Tag Archives: hunting with dogs

Animal Abandonment, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Reptiles / Exotics, Small Furries

East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire: Bill Scott

February 5, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

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.

Animal abuser William Scott from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire. Image: Facebook

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.

Pets neglected by William Scott from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Scotland

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).

Daily Record
Glasgow Times

Dogs, hunting with dogs

Winsford, Cheshire: Karl Jenkins

January 21, 2024 misanthropic 1 Comment

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.

Animal abuser Karl Jenkins from Winsford, Cheshire. Image: Facebook.

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 — 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.

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)

Northwich & Winsford Guardian

animal fighting / baiting, Animal Torture, deer, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, poaching, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Bransgore, New Forest: Kristen and Todd Cooper

January 19, 2024 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | brothers Kristen Christopher Cooper, born 2 May 1999, and Todd James Edward Cooper, born c. 1994, of 24 Westbury Close, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8AZ* – tortured wild animals to death and filmed their agonies.

Sadistic animal killers: brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire — Sadistic brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper

Career criminal brothers Kristen and Todd Cooper, who are gypsies, made a series of sick videos showing hares and deer being abused and mutilated.

During one depraved incident, the pair mutilated the genitalia of a deer – to the extent that officials could not tell if the animal was male and female – and stabbed another in the eye on camera, causing an ‘extreme level of suffering’.

In another twisted video they held a hare by his head and encouraged a dog to bite him.

Sadistic animal killer: Kristen Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

A vet reviewing the videos as part of the investigation described the footage, filmed in 2021 and 2022, as the “worst case of animal abuse” he had seen in his 24-year career.

“These images will stay with me forever,” he said.

Sadistic animal killer: Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Other videos showed deer being dragged by their antlers having appeared to have suffered spinal injuries from possibly being hit by a car, with one piece of footage showing a man raising a wooden object above a helpless deer’s head as if he was going to strike it.

The brothers were caught after police seized a phone containing the shocking videos.

Kristen Cooper was charged with seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal with Todd Cooper being accused of one count.

But after appearing at the crown court for these offences and being released on bail, just days later the pair were apprehended again after attacking a mother and her son outside a Co-Op in Betsy Lane in Bransgore on March 4, 2023.

In a video shown in court, the pair can be seen with a third unknown man, ramming another car before getting out and attacking the vehicle with a catapult, a crowbar and a baseball bat.

The victims of the attack later gave evidence at trial with the mother saying she “genuinely believed they wanted to kill us”.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Stuart Ellacott said the animal abuse was “sadistic” adding that the animals were in “distress and suffering”.

Aleks Lloyd, defending Kristen – who has eight convictions for ten offences – said this is the first time his client has been in custody adding that he “appears to be getting his head down and getting on with it”.

Ruba Huleihel defending Todd, who has 24 convictions for 52 offences, said her client has ADHD and was exposed to violence from a very young age.

Judge Peter Henry sentenced the pair for a variety of offences committed in the New Forest and in Dorset, including actual bodily harm, criminal damage and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

He said: “One would have thought that both of you being brought up in the New Forest you would have had more respect for such defenceless creatures.

“It was being filmed, other people were present and other people seemed to find it all very amusing.”

Both men were given restraining orders banning them from ever contacting the mother and son they attacked ever again.

This image shows the Cooper brothers and an as yet unidentified accomplice participating in hare coursing, a cruel sport in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team – who led the case alongside Hampshire police – said after the sentencing: “These are without doubt some of the most horrifying offences I have ever investigated.”

Angharad Thomas, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “The level of cruelty displayed in this case is beyond comprehension and the brothers showed an inexplicable disregard for the welfare of these animals peacefully existing in the wild.

“An expert witness for the prosecution described the actions of Kristen and Todd Cooper as the worst case of animal abuse they had ever come across in their 24-year veterinary career.

“The CPS welcomes today’s sentence and hopes it sends a clear message that we will continue to work with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.”

Sentencing |
Kristen Cooper: jailed for five years; 10-year criminal behaviour order. Banned from owning a dog for ten years.
Todd Cooper- jailed for three years and eight months.

Daily Echo
Dorset Police
Daily Mail

*alternative addresses per newspaper reports |

Kristen Cooper: Whitelands, Bransgore BH23 8DY
Todd Cooper: Jubilee Court, Sway, Lymington SO41 6HA

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, hunts, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Elham, East Kent: Robert and Jack Mills

December 22, 2023 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | father and son wildlife persecutors Robert Mills, born c. 1956, and Jack Mills, born c. 2001, both of Little Orchard, Exted, Elham, Canterbury CT4 6YG – used superglue to patch up the wounds of a dog forced to fight a fox.

East Kent wildlife killers and dog abusers Robert Mills and son Jack Mills from Canterbury — Jack Mills (left), his father Robert Mills (centre) and an as yet unidentified Kent Hounds terrierman. Photo credit: West Kent Hunt Sabs

Robert and Jack Mills, who are believed to be terriermen with the Kent Hounds, used the strong commercial adhesive in a botched DIY effort to put the Patterdale terrier’s lip back together after she was maimed during the illegal chase.

The terrier, known as Fudge, was one of two dogs discovered with shocking injuries at the pair’s family home in Elham, near Canterbury.

The other, a lurcher called Rose, had extensive scars across her face, a large part of her tongue missing and she had a weeping nailbed on one of her paws.

The Mills had allowed the animals to suffer without seeking proper treatment for their injuries.

Incriminating messages – including a photo of a smiling Jack Mills posing with a dead fox – were found during examinations of their mobile photos.

In court, both men pleaded to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

East Kent wildlife killer and dog abuser Jack Mills from Canterbury

The court was told police executed a warrant at their home on January 18, 2023, as part of an RSPCA investigation known as Operation Aurora.

In a statement provided to the court, RSPCA special operations officer Jason Bowles, said: “Rose from kennel A had a large part of the skin around her lower jaw missing and part of her tongue. Her feet were discoloured. She had extensive scarring to her face and muzzle.

Images of animals harmed by Robert Mills and Jack Mills of Little Orchard, Exted, Canterbury

“Fudge from kennel A had part of her lower jaw in an unusual state in that it looked to have been injured in the past and had healed in an odd shape and she had scarring to the muzzle.

“There was a strong smell of ammonia in the building but I took into consideration that this was early in the morning, possibly before an early morning routine had been executed.

“Bedding was inadequate in all kennels in that they did have hard beds but only remnants of straw in some.

“Water bowls were present but at least one kennel only had remnants of water. Bowls could easily be knocked over and spills take place. Empty bowls were refilled.”

Of the five dogs kept in kennels in the outbuilding, two of them – Rose and Fudge – were seized.

Patterdale Fudge suffered horrific facial injuries after wildlife killers Robert Mills and Jack Mills forced her to fight wildlife — The court was shown messages discussing how Robert and Jack Mills had used glue to try to repair degloved tissue on a dog’s lip after she had been injured by a fox. No pain relief had been sought

Recounting the notes of an expert veterinarian who examined the animals, prosecutor Janet Patel told magistrates: “There was damage to the skin of Rose’s lower jaw with the site of a deep tear or cut visible on the lower jaw and a loss of the lip margin contiguity.

“A significant amount of the tongue had been lost in a surgical or traumatic incident. The lesions are consistent with those that could be received in a fight between this dog and a large mammal such as a dog, fox, or badger.”

The vet added that a nail was missing on Rose’s left paw, oozing fluid and causing clear pain to the dog.

Fudge was found to have suffered significant damage to his face and head, and was missing a number of front teeth.

“The person caring for Fudge cut off some tissue, used commercial superglue to try and repair degloved tissue on her face and did not administer any pain medication,” the prosecutor added.

Messages shared between Robert and Jack Mills – both bricklayers by trade – described the dogs being used to hunt foxes.

Lurcher Rose suffered a catalogue of painful injuries after wildlife killers Robert Mills and Jack Mills forced her to fight wildlife

Records from their phones indicated Fudge was caused harm in November 2021.

The vet added: “The entries, dated 16.11.2021, lead me to believe that Fudge was involved in a fight with a mammal such as a fox, large dog, or badger.

“The use of the word ‘hangin’ implies the lower jaw has been degloved to some extent, leaving the tissue literally hanging. There are two more statements. Firstly, that super glue has been used to try and put it back together and secondly that some of the flesh has been cut away.”
This referred to a message, containing a typo, which said: “I just cut a bit of.”

The vet continued: “To advise the court in this matter I am forming my opinion on the basis that the person caring for Fudge cut off some tissue, used commercial super glue to try and repair the degloved tissue and did not administer any medication.”

Another mobile phone message discovered by officers read: “Had any joy with the fox?”

A picture of a dead fox was also shared with the words: “Went out this morning, Fudge killed it.”

Ms Patel added: “That is the language of both Jack and Robert tracking and killing foxes, and it is not them flushing a fox out so that it can be killed humanely with a pistol.

“Both Jack and Robert Mills have shown deliberate disregard for the welfare of animals by placing them in situations where they sustained these horrific injuries.”

When questioned by police, Robert said that the dogs’ facial injuries had occurred when Rose and Fudge encountered a badger in the garden and that both dogs had been attacked by a rabbit.

But his son contradicted that claim in an interview, saying that neither dog had ever come across a badger.

Mitigating, solicitor Sam Harkness told the bench both men were remorseful.

“Mr Mills says he has owned dogs all his life. He deeply regrets his actions and Mr Mills Junior says this is a steep learning curve,” said Mr Harkness.

“They are both devastated that they have been involved in these proceedings, but they have cooperated.”

The charges related specifically to Fudge’s facial injury and the wound to Rose’s foot, which was sustained in the days before the police visit in January 2023.

During a discussion about the prospect of both defendants being banned from keeping any animals, the pair were seen intensely shaking their heads.

Sentencing the pair, chairwoman of the bench Patricia Light told them they had “broken the custody threshold because there is more than one dog with deliberate suffering,”

She added: “The fact that you have access to a vet and financial means to pay for treatment and yet still did not seek treatment shows deliberate disregard for the welfare of the animals.”

She continued: “We are also granting a deprivation order for Fudge and Rose and the RSPCA will seize your other dogs.

“We are also granting a disqualification order for both of you in relation to owning, keeping, or participating in controlling or transporting any animals for five years, no application may be made to appeal this for two years.”

Rose and Fudge, who have remained with the RSPCA since January 2023, can now be rehomed.

The Mills’ other three dogs will be seized within 14 days, with magistrates also giving them two weeks to rehome a number of chickens and ferrets.

Sentencing | 23-week custodial, suspended for two years; 150 hours of unpaid work; £500 costs and £154 surcharge each. Five year ban in relation to all animals, but can appeal after two years (expires December 2028).

Kent Online
ITV News

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

Faringdon, Oxfordshire: Oliver Thompson

December 13, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED | huntsman Oliver Thompson, 32, of 4 Old Berks Hunt Kennels, Little Coxwell, Faringdon SN7 8ES – baited a petrified fox cub with a dog while his wife Felicity Thompson, aka Felicity Hook, filmed events.

‘Sadistic’ huntsman Oliver Thompson baited a petrified fox cub in Wiltshire countryside while his wife Felicity Thompson filmed — Huntsman Oliver Thompson was filmed training a terrier to attack a fox

Thompson, formerly of the Old Berkshire Hunt, was filmed removing a young fox from a trap and repeatedly putting her in close proximity to a terrier named Nelly in July 2020.

The video – filmed near Melksham, Wiltshire – was leaked and the RSPCA successfully prosecuted the defendant Oliver Thompson for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Thompson pleaded guilty to the offence at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, and appeared for sentencing on Monday 11 December.

He also admitted second charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal – which involved throwing a fox to a pack of hounds on Christmas Eve 2020.

Magistrates described his offending as “sadistic behaviour” in which he had a “leading role”.

Felicity Thompson, whose voice is heard on the video, was also charged. However, prosecutors offered no evidence and the case against her was dismissed.

After the footage was leaked, the British Hound Sports Association said it had suspended Oliver Thompson pending further investigation. but he subsequently resigned from the Old Berkshire Hunt.

A spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association said that it was “no surprise for us to learn about the latest incident of animal cruelty”.

They added: “These two new offences pre-date, but are in addition to the recent court case of Stuart Radbourne and whipper-in Aaron Fookes who were also sentenced Hunting Act and Animal Welfare Act offences, when they also threw a fox to the hounds in Brokerswood in December 2022.

“Hunt Saboteurs are out in the fields, week in week out and witness the cruelty at every hunt we attend. The next government must act and close down the smokescreen of trail hunting for good.”

Sentencing | 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work; costs of £2,500. No dog ban was imposed but the court ordered Thompson to hand Nelly the terrier over to the RSPCA. It’s not known if she will be re-homed or put to sleep.

Wiltshire999S
Protect the Wild
North West Hunt Saboteurs

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

Eye, Cambridgeshire: Fred Holmes

November 18, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | serial hare courser Fred Holmes, born c. 1963, of Eye View Travellers Site, Thorney Road, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7UA – for trespassing on private land and using dogs to chase and kill hares in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Traveller Fred Holmes was fined nearly £20k after being caught in Lincolnshire using dogs to kill hares

Following a report of hare coursing in Low Road, Crowland, on November 13, 2022, officers from Lincolnshire Police’s Rural Crime Action Team attended and located Fred Holmes, who appeared to be equipped with dogs on the land.

Holmes was subsequently charged with trespass in pursuit of hare and going equipped for trespass.

Northamptonshire Police joined the investigation as he was also suspected of hare coursing in Warmington on October 23, 2022.

Holmes was already subject to a community protection notice in Northamptonshire after committing similar offences previously, and his three lurcher-type dogs were seized alongside his mobile phone.

The joint force investigation resulted in Holmes being charged with two counts of trespass in pursuit of game, and two counts of being equipped to trespass in pursuit of hares.

Despite initially denying the Northamptonshire offences, at Boston Magistrates’ Court on November 10, 2023, he entered guilty pleas to all four counts.

Sentencing | ordered to pay £16,783.50 for the kennel costs of keeping the three dogs since their seizure, as well as fines for the two trespass offences and two victim surcharges, making a total of £18,557.50. Three-year criminal behaviour order which prevents him from entering any private land in Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire or Cambridgeshire with a sighthound, greyhound, long dog or lurcher type dog or cross breed, or being in the company of anyone with this kind of dog on private land, during the recognised hare coursing season (July 31 – April 30). Deprivation order for three dogs; forfeiture of thermal imaging equipment and a Citroen car. Banned from keeping dogs for 10 years (expires November 2033).

Spalding Voice
Peterborough Telegraph
ITV News

Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Ardoyne, Belfast: Darren Prenter, Patrick McGourty, Paddy Shannon

October 29, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | hare coursers Darren Prenter, born 25 May 1996, of Velsheda Court, Belfast BT14 7LZ, Patrick McGourty, born 27 December 1995, and Patrick Robert Shannon, born 17 March 1972, of Cranbrook Court, Belfast BT14 7HA.

Belfast hare coursing gang members L-R Darren Prenter, Paddy Shannon, Patrick McGourty — Hare coursing gang members L-R Darren Prenter, Paddy Shannon, Patrick McGourty

Prenter and McGourty admitted illegal hare coursing as well as aggravated trespass in Glenwherry Moor in County Antrim on January 22, 2023. Shannon only admitted the aggravated trespass offence.

Following their guilty pleas, the Public Prosecution Service withdrew charges of killing game and taking part in a hare-coursing event.

A defence lawyer told the court the moor’s gamekeeper alerted the police to suspected hare coursing.

When officers arrived, the defendants came walking across fields with three lurchers and a springer spaniel.

While they claimed they had been out walking their dogs, two dead hares were found during a search of a car.

Belfast hare coursing gang members Darren Prenter and Patrick McGourty

The trio said they had found them by the roadside but were given a formal police caution.

The Public Prosecution Service told the court earlier this week that hare coursing had been a persistent problem on the moor.

District Judge Nigel Broderick replied: “I think I’ve dealt with this area before.”

A defence lawyer conceded that since the dead animals had been found with puncture wounds, it was likely they had died in coursing.

But they added there was no evidence they had been killed on the moor.

Belfast hare coursing gang member Paddy Shannon

Judge Broderick doubted the trio had been in the area merely to walk dogs.

He said: “They all live in Belfast [and] they were in Ballymena. It’s a long way to go just for a walk.”

The judge said: “I take a dim view of this behaviour. It’s an area of conservation, well-maintained, and this was a deliberate act.”

The case against Shannon was adjourned until December 7 for a pre-sentence report.

Sentencing | Prenter and McGourty were given a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for three years.

Belfast Telegraph
North West Hunt Saboteurs (blog)

Update | December 2023

Career criminal Patrick Robert Shannon has now been sentenced. Shannon, who has 156 previous convictions, was given three months in prison, suspended for three years.

Hare coursing is the latest conviction for prolific criminal Patrick Robert Shannon from Belfast

District Judge Nigel Broderick told him: “On balance, I will leave something hanging over your head.”

Shannon, now of Annesley Street in Belfast, had already admitted aggravated trespass when he appeared at Ballymena Magistrates Court.

Judge Broderick told Shannon that when deciding his sentence, he had to take into account his extensive criminal record. His previous convictions include armed robbery and drug smuggling.

Belfast Telegraph

Animal Abandonment, animal fighting / baiting, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, rabbits, Small Furries, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Shirebrook, Derbyshire: Brian Birch

October 16, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | backyard breeder / wildlife persecutor Brian Birch, born 17 September 1993, of Ash Grove, Shirebrook, Mansfield NG20 8QA – kept 17 injured, flea- and worm-riddled dogs in filthy conditions and allowed multiple ferrets to starve to death.

Animal abuser Brian Birch from Shirebrook, Derbyshire. Picture: Facebook — Monstrous animal abuser Brian Birch from Shirebrook, Derbyshire, was allowed to keep one Jack Russell dog

In September 2022 officers from the Shirebrook Safer Neighbourhood Team were called to the home Birch shares with partner Kayleigh Iles, born 19 August 1994, who was also charged originally.

Shirebrook woman Kayleigh Iles also faced dog cruelty charges. Image: Facebook — Despite living at the property where 17 neglected dogs had been callously mistreated, Birch’s partner Kayleigh Iles had the charges against her dropped

Officers found 17 dogs of various breeds living in filthy conditions, with faeces and urine covering the garden.

The animals were seized and taken to kennels.

They were found to be riddled with fleas, they had bleeding paws and were suffering with worms.

Police say as well as the dogs, they also seized two rabbits and two malnourished ferrets.

They found the bodies of between five and ten dead ferrets piled on top of one another in the ferret cage.

Fourteen of the dogs have been rehomed, but two had to be put down.

The two rabbits and two ferrets seized were taken by the RSPCA.

The court allowed him to keep one dog

Birch initially denied any wrongdoing.

He eventually pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the welfare of an animal, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

No evidence was offered for the same charges against Iles and these were dropped at court.

Sentencing | 25-week prison sentence suspended for 24 months; ordered to pay £4,000 Banned from keeping animals for 15 years, except for an unfortunate Jack Russell who the court allowed him to keep.

ITV News

Additional Information

Birch has a home improvement business called Midland Property Maintenance.

Midland Property Maintenance is owned by convicted animal abuser Brian Birch from Shirebrook, Derbyshire

Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, hunts, Organised Animal Crime, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Melrose, Scottish Borders: Myles O’Connor

October 14, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

‘Not Guilty’ (2023) | huntsman Myles O’Connor, born c 1993, of 3 Greenwells Cottages, Melrose TD6 9HE – cleared of illegally hunting a fox with dogs.

Myles O'Connor, formerly a whipper-in with the Buccleuch Hunt, is now believed to be working for the Old Berkshire Hunt in Faringdon, Oxfordshire. Image credit: Scottish Borders Hunt Sabs — Myles O’Connor, formerly a whipper-in with the Buccleuch Hunt, is now believed to be working for the Old Berkshire Hunt in Faringdon, Oxfordshire. Image credit: Scottish Borders Hunt Sabs

O’Connor, of the Buccleuch Hunt based in the Scottish Borders, was found not guilty of hunting a fox with dogs at Hume, near Kelso, on 22 December 2021.

Two investigators from the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) had been filming activities of hunt members.

It was claimed that a hound started chasing a fox after picking up a scent and nothing was done to stop the pursuit.

Myles O’Connor gets friendly with fellow wildlife killer Tim Allen, also of the Buccleuch Hunt. Source: Scottish Borders Hunt Sabs

However, Mark Moir KC said in his closing statement: “Mr O’Connor did not see the single hound chasing the fox and therefore was not deliberately involved in encouraging the hunting.”

After considering the evidence, Sheriff Peter Paterson agreed and delivered a not guilty verdict.

He said: “It is well known that cases of this nature involve highly emotive issues with a clear polar divide.

“That is not a matter for the court. It is for the court to apply the law.

“In this case, thankfully and possibly for the last time, this does not need the complexities of the 2002 Act.

“It boils down to whether the accused witnessed the single hound pursuing the fox and under the law I need to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt.”

Sheriff Paterson said he agreed with Mr Moir’s position that O’Connor did not see the hound pursuing the fox and, if he had, he would have taken steps to recall that hound.

He added he had no difficulty in returning a not guilty verdict in this case.

O’Connor, who gave an address in Melrose, is no longer with the Buccleuch Hunt and is understood to be working for the Old Berkshire Hunt, which is based in Faringdon, Oxfordshire.

Robbie Marsland, director of the LACS, said it was disappointed with “yet another not guilty verdict”.

He said it showed the need for a “new, stronger law” to replace the 2002 act, which the group said had led to only one successful prosecution for mounted fox hunting.

BBC News
North West Hunt Saboteurs

Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Middlesbrough / Knaresborough, North Yorkshire and Worksop, Notts: John Langan, Shane Hooton, Joe Foster, Dean Adams

October 12, 2023 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | John Alan Langan, born June 1986, of 12 The Hawthorns Great Ayton, Middlesbrough TS9 6BA, Shane Hooton, born c 1992, of Thistle Hill Caravan Park, Thistle Hill, Knaresborough HG5 8LS and Joseph Foster, born 30 December 1987, of 78 Manton Crescent, Worksop S80 2RG and Dean Thomas Adams, born 27 November1995, of 7 Hebron Court, Stokesley, Middlesbrough TS9 5FD – for hare coursing offences.

Convicted for hare coursing: John Langan, Shane Hooton, Dean Adams, Joe Foster from North Yorkshire / East Midlands — Clockwise from top left: John Langan, Shane Hooton, Dean Adams, Joe Foster

Appearing in court on 9 October 2023 in relation to hare coursing charges were serial offender John Langan with his latest accomplices Shane Hooton and Joseph Foster. Dean Adams failed to appear in court and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Langan, Hooton and Foster pleaded guilty to the offences of trespass and going equipped to trespass with intent to search for or pursue hares with dogs, under Section 63 and Section 64 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

This was in relation to an incident on 23 December 2022 when four men were stopped by Rural Task Force Officer Rich Fussey as they came off private farmland in Leven in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

They were in possession of running dogs without any permissions to be on the land.

John Langan was sentenced to 12 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 12 months – the court felt the offence was so serious that a custodial sentence could be justified.

He was also given a ten-year Criminal Behaviour Order covering England and Wales with conditions around the control of dogs, not being on private farmland without permission and a complete ban on entering Humberside.

He was also fined £85 costs, £154 victim surcharge, disqualified from driving for 56 days and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid supervised work within the next 12 months.

Shane Hooton was sentenced to a £500 fine, £85 costs and £200 victim surcharge and given a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order covering the same conditions as Langan.

Joseph Foster was sentenced to a £500 fine, £85 costs and £200 victim surcharge.

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