Tag Archives: Kent

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Rochester, Kent: Kayleigh Smee

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Kayleigh Smee, born c. 1989, of Cambria Avenue, Rochester ME1 3HZ – killed a chihuahua by hurling him 30ft out of third-floor window.

Smee with ex Ryan Doe. She claimed in court that Doe, an alleged domestic abuser, would beat the chihuahua

Mother-of-two Smee, who works as a cleaner, threw the eight-year-old dog, called Prince, from the window of a third-storey flat in Rochester. While Prince initially survived the fall, he was too badly injured to be saved.

Chihuahua Prince broke his neck in the 30ft fall
Chihuahua Prince broke his neck in the 30ft fall

Jeremy Cave, prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA, told how Smee and boyfriend Ryan Doe had been out drinking and returned to her flat in Rochester.

A row broke out and Smee claimed her lover was violent and had damaged the door of the flat after she threw him out.

As he stood below her window, Smee began throwing out crockery before throwing out Prince, alleging her lover had often beaten the animal.

Smee initially claimed not to have tossed the canine out of the window, then claimed he may have been thrown out with clothes.

But Mr Cave said none of the eye witnesses saw any clothes on the ground, just the injured dog.

Prince was then taken for treatment by a vet after suffering bleeding and severe spasms but 12 hours later he was put down despite emergency treatment.

Smee pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Prince.

Dog killer Kayleigh Smee from Rochester, Kent

John Connor, defending, told the court Smee had been “of good character for about the last decade”, and that her previous offending was not animal related.

He said Smee was in an abusive relationship at the time of the incident and had “an awful lot going on in her life”.

Judge Philip Statman told Smee: “Prince, this much loved little Chihuahua, died the most awful death…which was wholly avoidable.

“This was an ugly incident which happened spontaneously but was not done out of revenge.”

He said some people say the way animals are treated is the hallmark of a civilised society.

The judge told her that she had only pleaded guilty days before the trial was due to begin and said he was not convinced her remorse was genuine.

He said she was “thinking about herself” too much, evidenced by her looking around the courtroom throughout the hearing.

Sentencing | 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years; 200 hours of unpaid work; 30 rehabilitation activity days. Banned from owning or keeping a dog for 10 years (expires July 2033).

Kent Online

Bestiality / Zoophilia, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders

Dover, Kent: Phillip Henry

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | horse rapist and paedophile Phillip Henry, born c. 1987, of Auckland Crescent, Dover CT16 2JR

Kent horse rapist Phillip Henry

Phillip Henry, a known pervert with previous convictions for possession of child porn and sexual assault of two underage girls, pleaded guilty to bestiality in relation to a cob pony named Betty.

The construction worker was heard “giggling” while he forced himself upon the animal, with his trousers around his ankles, in a field at a private stable in Dover on April 16, 2021.

He was caught red-handed by a stable-hand and fled the scene, but was arrested when his DNA was found in a sample taken from the horse.

Henry initially denied bestiality, claiming that the horse had been contaminated with sperm inadvertently after he ejaculated in the field.

But he later pleaded guilty to intentionally having sex with a living animal, namely a horse, which carries a maximum sentence of two years.

Opening the case, prosecutor Don Ramble explained: “On April 16, 2021, at about 4.30pm in the afternoon, [the stable-hand] was working at Longhill Livery in Dover.

“She noticed that one of the horses was missing, and when she looked around the field, it was then that she saw the defendant, [who was] not known to her.

“He was standing behind the horse that was missing from the others, and so [the stable-hand] went over to investigate, and not long after she saw clearly what was happening.

“The defendant was wearing yellow high-visibility trousers, and these were down by his ankles. He was thrusting back and forth from behind the horse. She did not run away – she instead screamed at the defendant.

“She described in her statement the defendant’s reaction to being caught having sex with a horse.

“He casually pulled up his trousers, still exposing himself, and then [she] bravely gave chase and ran towards the defendant.

“He then began running away. She pursued him by a nearby field but he was too fast and he managed to escape.

“She then notified the owner of the horse … who had the wherewithal to immediately call his vet to attend – specifically so swabs could be taken.”

Kent horse rapist Phillip Henry

Forensic results recovered from the horse’s vagina contained the defendant’s DNA, Mr Ramble explained.

Police attended Henry’s address where they also recovered 13.3 grams of cannabis.

He was arrested for possession of cannabis and intercourse with a horse.

The court heard no harm came to Betty, while the method Henry used to restrain the cob – a breed which can weigh as much as 50 stone – remains unknown.

Mitigating, John O’Connor, said Henry receives “full support” from his mother and step-father, who attended his sentencing hearing.

“They find it very difficult to understand what happened two years ago,” he said.

Henry believes he violated the horse after becoming stressed at work, while suffering bereavement following the loss of two family members.

Mr O’Connor argued Henry has a “real prospect of rehabilitation,” while he’s fit for unpaid work at weekends.

And he said the defendant would benefit from a programme designed to help rehabilitate sex offenders, while his partner also wishes for him to attend.

Mr O’Connor stressed if Henry was jailed immediately his partner would struggle with mortgage payments, potentially risking her home.

Urging the judge to suspend a spell in custody, he said the nature of Henry’s job means “there is no reason for him to be near liveries, stables or horses at all.”

Judge Douglas Marks Moore was unconvinced, however, and sent Henry to jail while branding his actions “beyond contemplation – reprehensible, appalling, disgusting”.

He added: “In my judgement there is sometimes an offence of such a nature that courts must mark society’s disapproval and abhorrence.
And in my view this is such a case.”

After Judge Moore passed sentence, Henry could be heard saying: “Oh, that’s not good – I love you mum.”

Sentencing | jailed for eight months. Prohibited from being at any stable or place where equine animals are housed permanently, or to have any contact with horses unsupervised.

Kent Online

Dogs, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Thames Ditton, Surrey: Jimmy Smith

2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Jimmy Smith, born c. 1988, a traveller most recently of Thames Ditton, Elmbridge, Surrey but with links to Ashford, Hounslow and Feltham – killed two cocker spaniel puppies by repeatedly slamming them into a concrete floor.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor
Puppy killer: Jimmy Smith

Smith attacked the cocker spaniels – named Sky and Angel – in a despicable act of cruelty following a campaign of abuse against his partner.

Victims Sky and Angel
Victims Sky and Angel

“[Your partner] saw that you had both of her puppies on their leads and then heard a thud and the puppies screaming,” he said.

Judge Simon Taylor KC described the harrowing moment Smith took the lives of the two defenceless dogs at their home in Ashford, Kent.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor
Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor
Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

“She saw you swinging the puppies by their leads and hitting their heads against the solid concrete floor, throwing them to the ground repeatedly.

“The next time she looked she saw that you were dragging the puppies along the floor by their leads.”

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

Following Smith’s fit of rage, one puppy died at the scene while the other was put down at a veterinary practice.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

During the years prior to killing the dogs, Smith subjected his partner to persistent physical assaults, stalking, threatening and controlling behaviour.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

Smith’s victim told the court in a statement she lived in “constant fear” during their 13-year relationship, and continues to feel terrified.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour between August 2019 and August 2022.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

The abuser, who has six convictions for 20 offences, was supported by about 20 family members in the public gallery.

They could be heard trying to console Smith after the judge passed sentence.

Kent gypsy Jimmy Smith killed two puppies by slamming them onto a concrete floor

Representing Smith, Benjamin Hargreaves said he is illiterate, “finds language hard to comprehend”, and subsequently descends into aggression.

An RSPCA spokesperson said of the puppies’ deaths: “We are so sad to hear about this deeply tragic case.

“This shocking incident reminds us that pets sadly can be used as a way of controlling people, as a form of domestic violence.

“We would urge anyone experiencing these problems to seek help from the police or a domestic abuse charity, who will also be aware of any charities who provide pet fostering services to help care for animals while owners can get the support they need.”

Sentencing | jailed for seven years and five months. 10-year-restraining order.

Kent Online
Daily Star

Additional Information

In 2013 Smith was jailed for 90 days and banned from keeping pets for 10 years for failing to feed and get treatment for a sick lurcher puppy. The emaciated pup, dubbed Orphan Annie, was found weak, cold and barely able to stand due to ulcers on her paws.

Express

We are advised that these two cases are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Jimmy Smith’s animal cruelty. More to follow.

Dogs, Lifers, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Worst of the Worst

Ditton, Kent: Danny King Sr

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | serial offender Danny King Sr, born c. 1979, of 44 Nursery Road, Ditton, Maidstone ME20 6DZ – for the cruel treatment of dogs and puppies.

Pikey

King Sr, a traveller, was already banned from keeping animals when he was found to be mistreating the dogs on his puppy farm, leaving them in their own faeces and without access to fresh water.

He pleaded guilty to causing to causing unnecessary suffering to a tan, male lurcher and failing to take steps to ensure that the needs of five dogs and three puppies were met.

The offences took place between October 23 and November 20, 2021.

Other offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to an apricot male cavapoo puppy and a white female setter, and for breaching a 20-year conviction of being disqualified for keeping animals were dismissed.

The RSPCA presented multiple videos as evidence of the conditions on-site, which were played in court.

One of the videos depicted two kennels, which had metal bars at the front and were attached to an adjoining shed.

Dirty scummy pikeys
Danny King Sr with son and fellow animal abuser Danny King Jr

RSPCA inspector Will Rippon, who assisted with the investigation, said there was a “very smelly” aroma.

He noted one dog’s behaviour in particular, who was walking round in circles, which he said was “very concerning”.

Mr Rippon added that there was an open bag of dry dog food outside the kennels, and above, on a window ledge, was a bottle of bleach.

Another video showed the conditions inside the shed where three puppies were living, none of which had access to water.

The officer said there was a “foul smell and a pile up of mouldy faeces”.
He also showed the wooden gate keeping the puppies inside was drilled with nails, explaining that there was no easy access to get to the dogs, and would need a screwdriver to remove.

Mr Rippon found two metal tins on the ground – one had been chewed all the way round and a bottle of Drontal puppy worming liquid that was embedded in poo.

Eight dogs, including lurchers and cavapoos, found at the property were seized.

Vet Jeremy Stattersfield assessed a male lurcher and discovered he had multiple lesions on both legs and paws, which he said was “typical of kennel sores”.

The dog also had fur loss and sore gums, which “suggested it was chewing on something that has done damage”.

Mr Scott, defending, said the videos presented were “a snapshot in time”.

He said King was “not someone who intentionally didn’t care, but just someone who couldn’t cope with life and things got on top of him”.

Mr Scott also emphasised that King had voluntarily signed the dogs over to the RSPCA.

After speaking with a probation officer, they noted the 43-year-old kept apologising and said that the area “should have been cleaner and it wasn’t intentional”.

The court heard he is the sole primary carer for his wife, who has mental health problems, and is also looking after his 15-year-old son.

Last year, King, along with his son Danny King Junior was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a black poodle and failing in a duty of responsibility for the welfare of eight dogs.

King Jr was additionally charged with killing a badger in 2018.

Chairman of the bench, Adrian Atmore, told King he had “a total disregard for animals”.

He also added that King was very lucky not to go prison.

Mr Atmore said the sentence reflected the state that the animals were in, which was “a dirty, soiled, unsuitable environment, including hazards such as broken glass and an open drain”.

Sentencing | 160-day prison sentence, suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work; rehabilitation activity requirement; total of £420 costs and surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for life but can appeal after 10 years.

Kent Online

Animal Abandonment, Dogs

Greenhithe, Kent: Joshua Exall

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Joshua Exall born 26 November 1996, previously of Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, but currently of Davidson House, Knockhall Road, Greenhithe, Dartford DA9 9HE – left a dog alone in a property without food and water for up to two weeks.

Exall pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a female Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog named Shadow and to failing to take steps to ensure her needs were met

Victim Shadow as she was before being cruelly abandoned by her selfish owner, Josh Exall.

The RSPCA had received reports of a thin dog at a property in Whittlesey in January 2022. RSPCA Inspector Justin Stubbs had attended the property and had found an emaciated dog loose in the garden.

He contacted the police who attended and seized Shadow on welfare grounds and placed her in the care of the RSPCA.

Inside the house Inspector Stubbs saw two bowls in the kitchen. There was no food and little water. She had been left for days in the same blocked off area of the kitchen, and was only able to toilet in her own living space.

The RSPCA said the fact that there was no faeces there appears to suggest that Shadow had either eaten it due to hunger or that she had not been fed and therefore there was no food going through her to produce faeces.

Shadow was discovered in an emaciated condition in the kitchen of the property. Her food and water bowls were empty. A lack of faeces indicated that she had eaten them in desperation.

In his defence, Exall said he was very sorry and he should have done better for Shadow.

Speaking after the case Inspector Stubbs said: “Shadow’s owner had failed in the most basic needs, of supplying appropriate food and water, for a prolonged time.

Despite her ordeal Shadow, who was “skin and bone” greeted her rescuers enthusiastically. As well as emaciation, she was suffering from hair loss likely related to lack of nutrition.

“Shadow, was a particularly friendly dog, absolutely craving attention.

“She was left for days, with no exercise, no interaction with human or another dog, and had nothing to do in a small, bare kitchen.

“She was signed over and has been doing well in RSPCA care and has now been rehomed.

“I would like to express my thanks to the members of the public who had done all they could to help Shadow.”

Sentencing | 180 hours of unpaid work; costs and charges totalling £495. Disqualified from keeping animals for 10 years.

Peterborough Telegraph

Additional Information

Josh Exall is originally from Harlow in Essex.

Dogs, police dogs, service and working dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Guildford, Surrey: Reece Armstrong

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Reece Armstrong, born 4 February 1996, of no fixed abode but originally from Guildford, with links to Stanwell, Camberley and Folkestone – lunged at a police dog with a zombie knife.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Reece Armstrong/Facebook

Career criminal Reece Armstrong told a police officer “I’m going to kill your dog” when they responded to an incident in Folkestone.

After swinging the blade and catching PD Blue’s collar, Armstrong fled but was located by firearms patrols in the town centre five days later.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police
Image source: Kent Police / Twitter

He again tried to flee but was caught with the help of a police drone and detained.

Armstrong’s “utterly abhorrent behaviour” began on the afternoon of March 23, 2022, when police responded to reports of an altercation between two men in Endrook Valley.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police

An officer attended the area with PD Blue and approached Armstrong at around 4.20pm.

After initially interacting well, his mood changed and he brandished a large zombie knife from his hoodie.

He became very aggressive and moved towards the officer and Blue, threatening to kill the animal.

Fearing for his safety and for Blue’s, the officer shouted at Armstrong to stop and step back. He ignored the commands and swung the knife at Blue, with the blade catching his collar.

Armstrong then fled the scene. Fortunately, Blue was not harmed.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Reece Armstrong/Facebook

He was arrested days later following the use of a police drone to follow his movements across town.

Following his arrest officers located the zombie knife he had used in his attack on Blue.

After being interviewed in custody and charged in relation to the offences committed, Armstrong was immediately recalled to prison for breaching the terms of his licence in relation to a separate conviction.
He was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on 7 July 2022.

Guildford career criminal Reece Armstrong tried to slash a police dog with a zombie knife. Image: Kent Police

Investigating officer PC Sophia Lateu said: “Armstrong’s behaviour was utterly abhorrent; PD Blue and his handler were extremely lucky to be able to walk away from this incident unharmed.

“Every day our officers are required to attend unpredictable, challenging and sometimes volatile situations. However, like any other job, officers should be able to perform their roles without being the subject of such disgusting and potentially dangerous actions.

“Any assaults on police officers, staff or our police dogs are completely unacceptable, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who put their safety and the safety of other emergency workers at risk in this way.”

Sentencing | two-year custodial.

Kent Online
ITV News
KentLive

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

Greenfields, Maidstone: Sydney Samuels

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2022) | Sydney Samuels, born c. 1988, of 59 Oxford Gardens, Greenfield, Maidstone ME15 8FJ – caught breaching a Community Protection Notice (CPN) imposed for hare coursing.

Officers first warned Samuels, a traveller, on 27 August 2021 following seven reports of suspected poaching taking place at Neats Court in Queenborough, Isle of Sheppey.

On 27 November he was issued with a CPN after being stopped while in a vehicle in Eastwood Road. The car was searched under The Poaching Prevention Act 1862 and inside officers found dogs and deceased rabbits.

The CPN contained several conditions, including not being allowed to be on private land without the owner’s written permission, not being allowed to have dogs off-lead and not being allowed to be in possession of a catapult or air weapon.

On 26 January 2022 officers were told of two men being seen with dogs on private land near Old Ferry Road, Iwade. Officers attended and searched the area and found a flatbed truck where a deceased rabbit was found.

They stopped two men, one of whom was Sydney Samuels, and he was arrested for again breaching the CPN.

Following Samuels’ latest court appearance, he was also issued with a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which contained conditions to prohibit poaching. If this is breached this can result in a custodial sentence.

Sentencing: £400 fine.

Sydney Samuels was the first person to be taken to court for breaching his CPN which was served to him as part of Op Galileo, the national initiative, which primarily aims to combat hare coursing.

In order to support the national initiative, Kent Police and six other forces – Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Herefordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex – started to work collaboratively in August 2021.

The agreement, which has been completed with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service, has allowed the seven forces to work as one when exercising certain powers. This includes sharing interactions and movements, the use of automatic number plate recognition and seizing dogs.

Kent Online

Additional Information

Sydney Samuels, who has links to travellers sites in Maidstone and Sittingbourne, is believed to be the brother of another bloodsports maniac, Jack Samuels who lives at the same address in Oxford Gardens with girlfriend Liane Clark and their children. While there is no evidence that Jack Samuels has ever been prosecuted for wildlife crime, the images and videos he uploads to his Facebook profile and various ‘bushing’ groups he admins speak for themselves.

Samuels advises anyone whose dog “can’t kill a hare” to “dump it”. What a charmer.
animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, deer, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Maidstone, Kent: Mark Bond

5 Comments

CONVICTED (2022) | serial wildlife criminal Mark Joseph Bond, born 26 February 1983, of 63 Mayfair Avenue, Maidstone ME15 6BZ.

Mark Bond with wife and mother of his two young children, Gemma Bond.

Bond, who has clear links to another wildlife persecutor from Loose, Jimmy Price, was given a suspended jail sentence after being found guilty of killing a fallow deer and causing unnecessary suffering to his dog Vegas, who he used for hunting.

Mark Bond told a friend he thought Vegas’ jaw would “drop off” if he carried on hunting with her. Picture: RSPCA

Magistrates told the married father-of-two he had a “total disregard” for Vegas’s well-being after messages he sent a friend revealed she had two holes in her jaw after being sent underground to hunt.

Bond, a director of his family’s business JRB Fabrications Ltd and roofer with sister company JRB Roofing Ltd, said he hadn’t taken Vegas to the vets but was treating her himself by cleaning the wound and giving her anti-inflammatories and antibiotics.

He admitted he’d been “ratting and rabbiting” before but had denied killing the fallow deer. His lawyer, Amy Hazlewood, told the court that her client now accepted his guilt, but was “remorseful”.

Hazlewood said that “it is a hobby which got out of hand.”, adding “since that day he has never engaged in the hobby.”

But Bond was slammed by magistrates for hunting for his “own gratification”, before being told: “It is clear from the evidence who and what you are.”

Probation officer Andrew Wood said any custodial sentence would mean “heartbreak” for Mr Bond’s young family, including both his children aged under 10.

During the two-day trial magistrates were shown chilling videos of badgers and boars being attacked by dogs and stabbed.

Videos included dogs attacking a boar, a badger and a deer, with the boar letting out a high-pitch squeal as it was stabbed by an unknown person.

The court also saw a picture of Bond posing with a dead boar, which prosecutor Richard Reynolds claimed was a “trophy” image. He also claimed Bond stabbed the animal after setting three dogs on it.

But Bond denied this, saying the boar was shot on land with the permission of the owner and was different to the animal filmed being stabbed.

In October 2019, RSPCA chief inspector William Mitchell visited Bond at his then home in Mayfair Avenue, Loose.

His five dogs were in kennels at the property while a fridge was found packed with meat and five skulls, thought to belong to deer.

A hunting knife and tools used for hunting were found in his van.

Magistrates told sick Bond: “It is clear from the evidence who and what you are.”

Bond gave evidence about injuries his terrier Vegas had sustained, as well as messages he sent on WhatsApp boasting about killing a deer.

He bragged his dog Vinnie killed a deer but when questioned by Mr Reynolds said the messages were just “a joke” and “banter” as friends would mock Vinnie’s hunting skill.

One read: “I’m out lamping now, Vinnie just got a fallow,” while in another he said he’d be “eating venison” for a week.

He was cleared of other charges during his trial in April 2022 including stabbing a boar, and killing a badger and another deer.

He appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on 20 May 2022 while his wife Gemma Bond, clearly standing by him, sat in court.

Sentencing | 90-day prison term for causing unnecessary harm to a dog with 60 days for killing the fallow deer, the terms were suspended for 18 months; 250 hours of unpaid work; 10 rehabilitation sessions; £1422 in costs and charges. 10-year ban on keeping dogs. Deprivation order for Vegas and three other dogs.

Kent Live

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

Gillingham, Kent: Junade Ali

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2022) | backyard breeder Junade Ali, born c. 1994, formerly of Gillingham Road, Gillingham ME7 – kept 23 dogs in atrocious conditions.


Ali, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of three animal welfare offences, including causing unnecessary suffering.

Medway Council environmental protection officers inspected a property belonging to Ali in 2019, after he enquired about a licence to breed dogs, and found three Belgian Malinois, two Neapolitan Mastiffs and 18 puppies in appalling conditions.

Some of the dogs had no bedding or water available and were kept in cramped conditions and others were kept in crates which were too small for them. Two dogs were also being kept in an apartment above the property, and officers raised welfare concerns with Ali before contacting the RSPCA.

Ali called council officers in early January 2020 to say he no longer had some of the dogs and but a joint investigation with the RSPCA led to a further inspection later that month, and officers seized 19 dogs, including 15 puppies and four adults.

The conditions they were kept in had worsened, with some dogs suffering from urine burns on their feet, and one found to have an untreated painful eye condition which required surgery.

The investigation found that Ali had contacted the council to enquire about a breeding licence as he was no longer able to advertise puppies for sale on a number of websites without one.

Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway Council’s portfolio holder covering enforcement, urged people who want a dog to go through a rescue centre.

She said: “We take animal welfare extremely seriously and work with partners, such as the RSPCA, to ensure backyard breeders are brought to justice.

“In this case, the defendant clearly had no regard for the dogs in his care and saw them as a way to make money.

“If residents are breeding three or more litters of puppies a year, they need to apply for a licence.

“As shown in this case, we will inspect premises to ensure that animals are being looked after properly.

“If you are thinking of buying a pet, we would encourage you to consider rehoming from a rescue centre or make sure you are purchasing an animal from a reputable, licenced, breeder.

“I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this case for their hard work.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We know there’s a spike in people searching for puppies and buying dogs at the beginning of the school holidays but we’d urge families to carefully consider whether getting a dog is right for them.

“Dogs are a huge commitment and need lots of time and attention, even once summer is over and the kids are back at school.

“After the RSPCA campaigned for years, in 2018 the government finally introduced tougher licensing regulations around the selling of animals – including breeding and selling dogs – and new legislation came into force which banned the sale of puppies and kittens in England from third-party sellers e.g. pet shops, traders or dealers, which we hope will help crackdown on this multi-million pound industry.

“This means that anyone wanting to buy or adopt must go directly to a breeder or rehoming centre. Those who go to a breeder should use our puppy contract – puppycontract.org.uk.

“If you do have the time and money for a dog then we’d urge you to consider rescuing instead of buying a puppy.

“Not only will this give a rescue dog a chance at finding his forever home but it’ll also save any potential heartache caused by unwittingly buying a dog from a puppy farm.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order; £600 towards court costs. Banned from owning, keeping or dealing with animals for five years (expires April 2027).

Kent Online

animal fighting / baiting, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

High Halstow, Kent: Benny Eastwood

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2021) | Benny Joe Eastwood, born 20 May 2002, of 2 Acre Farm, Ropers Green Lane, High Halstow, Rochester ME3 8QP – for cruelty to two “hunting” dogs.

Eastwood pleaded guilty to three offences under the Animal Welfare Act relating to two dogs; a bull lurcher called Max and a terrier called Skip.

RSPCA officers and Kent Police went to an address in High Halstow on 14 April 2021, after receiving information from social media that suggested dogs were being used in wildlife crimes.

RSPCA Special Operations Unit spokesperson, Will Mitchell said two dogs who were suffering from injuries, consistent with encounters with a fox or badger, were taken away.

Officers said they also found two dogs living in a wooden kennel block. A black and white lurcher, called Max, who was curled up in a corner had “obvious facial scarring”. A black and tan terrier, called Skip, had its top lip missing.

Eastwood admitted that both dogs belonged to him.

Eastwood told investigators that the terrier had had a fight with another dog but enquiries disproved this account.

An independent vet who assessed both dogs and assisted with the investigation said the lurcher weighed 25kgs and that his ribs, spine and bones of the pelvis were easily visible.

In his witness statement, he said: “There were multiple scars on the muzzle, head and ears. The scars on the head were at different stages of healing and it appeared that the injuries…were not the result of a single incident.”

Skip was found to have multiple scars on the muzzle and head. His ears had no hair and had multiple cuts.

The terrier also had part of his jaw missing and the vet said he couldn’t see there had been “any attempt to treat this substantial injury.”

The vet concluded that both dogs had suffered unnecessarily for an estimated period of approximately two weeks.

The court heard that Eastwood was young and vulnerable, but accepted wrongdoing and was remorseful.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force said: “We work closely with the RSPCA on a range of animal welfare issues. In this instance we carried out a warrant on behalf of the charity to allow them to gather evidence which led to a successful conviction for offences under the Animal Welfare Act. The offender’s actions were not only criminal but barbaric and cruel. “

Sentencing: 12 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, and a community order with 200 hours of unpaid work; £485 in costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping all animals for life.

ITV News

A Naturewatch Foundation press release uploaded to pressat.co.uk on 21/12/2021 (but since deleted) highlighted the fact that Eastwood exposes his primary-school-age brother to illegal hunting activities including lamping foxes, hare coursing and digging out badgers.

Eastwood shared incriminating images and video footage on social media, including photographs of:

  • his young sibling proudly displaying a dead rabbit
  • both brothers at a dug-out badger sett with two dogs and a shovel
  • the pair smiling as they posed in a field with three dogs and a dead hare
  • two dogs playing ‘tug-of-war’ with a fox
  • a lurcher-type dog with a bloodied hare

Naturewatch Foundation’s wildlife crime campaign manager, Kate Parker, said: “It has been seen that, in some families, animal cruelty is somewhat of a family affair, with youngsters exposed to it and encouraged to take part in activities, such as illegal hunting, before they are old enough to understand the consequences. These practices are normalised, and passed on as a generational tradition, regardless of how barbaric and cruel it is. There is clearly a blatant disregard for the welfare of wildlife, their own animals and, ultimately, the children, being exposed to such cruelty.

“This investigation was a great result for all involved. I thank Kent Police for actioning our investigation package and the RSPCA for taking on the prosecution. We will continue to target those who choose to hunt wildlife with dogs and will not rest until the punishment suits the crime.”
One of Naturewatch Foundation’s other campaigns involves training police internationally on the link between human and animal abuse, and how witnessing cruelty to animals can affect young children.

Mark Randell, campaign manager for the charity’s police training programme, said: “There is a growing recognition of the impact that witnessing violence to animals has on a child’s development, and subsequent propensity to become involved in violent crime themselves.

“In Ukraine, where we train the police and others about the importance of animal abuse, the Criminal Code raises the maximum jail term to eight years when animal cruelty is committed in front of children. This sets an example to the rest of the world – including the UK. Treating animal abuse with the seriousness it deserves creates safer communities for both animals and people.”

Additional Information

Eastwood has multiple Facebook accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069140946143
https://www.facebook.com/bennyjoe.eastwood.52
https://www.facebook.com/bennyjoe.eastwood.5