence that the deer was to be swiftly and humanely dispatched, in the likelihood that it was too badly injured to be taken to a vet for first aid treatment.
“We have no idea how long the total chase went on for. We have no idea how long before the deer was euthanased. We have no idea whether the person making the video let the dog kill the dog, presumably by ripping its throat apart, or whether the person shot it or cut its throat himself.
“One thing that we can be sure of is that the deer suffered terribly.
“Unlike animals such as dogs, horses, cattle and sheep, deer do not vocalise under normal circumstances, only when they are terrified or in pain or during the mating season. Thankfully it is extremely unusual to hear a deer vocalise. It is without doubt that this deer suffered terribly.”
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: “We share our space with wildlife and need to show respect and kindness. Animals feel pain, just as we do, and we’re appealing to everyone to show care and consideration to all animals.”
The full charge against Richards read: That on or about November 21, 2022 in the vicinity of Liberty Barn, Lestraynes Lane, Penryn, Cornwall, or elsewhere within the jurisdiction, you did, while on any land, attempt to take, kill or injure any deer without the consent of the owner or occupier of the land or other lawful authority, contrary to Section 1 (2)(a) of the Deer Act 1991.
Butch was signed over into the care of the RSPCA for rehoming.
Sentencing | 12-month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work; £400 costs and £114 surcharge; forfeiture and confiscation of the lamping lamp.
CONVICTED (2024) | Thomas Ledbury, born c. 1985, of Pine Close, Corsham SN13 0LB – part of a group of huntsmen that threw a live fox to a pack of hounds.
Tom Ledbury was captured on video watching another person remove a terrified fox from his den before throwing the animal to a pack of hunting dogs.
Ledbury, who was employed by the now defunct Avon Vale Hunt as a terrierman, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting another to commit an offence, namely unnecessary suffering to a fox.
Video footage obtained by hunt saboteurs showed Ledbury supervising hunt members as they throw a live fox to a pack of baying hounds in an incident near Melksham on December 24, 2020.
The video shows the fox being bitten on its right hind upper leg and upper neck as it is launched into the pack.
Ledbury is shown looking on as the horrifically cruel incident takes place.
An expert witness told the court there was no doubt that the fox was alive when he was pulled from the hole. He added that the poor creature would have experienced severe fear and extreme pain whilst being torn apart by the hounds. It would have eventually lost consciousness and died.
Two other men – namely Oliver Thompson of Faringdon, Oxfordshire and then Avon Vale Hunt Master Stuart Radbourne, a serial wildlife persecutor from Chippenham, Wiltshire, were convicted in relation to the same incident.
Stuart Radbourne (left) and Oliver Thompson
Thompson was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a fox following trial and sentenced to a 20-week suspended prison sentence. Radbourne received a suspended 18-week custodial sentence.
Image credit: Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs
A fourth man named Charlie Ball was also present and initially prosecuted. Unfortunately, the status of the prosecution against him isn’t currently known.
Charlie Ball (standing) pictured with Tom Ledbury. Photo credit: Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs – Twitter
A fifth hunt member identified by Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs as Rob Shearring was shown in the video with a spade and “assisting with the illegal kill”. It is unclear why charges have not been brought against Shearring given his clear involvement.
The Avon Vale Hunt was disbanded in February 2023 after it was removed from the sport’s governing body following the leaking of a video showing two foxes being dug out of the earth and thrown to waiting hounds on December 20, 2022.
Chief Inspector Will Mitchell, from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit which led the investigation, named Operation Aurora, said: “As part of a larger investigation the video footage was identified from a seized mobile phone.
“This shocking hunt video shows the lack of compassion and empathy for this fox who is thrown to a pack of baying hounds to be ripped apart. It’s really worrying to think anyone may find treating an animal this way fun.”
Sentencing | 12-month community order with a requirement to undertake 240 hours of unpaid work.
Ledbury runs a business called Tom Ledbury Maintenance and Installations. He currently holds a contract with Bath and North East Somerset Council to repair and maintain street furniture and park infrastructure.
CONVICTED (2023) | sadistic Daniel Taylor, born c. 1992, of 99 Shrewsbury Road, Manton, Worksop S89 2TX – tortured, killed and mutilated more than 100 deer, foxes, badgers and pigeons.
A police search of the home Daniel Taylor shares with company director wife Georgina Ruth Taylor, née Georgina Brigham, revealed over 100 graphic phone videos and images which showed him attacking, decapitating and encouraging his dogs to fight and kill wildlife.
Prosecutor Lucy Woodcock told the court: “In some videos he is seen dissecting the animals and ripping internal organs out”.
Officers also found 15 deer heads and 14 fox tails, as well as snares and weapons.
Police found a shocking hoard of deer skulls, fox tails and weapons at Daniel Taylor’s family home
A blood-stained quad bike and lamping equipment were also recovered.
Police arrested Taylor, confiscated his phone and removed his dogs from the house as part of the investigation.
Officers were able to map the images and videos on his phone to specific locations.
PC Mark Holland, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “From this we were able to prove when and where most of the animals were killed and link this evidence in with several reports of poaching.
“We also received intelligence which helped establish Taylor was in areas at the relevant times.”
PC Ben Harrison said: “At the back of Taylor’s premises we found what was essentially a slaughterhouse for animals.
“Taylor clearly took pleasure out of his dogs torturing these animals.
“They were clearly being trained to get hold of these animals and rip them to shreds.
“The videos were gruesome and the sounds of the animals squealing in pain were horrible.
“In one particular video, while Taylor was filming one of these acts, he dropped his phone and it flipped over. He bent over to pick it up and it captured a full face shot of him. There was no question over who was doing the filming or who was the owner of these videos.”
The court heard Taylor had played a leading role in “sadistic behaviour” which was “prolonged and repeated” between August 2021 and February 2023.
Sentencing Taylor, Judge Mark Watson told him: “These offences cannot in any way be described as sport. This was a barbaric hobby of yours.
“This was planned activity by you and you clearly revelled in the suffering of these animals.
“You encouraged your dogs to attack these animals with ferocity and they suffered immeasurably.
“These were prolonged and repeated incidents of serious cruelty and examples of sadistic behaviour.”
Sentencing | jailed for two years and eight months. Banned from owning, keeping or participating in keeping dogs for at least seven years
CONVICTED (2024) | wildlife persecutor and backyard breeder Riley Jay Ronald Leigh-Shaw, born 16 April 2001, of Southern Cottages, Horton Road, near Stanwell, Staines-upon-Thames TW19 6AG – kept two lurchers, a Patterdale terrier and a Jack Russell in dilapidated and filthy outdoor cages.
Riley Leigh-Shaw, an animal abuser from the Spelthorne district of Surrey.
Surrey Police officers found the four dogs after conducting a warrant at an address in Stanwell on May 11, 2023. The animals, who all appeared neglected and malnourished, were kept in dilapidated wooden cages within the garden of the property.
Two of Leigh-Shaw’s dogs. All four were malnourished and kept in ramshackle cages full of rubbish and excrement.
The dogs were seized under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and taken to a vets for assessment. At least one of them needed urgent medical treatment.
In court, Leigh-Shaw pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and four counts of keeping the dogs in unsuitable conditions.
Investigating Officer PC Duncan MacKenzie said; “This was a shocking case where the dogs were kept in appalling conditions. Fortunately, the dogs have all now been placed in loving homes and will be able to live as they should.
“If you think someone is mistreating or neglecting animals in their care, please make sure to report it to us.”
Sentencing | 75 days in prison. Ten-year ban on owning animals.
CONVICTED (2024) | John Cameron Lindop, born 20 March 2000, of 7 Albion Hill, Epworth, Doncaster DN9 1HU* but with family links to Gainsborough, and Lucy Elizabeth Melrose, born 20 June 2000, of Hawthorne Road, Ferryhill DL17 9DP but originally from Gateshead – killed and burned a puppy and abused other animals in a campaign of horrific cruelty.
John Lindop and Lucy Melrose were convicted of a litany of cruelty offences against numerous animals including three dogs, one of whom was sadistically killed by one or both defendants, a chicken and a Shetland pony
John Lindop and Lucy Melrose committed a series of sickening offences against defenceless animals. These included killing a puppy and burning the remains, beating a second dog, riding a small lame pony, and setting a dog on a chicken while filming the carnage.
At the time the pair lived together in a flat in Fifth Street, Horden, County Durham.
It was said in court that the pair were in a tempestuous relationship and took out their frustrations on their pets.
Lurcher Max, who was described as subdued and withdrawn, had suffered injuries to his abdomen. He required treatment by the PDSA for muscular damage and other injuries
They appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday 16 February 2024 and were given suspended prison sentences.
The crimes came to light following an RSPCA investigation led by Inspector Clare Wilson, which spanned two years and involved multiple animals.
The charity was first alerted to the couple in February 2022 when a member of the public contacted the RSPCA after bringing Max, a lurcher they had recently rehomed, into the PDSA Gateshead with injuries to his abdomen, and blood in his urine.
Inspector Clare Wilson said: “Max was very subdued and withdrawn, he was hanging his head and was attached to drips when I first saw him.
“I immediately noticed that his muzzle was very swollen as was his right side near his shoulder. There was blood visible in the white of his right eye too. I was told that he had been weeing blood.
“There was bruising visible on his abdomen and sheath and there were blood marks on his legs and I saw old scars on his rear legs near his feet. His nails were not scuffed as we would expect if he had been hit by a car so the vet told me that they thought he had been beaten or kicked.”
The member of the public who brought the dog into the vets had rehomed him from Melrose and Lindop the day before and she had brought the lurcher to the vets as soon as she realised he was injured.
Tally had inflammation of an ear which should have been treated by a vet
A vet report found Max had suffered blunt force trauma injuries, brought on by physical abuse.
The report said: “Max was bleeding from both nostrils which were dripping blood. He had soft tissue swelling around his left eye and bruising on his neck. He also had visible bruising and swelling on both sides of his ribs and thighs and heavy bruising on his abdomen. The injuries suffered by Max are consistent with low energy impacts, such as kicking, being hit by fists, or thrown from a few metres down or falling down the stairs.
“Out of each of these scenarios it is my opinion that being kicked is most likely due to the placement of all his injuries. In my opinion, he has been hit or kicked to the muzzle and kicked repeatedly – possibly multiple times to his abdomen as bruising and injuries were more extensive there.”
When interviewed, Melrose claimed that Lindop had, “kicked him like a football and stamped on his head.”
It was later revealed that during the investigation, the couple had hid other dogs from the RSPCA, including a lurcher called Bambi and a German Shepherd dog called Tally.
Melrose later showed these dogs to the RSPCA’s investigating officer. Tally was underweight and her right ear was crooked and inflamed with a severe ear infection.
Durham Crown Court heard how the vet found Tally suffered due to the ear condition which would have caused irritation and pain for at least 10 days or longer.
A report stated that the person responsible for Tally had failed to seek veterinary advice for her ear condition and therefore had failed in protecting her from pain and suffering.
During the investigation, Melrose’s phone was seized and found to contain shocking videos depicting more animal welfare offences. This included Bambi, a fawn coloured lurcher, being baited and set on a chicken. Lindop claimed Melrose was responsible for this but “accepted he found it funny at the time, but did not know if the chicken had died as he had gone to the chip shop”.
A video on Melrose’s phone showed her riding a lame Shetland pony called Dinky, who was much too small for her
A series of other videos on her phone showed Melrose riding a Shetland pony called Dinky who was struggling under the weight of carrying her and was clearly lame in one leg.
Analysis of the videos by a vet revealed: “The female was far too large for both the saddle and the pony and as a result her body overhangs the back and sides of the saddle. The female is carrying a whip in her right hand and trying to force the pony to trot forwards.”
The 16-second video showed her hitting the pony with a stick 10 times.
The pony tries to avoid having to move forward and only moves forward at a trot once she has been repeatedly smacked with the whip and this is due to the fear and pain of being hit. The mouth of the pony is often open due to her discomfort and the pony is visibly lame on the right forelimb.
Text messages between Lindop and his mother were also discovered in which Lindop asks “If a dog’s been hit and nearly dead am I not in the right to finish it off so it’s not in pain or does that mean I killed it?”.
With the reply: “She killed it, you put it out its misery but you would both get done as should have been done by a vet humanely.”
Lindop then replied to his mother: “Won’t find it now like coz burnt it (sic).”
The burned remains of Welsh herder puppy Hades were found on scrubland near a railway line in Horden, County Durham
The charred remains of Hades, a 12 week old Welsh Herder puppy, were also found close to a railway line in an area of scrubland in Hordon, Peterlee, where there were burnt patches on the ground and fragments of Hades’ bones were discovered by the RSPCA.
Lindop claimed in graphic detail that Melrose had killed him whilst Melrose told investigators that Lindop had “hung him from a door until he was brain dead.”
The prosecution said they were unable to say who killed Hades but the method of his death was “sadistic” and involved him being hung from a door and killed with a hammer.
Lindop, whom it was said in court is living with his family in Gainsborough in Lincolnshire, admitted two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and permitting or failing to stop unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Melrose admitted two counts each of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, and permitting or failing to stop unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, plus one of causing an animal fight to take place by baiting a chicken with a dog.
In mitigation, the court heard how the pair had challenging backgrounds and it was felt that rehabilitation is possible, given their young age.
Philip Morley, for Lindop, said he was, “not a sophisticated man”, having had “limited education” and is thought to suffer with an undiagnosed learning difficulty.
He said despite that, he has held down a variety of jobs and, “largely kept out of trouble”.
Mr Morley said at one stage Lindop formed a relationship with Melrose which he described as “toxic” and for which there is, now, no prospect of any reconciliation.
“It was clearly an unhealthy relationship for either party and not a good environment for those animals to be kept in.
“He’s deeply sorry and ashamed for what happened.
“The relationship got on top of him and he clearly took his eye off the ball.
“Both have now moved on and he has a new life in Gainsborough, working with his step-father in roofing and window cleaning.”
Mr Morley said, ironically, Lindop has a background of looking after animals and won a number of rosettes for training dogs in his younger days,
But he added that his client does not accept responsibility for the death of Hades, for which he has shown “genuine upset and remorse.”
Aspiring Only Fans skank Melrose shows off her tacky tattoos
Katie Spence, for Melrose, said her previous employment involved working with animals, but the entire experience of what went on during her relationship with Lindop has put her off any future involvement, regardless of the punishment and bars put on her by the court.
“She is extremely remorseful for any behaviour and wishes she had dome more than she did in these circumstances (to prevent it).”
Judge Peter Armstrong also mentioned mental health issues and commented that Lindop was now in a secure relationship with a baby on the way.
He said due to their age, their immaturity, and lack of previous offences, he was “just” able to suspend the inevitable prison sentences on both defendants.
He said, given the volatile relationship the pair were involved in, “I suspect you were taking out your frustrations on these animals in your welfare.”
He said he would not try to pinpoint who was primarily responsible for, “this catalogue of most unpleasant offending.”
Speaking about the case, RSPCA Inspector Clare Wilson, said: “This has been the most challenging case of my career so far and has been extremely distressing to investigate. It is clear that many animals suffered untold pain and mental torture at the hands of these defendants and I am immensely relieved that they will not be permitted to care for animals again for a long time.”
The RSPCA said Dinky was owned by a third party and is doing better now after recovering from her mistreatment. The dogs were brought into the care of RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester-le-Street where they have now been rehomed.
Sentencing | each were given 16-month prison sentences, suspended for two years. Both will undergo 40 days of rehabilitation and Lindop was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Both were disqualified from keeping all animals for 15 years.
CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder and wildlife persecutor Gregory Peter Cashmore, born 19 May 1985, of Churchill Road, Cheadle, but with strong family links to Longton Road, Knenhall, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 8TW and the Meir area of Stoke on Trent – allowed dogs to fight and left one so badly injured she had to have a leg amputated above the shoulder; failed to treat dogs injured during organised fights with wild animals.
Cashmore, a violent career criminal whose previous convictions include serious domestic violence and firearm possession, failed to take several injured dogs to vets for treatment. He was prosecuted by the RSPCA following an investigation.
One of the offences related to Star, a blue and fawn female French bulldog, who had been badly hurt while fighting with another dog.
Although Star received initial emergency treatment from a vet she was discharged with her owners failing to follow advice to follow up with further care. As a result, Star lost a leg above the shoulder.
Cashmore, ,whose father Darren Cashmore is a convicted badger baiter, also failed to meet the needs of a dark brindle bull lurcher known as Django and also failed to failed to arrange veterinary examination and treatment for a tan and white bull lurcher known as Thor, both of whom had injuries consistent with wild animal fighting.
In a statement provided to the court, RSPCA officer Jason Bowles, who led the charity’s investigation, said he entered the back garden in March 2022 after securing a police warrant via a side gate and saw a number of well-built kennels in good condition containing dogs.
Cashmore with notorious Stoke breeder and a convicted animal abuser in his own right, Alex Johnson who already has two separate entries on our database here and here. Johnson has rumoured links to dog-fighting rings.
One kennel held Thor, who had scarring to his muzzle and a swollen, inflamed joint to the right front paw.
Another kennel housed Django. He had scarring to his nose and muzzle and a healed lower jaw injury to the left side of his mouth.
Both Thor and Django were seized by police.
Cashmore with former partner Millie Moult. She was also prosecuted in relation to Star and sentenced in August 2023.
The court heard that inspector Bowles was then made aware of an incident on June 17, 2022 involving a French bulldog called Star – who he said he later recognised from being at the property on the day of the warrant. It was confirmed that Star sustained injuries after fighting with another dog.
In a written statement, attending officer Rachel Leafe said she met a woman who showed her Star. She said the dog looked ‘extremely lame on her left foreleg and was hardly weight bearing on it at all’.
She continued: “There was a discoloured fluid around the top of the left foreleg which was running down the leg and chest. The fluid looked very unpleasant. My first thoughts were that the injury looked infected.”
She asked the woman if Star had received veterinary treatment for the injuries and she showed her an email from a pet insurer authorising a claim which was dated June 15. 2022 and an email from a vet who saw and treated Star on June 5. 2022.
Inspector Leafe phoned the vets who confirmed Star was seen and treated – and they gave her initial emergency treatment and recommended that she was admitted for further treatment. However, this advice was not followed. Although it was said that Star went to another vet at a home address – no evidence of this was given.
It was agreed for Star to be taken for a veterinary examination by the RSPCA. After a full vet assessment it was found that she was suffering and was subsequently seized by police and placed into the care of the RSPCA.
In a written statement provided to the court, the vet who examined Star said: “In my experience the combination of staples and stitching present seems unlikely from a qualified experienced vet. The stitches removed of a thick black material, possibly cotton thread rather than recognised modern veterinary suture.
“Although some veterinary medicines (injectable antibiotics) and equipment (stapler) were at the premises it is my understanding that there were no oral medicines in appropriately labelled packaging or proof of veterinary care such as invoices presented to the inspector.
“In view of this, my findings and subsequent developments with the wound it is my professional opinion that this dog has been caused unnecessarily suffering from the June 7, 2022 onwards.
“The failure to seek professional ongoing prompt veterinary care (after the first initial treatment) with ongoing monitoring has resulted in a deep seated infection and bone pathology, directly leading to bone fracture and the necessity for urgent radical surgery.”
Cashmore is a prolific backyard breeder trading under the name Cash Bullyz
The court heard Star remained in intensive care from June 17 to July 4 while staff treated her for multiple infections. Sadly vets could not save her left foreleg which had to be amputated along with her shoulder blade in order for her to be saved. Star has since made a good recovery.
Cashmore flogs an item of equipment commonly used by dog fighters
Cashmore pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act. In mitigation it was heard that Cashmore has “struggled with his mental health”.
Before being sentenced, Cashmore signed over all three dogs into the RSPCA’s care. Star, Django and Thor, who has been in kennels, can all now be rehomed.
Following the hearing, RSPCA officer Bowles, said: “Star and Django have been in RSPCA foster care and both have been doing really well; Star has adjusted well to life with three legs.
“Despite going through a lot she is such a lovely dog and has really settled in with her foster carers; I’m so pleased she can now start her new life. When you have a pet you are responsible for ensuring they get the correct veterinary attention should they injure themselves or become sick. There’s no excuse for leaving an animal in such pain.”
Sentencing | 22-week custodial term, suspended for 12 months; 20 days of rehabilitation activity; 150 hours of unpaid work; £600 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge. He was banned from keeping all animals for just five years (expires February 2029).
A second person, believed to be Cashmore’s now former partner Millie Moult, was sentenced in August 2023 after pleading guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to follow veterinary recommendation to seek further professional veterinary treatment for the injuries Star had sustained.
She said she did not own Star or the dogs that caused her injuries and claimed she was told that others would be taking responsibility for Star. She was handed a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and 10 RAR days and was ordered to pay £300 and a £95 victim surcharge.
In March 2023 Cashmore announced on Facebook that he was now in a relationship with a woman called Lea M Webb. Webb, who appears to be from Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester. A photo of the happy couple suggested that the pair had at least one thing in common: a love for persecuting wildlife with dogs. Webb’s dog evidently bears scarring to his face, legs and body – all of which are injuries consistent with animal fighting most likely foxes and/or badgers.
Since Cashmore’s current relationship status on Facebook is ‘single’ these two may have gone their separate ways.
Additional Information
Following his animal cruelty conviction, a former neighbour of Greg Cashmore contacted us and alleged the following:
“A couple of years ago Cashmore and his then partner Millie Moult beat a puppy to death with a shovel. A neighbour came outside after hearing a dog screaming and saw them do it. The puppy was only about four weeks old. It looked like they were doing it for fun.
“The neighbour reported what she had seen to police but officers came out a week later, by which time there was no evidence that it had ever happened.
“No other witnesses came forward because everyone’s so scared of him.
“The neighbour was brave to ring police because that Greg is a full-on psychopath. He’s got a gun and tried shooting someone before.
“He is the type to set fire to his house with his own kids inside just to make a point.
“He pushed his ex, who he has two children with, down stairs while she had a new-born baby in her arms.
“He always gets off lightly because he makes a deal with the prosecution and grasses up drug dealers.”
CONVICTED (2024) | Dane Crawford, born c. 1993, and Shelby Wallis (born 3 October 2000), both of 18 Howgill Avenue, Lancaster LA1 2HG – for offences relating to illegal ear cropping and serious wildlife crime.
Lancaster man Dane Crawford was jailed for 30 months and given a lifetime ban for a ‘portfolio’ of animal cruelty offences against a fox and his own pet dogs, while partner Shelby Wallis walked free with a suspended prison sentence and 10-year ban.
Crawford and Wallis both pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act, which included failing to treat their two lurchers’ injuries, including one badly fractured leg, and for allowing the ears of two of their bullbreeds – Drey and Shakira – to be illegally cropped.
Crawford also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a fox after setting dogs on the wild animal inside a garage.
Dogs recovered from the couple included bull breeds Drey and Shakira, both of whom had illegally cropped ears.
The RSPCA launched an investigation following reports of puppies having their ears cropped, leading to a warrant being executed by police at a property in Lancaster in February 2022.
A number of dogs were present but there was no evidence of any crimes having been committed.
During the property search, two mobile phones were recovered which contained images and videos of wildlife being attacked by dogs. This prompted a further warrant, on November 1 2022, in which Crawford was arrested.
Lurchers Major and Lassie were found with untreated injuries after being used by Dane Crawford to attack wild animals including foxes.
During this search, more dogs were found at the property, including two lurchers – called Major and Lassie – with untreated injuries, and bullbreeds with cropped ears. Five dogs in total were removed and placed into RSPCA care.
An image recovered from Crawford’s mobile phone showed Crawford with one of his dogs and a dead fox.
Investigators also looked into the images and videos from the phones, two of which showed foxes being set loose in confined spaces with dogs encouraged to attack them.
RSPCA Inspector Will Lamping, who led the investigation, said after the case: “An image was recovered showing Crawford in very distinctive trainers with one of his dogs, holding a dead fox.
“We could identify him within the video of the fox being attacked because of these trainers.”
A vet assessed the lurchers and bullbreeds after they were removed from the home of Crawford and Wallis.
She described Major’s facial injuries as “unusual” and “traumatic”, and suspected they’d been caused by another animal at least 72 hours before. She said, in her witness statement, that the owner should have sought veterinary advice.
She described Lassie’s fractured leg as ‘a traumatic wound’, adding: “I am not sure how it happened but the dog has been left with a very painful leg and the owner had not sought timely veterinary advice. As such there was development of swelling and more pain, and infection.”
Inspector Lamping added: “In interview, Crawford told me he got the two lurchers six weeks before from Appleby. Wallis told me that the three bullbreed dogs were hers and that they’d been imported.”
Lassie and Major were signed over into the RSPCA’s care a few days after they were removed. After spending some time receiving treatment, were both rehomed. The bullbreeds were signed over at a later date.
Sentencing the couple, Judge Simon Medland KC said they had shown “cruel and neglectful behaviour” which caused the animals to suffer “to a substantial degree”.
Addressing Crawford in relation to the offences against the fox, he said: “Your behaviour was criminal and utterly shocking.”
Following the sentencing, Inspector Lamping said: “This case sends a clear message to those that choose to engage in wildlife persecution and ear cropping that their cruel activities will not be tolerated.
“It took many hours to comb through the videos and pictures on the phones recovered; but this work uncovered the serious level of cruelty shown to both the wild animals literally being thrown to the dogs – and to the puppies whose ears were being mutilated.
“The defendants’ own dogs were used in these attacks and were left without vet treatment for serious injuries – including a fractured leg.
“Both have been handed lengthy bans on keeping animals, and handed prison or suspended prison sentences, for their treatment of animals.”
Sentencing | Crawford: 30 months in prison; £3,500 towards costs. Disqualified from keeping all animals for life. Wallis: three-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months; 200 hours of unpaid work; £2,500 towards costs. Disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.
CONVICTED (2024) | backyard breeder and wildlife persecutor William Scott, born c. 1962 of 24 Elliot Crescent, Calderwood, East Kilbride G74 3ET – for cruelty to a snake and five ferrets over a two-month period.
Scott, who is originally from Prestonpans, East Lothian, admitted failing to provide adequate food, water and living conditions for the pets.
Scottish SPCA animal welfare inspectors found the snake to be emaciated and suffering from infected lesions.
One of the ferrets was also significantly underweight and had a skin condition associated with dehydration.
Scott’s solicitor described his client as a “lifelong dog breeder” and “some kind of authority on hunting type dogs”.
He added that Scott’s own living conditions at the time were “very poor due to his poor mental and physical health”.
He was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to his ferrets and snake, by failing to provide a suitably safe and clean environment for them to live in. His not guilty plea of causing unnecessary suffering to a lurcher-type dog was accepted by the court.
He was ordered to pay a total of £420 and banned from owning and keeping ferrets and snakes only. Sheriff Colin Dunipace rejected the prosecution’s request to have him disqualified from keeping dogs.
Speaking about their investigation, a Scottish SPCA inspector said: “On August 31, 2022, we received a call in relation to a property in Elliot Crescent in East Kilbride from a local authority environmental health officer.
“The caller noted a strong unpleasant smell emanating from the property and a large build-up of flies around the door of the property.
“They also reported that the ferret hutch was in poor condition, and the ferret himself was shaking.
“We attended the property the same day and upon entering the communal garden, we found a ferret within his hutch in extremely poor body condition.
“He was wobbly on his feet and was visibly shaking. The hutch itself was in very poor condition, with a large build-up of faeces, no bedding and lack of all other necessary provisions.
“Two water bottles were present but both were empty. A food bowl with old, congealed, soggy food was present but was clearly not fit for consumption.
“Concerns for the ferret were such that we made the decision to remove him immediately in order to obtain emergency veterinary treatment.
“The ferret was examined by a veterinary surgeon who confirmed he was in an emaciated body condition and was extremely dehydrated.
“The ferret required immediate hospitalisation, for fluids and rehydration therapy.
“A veterinary assessment confirmed that the ferret had been caused unnecessary suffering. The ferret remained hospitalised for approximately 48 hours before coming to one of our centres to recover.
“On gaining entry to the property the living conditions were of immediate concern.
“There was a significant build-up of rubbish, household items, and dirt and grime throughout.
“There was an obvious strong unpleasant smell, and flies swarmed throughout the property.
“A small metal cage within the living room housed four polecat-type ferrets.
“The cage was dirty, and completely inadequate in size for the animals within. There was water provided and the ferrets appeared to be in good body condition.
“In the room obstructed by hazards, a vivarium containing an adult female dwarf hog island boa constrictor type snake was found.
“The vivarium glass had a buildup of dirt and within the vivarium, there was a lot of shredded skin and a significant amount of faeces and urine.
“There was no water present and the snake herself appeared lethargic, and lean in body condition.
“Due to concerns for the body condition of the snake, arrangements were made for her to attend an exotic specialist vet immediately for assessment.
“It was noted she was thin and mildly dehydrated. She has lesions on her ventral scales and an infection on her tail.
“Her movements and reflexes were weak and she was cold to the touch.
“The vet concluded that the snake had been caused unnecessary suffering for months due to a combination of unhygienic conditions, starvation, untreated conditions and lack of veterinary care.
“The snake was prescribed a specific course of antibiotics and provided specialist care advice for her recovery. She was transported to one of our centres for ongoing care.
“We are pleased that Scott received this ban but we would have preferred the ban to include all animals and not just ferrets and snakes.
“Some of the ferrets have since been rehomed and the others are waiting to be rehomed.”
A lurcher dog, Astor, was also taken from Scott by the inspectors and rehomed pending the outcome of the court case.
Sentencing | fined £420. Banned from keeping or owning snakes and ferrets for five years (expires February 2029).
CONVICTED (2024) | Karl W Jenkins, born c. 1975, of Regents Way, Winsford CW7 2YQ – left a dog to suffer instead of taking him to a vet.
Welshman Jenkins was banned from owning dogs for just one year after causing suffering to a bull lurcher named Buddy, who is believed to have suffered an unexplained lip injury.
Karl Jenkins’ abused dog, Buddy, whom is thought to have recovered after being removed from him
While the precise details of Buddy’s condition has not yet been disclosed by the mainstream media, there is evidence on social media that Jenkins and his teenage son (whom we can’t yet name due to his age) like to indulge in the persecution of wild animals for fun.
Taking into account his breed, it is possible that Buddy was injured after being forced to fight foxes or badgers but this must be treated as pure speculation at this stage.
Jenkins with his ‘chip off the old block’ teenage son, whom we cannot yet name
We are advised by relatives of Karl Jenkins that Buddy recovered but this is unconfirmed.
In court, Jenkins admitted failing to act on October 16, 2022, when he didn’t take the poorly dog to see a vet for treatment, causing him to suffer.
Sentencing | 120 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within 12 months. Court costs of £120 and £114 victim surcharge. Disqualified from owning and keeping dogs, as well has being able to control or influence how they are kept, for 12 months (expires January 2025)
