Tag Archives: minor

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Birds, Cats, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, Serial Animal Abusers, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Burnley, Lancashire: Ryan Hancock, Marcus Leverett and Zak Oldfield

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CONVICTED (2022) | Ryan Hancock, born 1 July 2003, of 2 Prestwich Street, Burnley BB11 4NZ, Marcus Leverett (aka Marcus Tomlinson), born 1 January 2003, of 49 Harold Avenue, Burnley BB11 5LJ and Zak Oldfield, born 9 March 2005 of 3 Greenock Street, Burnley BB11 4DT – used dogs to fight and kill cats, badgers, deer, rabbits and birds before posting footage of the attacks on TikTok.

Much loved family pet Gatsby was attacked by dogs belonging to Ryan Hancock (left) and the unnamed youth after being goaded by the pair. Gatsby was rushed to a vet but died on the way. Marcus Leverett (right) also set his dog on an unnamed grey and white cat.
Much loved family pet Gatsby was attacked by dogs belonging to Ryan Hancock (left) and the unnamed youth after being goaded by the pair. Gatsby was rushed to a vet but died on the way. Marcus Leverett (right) also set his dog on an unnamed grey and white cat.

Hancock and his accomplices Leverett and Oldfield targeted animals on the Stoops Estate in Burnley and wildlife in the surrounding area.

Magistrates heard how the trio had been involved in incidents involving domestic cats, badgers and rabbits.

Hancock. Picture: Facebook
Leverett / Tomlinson. Picture: Facebook

On 17 March 2021 Hancock and Oldfield were seen encouraging a dog to attack a family cat named Gatsby.

A member of the public filmed the attack from a bedroom window as it took place on a field at the back of Melrose Avenue, Burnley. The lurcher dog was seen to jump out of a back yard and then chase the cat. Hancock and the youth could then be seen encouraging the attack as one of them filmed it on his mobile phone.

Ryan Hancock pictured outside court
Ryan Hancock pictured outside court

Gatsby’s owner screamed at them from her bedroom window and her husband went into the field. An older man, who was the grandfather of one of the teenagers, had approached them and he handed the cat over to the owner’s husband. Tragically, Gatsby died on the way to the vet.

The witness passed the “horrendous” footage to Lancashire Police, who then executed warrants in April 2021 under the Animal Welfare Act at four properties in Burnley.

Mobile phones seized from the defendants revealed 182 videos that showed graphic cruelty to animals, some of which had been set to music and edited for use on video sharing social site, TikTok.

The magistrates were shown gruesome footage of two lurchers dragging a badger from a wooden crate and attacking it.

During the eight minute video a man could be seen kicking the badger repeatedly as one dog had hold of it by the neck and another by a hind leg.

The tormented animal, which could be heard squealing, eventually made it to woodland at the edge of the field where it was finished off by the dogs.

One of the charges related to one of the dogs, Cassie, who received injuries to her face during the brutal incident which had not been treated by a vet.

The attack on Gatsby which was witnessed by his horrified owner.
The attack on Gatsby which was witnessed by his horrified owner.

Hancock pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a black and white cat called Gatsby, by encouraging a dog to attack the cat; causing unnecessary suffering to the same cat by failing to suppress the attack; causing unnecessary suffering to a rabbit by causing it to be attacked by a dog; causing unnecessary suffering to two rabbits by causing them to be attacked by a dog; attempting to kill a badger; causing unnecessary suffering to a tan lurcher called Cassie by failing to provide veterinary treatment for injuries; attempting to kill a badger; possessing a live badger; wilfully killing a badger; and causing an animal fight to take place between two dogs and a badger. He was jailed for 12 weeks.

Marcus Leverett. Picture: Facebook
Marcus Leverett. Picture: Facebook

Leverett pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an unnamed grey tabby cat by encouraging a dog to attack it which led to the cat’s death and causing unnecessary suffering to a lurcher dog called Storm by failing to provide veterinary treatment for its injuries. He received a suspended 12-week sentence.

Zak Oldfield. Picture: Facebook.

Oldfield pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Gatsby, possessing a live badger, willfully killing a badger and causing an animal fight to take place. He was given a youth referral order.

Marcus Leverett aka Marcus Tomlinson. Picture: Facebook
Marcus Leverett aka Marcus Tomlinson. Picture: Facebook

After the sentencing, RSPCA officer Jason Bowles, who led the investigation, said: “This group of lads was targeting animals on the council estate they lived on as well as wildlife in the surrounding area.

“We found awful footage on their mobile phones that showed extreme cruelty to animals. Many of the photos and videos had been set to music and edited for sharing online.

“Not only did the animals they attacked and killed suffer, but their own dogs also suffered from injuries in the confrontations and fights.”

Zak Oldfield. Picture: Facebook

Jason added: “If anyone notices dogs, such as terriers and lurchers, suffering recurring injuries like cuts and wounds around the face, then we’d ask them to contact the police or RSPCA to report their concerns.”

Oldfield pictured with sister Abbie Oldfield and father (?) Olly Oldfield
Oldfield pictured with sister Abbie Oldfield and father (?) Olly Oldfield. Picture: Facebook
Abbie Oldfield reveals herself to be as lacking of decency and compassion as her evil brother.

PC Matt Hartup, part of the Lancashire Police Rural Task Force in the East of the county, said: “This operation – known as Op Ratchet – shows how closely we work in partnership with other agencies to tackle all sorts of crime, and bring offenders to justice.

“The glamorisation of this type of violence is barbaric and serves no purpose in the countryside; it promotes horrendous suffering and abuse of animals – including the lack of concern for the welfare of the dogs used for these crimes.

Sentencing

Hancock admitted 11 offences and was jailed for 18 weeks.

Leverett and the other youth also admitted to animal welfare offences.

Leverett was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, by the magistrates, while Oldfield received a 12-month referral order at Blackburn Youth Court.

All three were banned from keeping animals for 10 years, while Hancock and Leverett were ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.

BBC News
Lancashire Telegraph

Additional Information

On 8 February 2022 Ryan Hancock was given a two-year community order with 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehab days after pleading guilty to common assault and assault on a young father.

Oldfield lives with his grandparents, Gordon and Alison Renton, as his mother is allegedly an alcoholic. They previously lived at 2 Melrose Avenue, Burnley BB11 4DX.

Leverett also lives with grandparents, Angela and Sam Leverett.

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

Newent, Gloucestershire: Anthony Williams

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CONVICTED (2021) | Anthony Williams aka Chang Williams, born 13 November 1990, of 4 The Stables, Southend Lane, Newent GL18 1JD – caught illegally hunting hares.

Hare courser Anthony Williams aka Chang Williams

Tree-surgeon Williams, owner of Landscapes Plus Ltd (Facebook page here, website here, was caught illegally hunting for hares on Cotswold farmland on New Year’s Day 2021.

He was accompanied by two boys when he went hare coursing on a private estate near Cirencester.

“He entered the farm land in the Cotswolds during the hours of darkness while accompanied by the two boys,” said a Gloucestershire Police spokesperson.

“Williams then encouraged his lurcher-type dogs to hunt hares on the land, otherwise known as hare coursing.

“The crime was being watched by the gamekeeper of the private estate near Cirencester and he immediately called 999. Police officers quickly arrived and the man and two boys were arrested at the scene. Their vehicle and the dogs were also seized.

“The two boys were dealt with separately by a Youth Offending Team, but Mr Williams was summonsed to court for his actions.

“The court heard how Williams’ crime was premeditated. He had subjected numerous hares to cruelty and caused the land owner and gamekeeper distress.

“Williams was convicted of the offence under the 2004 Hunting Act and was ordered to pay a fine of £1713.00 within 28 days.”

Sentencing: fined £1,713.

Punchline Gloucester

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

Ystradgynlais, Swansea: Brandon Woods

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CONVICTED | Brandon Woods, born c. 1994, previously of Merthyr Tydfil and now Swansea – set fire to a neighbour’s budgie using an aerosol at the age of 14.

Brandon Woods
Brandon Woods’ sadistic behaviour against a helpless budgie was a red flag for the long history of violent crime to come

This is a horrific case of (non animal) violence from August 2020 but it’s mentioned in the newspaper report that Woods’ first offence was in 2008 when he set fire to a neighbour’s budgie using an aerosol so that earns him an entry on our database.

I can’t find the original media but I would imagine he was never named as he was only around 14 at the time.

Woods now has been sentenced to 15 months in jail (half in custody and the remainder on licence) after attacking a young woman.

The woman was left with more than 60 bruises and scratches on her face and body after the “cowardly” assault.

Some of the wounds left by Woods were described as looking like “claw marks”.

Woods; offending began in 2008 when he was a young teenager and he set fire to a neighbour’s budgie.

A judge said at the time that Woods’ pattern of offending demonstrated a “worrying personality trait” and he said he had concerns the defendant would go on to become a “very dangerous man” unless he changed his ways.

Woods’ convictions include spitting at a police officer, battery, criminal damage, drink-driving, driving while disqualified, witness intimidation, drugs matters, and two for assault occasioning actual bodily harm – one of these had seen him attack his mother and then go on to squirt ketchup around the house.

WalesOnline

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Swansea: Peter Dunn

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#MostEvil | Peter Dunn aka Peter James, born 06/03/2002, of Lord Nelson House, 170 High Street, Swansea SA1 1NE – beat up a French bulldog puppy on at least two occasions causing her to suffer multiple broken bones

Violent dog abuser Peter Dunn from Swansea in Wales and victim Betty
Eighteen-year-old Peter Dunn and, Betty, the puppy he subjected to repeated violent attacks

The trauma inflicted on the 10-month-old dog, who is now known as Betty, was so severe that she would not even look at her fosterer for three weeks after being temporarily rehomed by the RSPCA.

Dunn injured the puppy by “doing an act, namely the infliction of blunt force trauma and physical violence”.

He also “knew or ought reasonably to have known that that act would have the effect of causing unnecessary suffering or be likely to do so”.

Violent dog abuser Peter Dunn from Swansea in Wales and victim Betty
Dunn with Betty

The acts of violence occurred over two separate dates in 2019, on July 30 and September 24, and veterinary checks on the puppy revealed that her injuries were non-accidental.

Betty had suffered a swollen face, a fractured humerus, a fractured ulna and radius and a fractured femoral head.

The injuries were inflicted at a time when Dunn was the only person to have been alone with the dog.

Abused dog Betty

Betty continues to recover from her ordeal and recently underwent an operation to remove wires from her leg. She has undergone several operations, and her care has cost the RSPCA around £8,000.

Her fosterer has described the little dog as a “bundle of joy” after at first being reticent in their company.

The fosterer said: “When she first came to me in October she had shut down and she wouldn’t look at me for three weeks. But now she is a beautiful bundle of joy. She is just amazing and she loves everybody and she is great with other dogs.”

The RSPCA are hoping that a ‘forever home’ will soon be found for Betty.

“I would very much like to thank the member of the public who alerted us to what was going on so we could promptly remove the puppy and give her the veterinary treatment she desperately needed,” said RSPCA Cymru inspector Gemma Cooper.

“I am so thankful she has recovered and is doing really well with one of our fantastic fosterers.”

Dunn pleaded guilty to two animal welfare offences and was given a nine-month referral order. He was told to pay costs and charges totalling £321. He was banned from keeping any animals for five years.

WalesOnline

Animal Torture, Birds, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire: Ashden King and Jakob Goffin

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CONVICTED (2019) | Ashden Jack King, born 24 February 2002, of Sunningdale Drive, Hubberston, Milford Haven SA73 3SA, and Jakob Goffin, born c. 2003, of Woodbine Way, Milford Haven SA73 3HQ – stole a tame pet chicken from her owner and tortured her to death.

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death
Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

Chicken Daisy was subjected to a prolonged and brutal attack at the hands of sadistic savages Jakob Goffin and Ashden King and others, during which she was chased, set alight and had her neck hacked at with garden shears. She was finally killed with a pitchfork.

The pet’s agonising ordeal was filmed for Snapchat and shared with other feral yobs in the group for their sick entertainment.

Daisy’s ordeal took place at the home of a third youth who was investigated but not charged.

In court a veterinary surgeon described the youths’ actions as “gratuitous torture”.

Chicken Daisy was subjected to a prolonged and brutal attack at the hands of two teens from Milford Haven, Wales
Victim Daisy

Daisy’s owner Michelle Owen wrote a victim impact statement which was read to the court.

“When I discovered Daisy was gone I blamed myself, I thought I hadn’t secured the coop. My youngest two children were devastated when Daisy had gone, they were crying over her,” she said.

“Daisy was very tame and friendly, it’s not the same going to the coop. I always thought my garden was safe and secure, now I don’t leave my dogs out in case they disappear.

“When I think about what happened that night and the way Daisy suffered, it goes beyond cruelty.

“She was a part of the family, more than just a chicken.”

Defending the youths in court, Mike Kelleher said that the pair were facing the consequence of their “reprehensible” actions.

He said: “This was a cruel and nasty horrible incident. However it started it went horribly, horribly wrong. They are here today to face the consequences.”

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

RSPCA Cymru has described the incident as “horrifying” and expressed concern at the age of those responsible.

“This poor chicken was subject to the most horrendous treatment – taken, beaten, stabbed and set alight,” said RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben.

“I shudder to think what the poor animal went through.

“The offences were horrifying, and it is always deeply worrying when young people commit such crimes. They will now be subject to our Breaking the Chain programme – which highlights the impact acts like this have on animals and their welfare standards.

“RSPCA Cymru wants to inspire a future generation of animal ambassadors – who share our compassion and empathy for our fellow living creatures. Hopefully, this prosecution sets a clear statement that behaviours like this are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Milford Haven teens Jakob Goffin (left) and Ashden King filmed themselves torturing a pet chicken to death

David Allen, head of education at RSPCA , said: “Clearly, these were disgusting offences and it is particularly worrying that young people are committing such acts. Fortunately, we know most young people will be horrified by what happened in Milford Haven.

“Our new Generation Kind scheme brings together a series of initiatives – including those in the classroom, support for teachers, programmes to support vulnerable looked-after and disadvantaged young people, and those targeted at youth offenders.

“It is hoped that Generation Kind will help create a generation of individuals who are kind, compassionate and caring towards animals.”

The youths pleaded guilty to an Animal Welfare Act offence, namely causing the chicken to suffer unnecessarily.

Sentencing: 12-month referral order, which includes the RSPCA intervention initiative mentioned above. The older youth was ordered to pay £380 in compensation, costs and charges and the younger one was ordered to pay courts and charges totalling £400. They were both banned from keeping any animal for a period of 12 months.

WalesOnline

animal fighting / baiting, Cats, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Organised Animal Crime, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales: Josh Sullivan and Levi Williams

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CONVICTED | Josh Sullivan, born 15 February 2001, and Levi Williams, born c. 2004, both of the notorious Gurnos Estate, Merthyr Tydfil –  coaxed an elderly family cat named Sully out from under a car and watched as their dog mauled him to death.

Cat killers Josh Sullivan (left) and Levi Williams, both of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
Cat killers Josh Sullivan (left) and Levi Williams, both of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

The disturbing attack, which showed Josh Sullivan and Levi Williams – well-known members of a local gang known as the Merthyr Bullies – parading Sully’s dead body around afterwards, was caught on CCTV on 9 May 2018.

Family cat Sully was killed by Josh Sullivan and Levi Williams, both of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

The sick pair were sentenced after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to the 13-year-old cat.

The dog involved in the case has also been subjected to a deprivation order and will be taken into RSPCA care until he’s ready for rehoming.

Sully’s owners became concerned after their pet had been missing from their home for a number of days.

They checked their CCTV camera for clues about Sully’s whereabouts and were shocked to witness his shocking ordeal at the hands of cruel teenagers Williams and Sullivan and the dog they had evidently trained to kill other animals.

In the footage Williams is seen hitting Sully with a stick to coax him out from underneath a car. As Sully runs out, Sullivan releases the dog he had been holding by the collar. The dog chases Sully, quickly catches him and mauls him to death.

Josh Sullivan's dog is believed to be the one he and his cruel sidekick, Levi Williams, set on a helpless elderly cat
Josh Sullivan’s dog is believed to be the one he and his cruel sidekick, Levi Williams, set on a helpless elderly cat

Sullivan picks up Sully’s limp body and parades it as he walks along the street. Finally he callously tosses the mutilated cat into the bushes.

Cat killer Josh Sullivan of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales

RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper said: “The shock and horror I felt when I first witnessed this CCTV footage has remained with me.

“This was a disturbing, harrowing and deeply sinister attack which would have caused immense suffering to poor Sully.

“It is frightening to think two children would set out to do something so deliberately cruel. It appears the dog had been trained to kill like this.

“We know most people across Merthyr and beyond will be disgusted by the treatment of an innocent, defenceless cat in this way.

“This was a premeditated attack, seemingly done for the boys’ fun and pleasure, for which the RSPCA had to seek justice.

“The actions of these individuals has left a family broken and without their beloved pet cat and family member of 13 years.”

The youths’ identities were not officially disclosed due to their ages, but the pair were quickly outed on social media

Sully’s owner – who wishes to remain anonymous – added: ‘We are absolutely heartbroken.

“Sully was so happy, and was a member of our family. His killing by these cruel people brings shame to Merthyr Tydfil. This was a heinous act.

“He was well-known and popular in the local area – always sitting on the path he’d get petted and fussed by people walking along the lane and regular dog walkers all knew him.

“He’d regularly sneak into a neighboring dental practice, and make friends with patients in the waiting room. Sully was a real character and was loved by all who met him. He was harmless and had never hurt anyone.

“We all miss him so, so much. It was so strange for Sully to be missing. He’d gone to follow family members to the local park and was out and about as usual – but didn’t come home that day.

“We started to get worried, so I checked our CCTV cameras – and saw these boys walking with a dog and that’s when it all happened.

“It was horrifying to watch. I was screaming at the screen for Sully to run for his life but the dog was just too fast for him.

“What I witnessed that day will never leave me – it was like watching one of my children being attacked.

“Sully was 13 years old and was one of our family members who spent every night curled up on our children’s beds and his senseless killing has affected them deeply.

“Telling my wife and children he was dead was so, so hard. I will never forget watching the offenders revel in what they did, and will never forgive them for what they have done to us.

“They threw poor Sully’s body into the bushes like a piece of junk; and I had to go and get the body, and get him cremated, to get some dignity for him.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

Sentencing: 
12-month referral order to the youth offending team, £300 costs. Disqualified from keeping any animal for 10 years (expires September 2028).

Daily Mail
ITV News
The Sun

Cats, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Alfreton, Derbyshire: Keane Mitchell Thorpe, Ethan Lewis, Mitch Smith and Seif Naili

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CONVICTED (2016) | Keane Mitchell Thorpe, Ethan Lewis, Mitch Smith and Seif Naili all of Riddings, near Alfreton, Derbyshire – mutilated the body of a pet cat named Leo supposedly after he had been killed by a dog

Twisted youths from Riddings near Alfreton filmed themselves mutilating the body of much loved family cat Leo
Twisted youths from Riddings near Alfreton filmed themselves mutilating the body of much loved family cat Leo

The four cowardly teenagers named above carried out and filmed a disgusting attack on the body of a much-loved family cat in Riddings Park.

Cat mutilator Keane Mitchell Thorpe from Alfreton
Keane Mitchell Thorpe

The boys, who at the time were aged 15, 15, 16 and 17,  ‘egged’ each other on as they smashed a rock on the head of the three-year-old cat, hit him with a stick, tied him up with rope before filming and boasting about it on Snapchat.

Cat mutilator Mitch Smith from Alfreton
Mitch Smith

Leo’s badly mutilated body was found on a path by a dog walker at about 2.30pm on August 11, 2016, in the park with multiple injuries and rope tied around its waist.

Cat mutilator Seif Naili from Alfreton
Seif Naili

A post-mortem examination concluded that Leo was already dead before the attack after bite wounds believed to have been inflicted by a ‘large breed dog’ were found. He had suffered horrific injuries to his abdomen, back, head and chest.

Cat mutilator Ethan Lewis from Alfreton
Ethan Lewis

The youths all pleaded guilty to carrying out an act of outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner, namely beating a cat. They all appeared in court together with their parents.

The court heard the youths and their families had been subjected to threats after the sickening attack. Windows of their homes had been smashed and they’d been forced to fit panic alarms and live in hotels [gutted for them].

Sentence: 
The teens each received a 12-month youth referral order and were ordered to  pay costs and compensation to the cat’s owner 

The Sun
Derbyshire Times

Birds, Dogs, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Colnbrook, Berkshire: Mickey, Billy and Danny Smith

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Police mugshots the feral Smith brothers
L-R Mickey Dean Smith, Billy Smith, Danny Smith

Lawless feral brothers Mickey Dean Smith, born 2002, Billy Smith, born 2000, and Danny Smith, born 2004, all of Moreland Avenue, Colnbrook, Slough SL3 0LR – terrorised their village by torturing family pets and firing catapults at cars

Maidenhead Youth Court issued injunctions for 12 months against the wicked brothers – sons of career criminal and would-be dog thief and abuser Micky Smith Sr – after a litany of complaints and reports from neighbours, police, local businesses and residents.

Chip off the old block: Billy and Mickey Dean Smith with their equally sadistic father Micky Smith
Chip off the old block: Billy and Mickey Dean Smith with their equally sadistic father Micky Smith.

The injunction came as the trio bragged online about abusing and torturing family pets in their neighbourhood.

One brother even posed with a catapult and a dead parakeet.

Billy Smith out hunting with father Micky Smith
Filth: Billy Smith out hunting with father Micky Smith.

Using catapults, the youths fired missiles knocking birds out of trees, damaging cars, smashing street lights and the windows of neighbouring houses, and shouting obscenities and threats at passers-by.

Enforcement officers are now looking at further claims of animal cruelty – to both pets and wild animals – in the area.

The youths were handed a curfew banning them from leaving their house without a responsible adult between the hours of 9pm and 6am in order to restrict their capacity to cause trouble.

The whole wretched brood pictured inside their tacky caravan.

They were also banned from carrying catapults or any other weapons, using threatening, abusive or aggressive language in a public place and from causing harm or cruelty to pets or wild animals.

The council and police are now monitoring the injunctions so any breach can be responded to immediately.

Sentence: youth injunction.

Mirror

Animal Torture, Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Westgate on Sea / Margate / Birchington, Kent: Owen Harper, Daniel Brown, Ryan Hollick and Jack Whiting

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#MostEvil | Owen Harper, Daniel Brown, Ryan Hollick and Jack Whiting, all born c. 1998, and living in the Thanet district of Kent – tortured a puppy, set him on fire and left him to die at a dump

Daniel Brown, Jack Whiting, Owen Harper and Ryan Hollick from Thanet, Kent, tortured a puppy and left him for dead
Sick: These four youths tortured a puppy and left him for dead but only received a 5-year ban on keeping animals

In one of the most disturbing cases of abuse an RSPCA inspector has ever seen, a chihuahua cross named Chunky was stolen, set on fire and dumped at a rubbish tip with a broken neck and leg .

Harper, Brown, Hollick and Whiting all pleaded guilty to torturing the tiny puppy.

Investigations revealed the tiny puppy, who was less than a year old, had been stolen on February 23, 2015.

Puppy Chunky
Chihuahua cross puppy suffered a nightmare ordeal at the hands of four sadistic youths

Three of the youths admitted kicking and punching the pup before breaking his leg and neck, setting him on fire, feeding him drugs and dumping him at a rubbish tip believing him to be dead.

He was not found until the following evening by a passer-by at the rubbish tip in Manston Road, Margate.

After a miraculous recovery Chunky was returned to his owner.

The teenagers pleaded guilty to cruelly ill-treating the animal in a way which they knew would cause him to suffer unnecessarily.

RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe said: “This was the most disturbing case I have ever dealt with – by an absolute mile.

“These youths admitted feeding him drugs, and kicking and punching him, and wringing and breaking his neck before dumping him.

“They also said they set fire to his face and eyes after lighting a deodorant aerosol can.

“The whole thing sends shivers down my spine.

“The defendants may have been young and confessed to being under the influence of drugs but the cruelty they inflicted on this poor dog was extreme, barbaric and inexcusable.

“Chunky was found with a broken leg and neck, and with burns all over his face and eyes.

“This was the most disturbing case I have ever dealt with – by an absolute mile” – RSPCA inspector Caroline Doe

“He must have suffered horrendously for hours as the senseless torture took place for the amusement of these boys.

“What was perhaps even worse was the fact Chunky suffered for days after he was dumped – literally left for dead on his own to wander next to a fast road.

“It is a miracle he survived. I will never forget how terrified and depressed he was when I first saw him.

Miracle dog: the plucky pup recovered from horrific injuries inflictedfor kicks by the men
Miracle dog: the plucky pup recovered from horrific injuries inflicted for kicks by the men

“The injuries were so severe that despite the fantastic veterinary care and medication he was on, the medication was unable to numb all of the pain, and he suffered for at least six days according to veterinary experts.

“Thankfully he has now been restored to health and returned to his loving owners, though I fear he will always be timid and nervous as a result of his ordeal, and imagine the owners will never quite be able to come to terms with what was senseless and needlessly inflicted on their beautiful family pet .”

Sentencing: 12-month referral order; costs. Disqualified from keeping all animals for five years (expired November 2020).

Kent Online

Animal Torture, Birds, Pet Theft, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers, Worst of the Worst

Willenhall / Bilston / Birmingham, West Midlands: Chad Worgan, Jake Higgs, Thomas Knox

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CONVICTED (2015) | Chad Paul John Worgan, born November 1995, of Moxhull Gardens, Willenhall WV12 5XX, Jake Higgs, born February 1992, of Walnut Close, Bilston WV14 8QJ and Thomas James Knox, born July 1995, previously of Dudley Fields, Bloxwich, and more recently (September 2020) of White Road, Quinton, Birmingham B32 2AE -squeezed, kicked and battered dozens of rare birds to death

Chad Worgan, Jake Higgs and Thomas Knox
L-R Chad Worgan, Jake Higgs and Thomas Knox

The trio of Chad Worgan, Tom Knox and Jake Higgs, together with a 16-year-old youth from Erdington who wasn’t named for legal reasons, stole the birds from an aviary in Brownhills, Walsall, belonging to Mr Lee Williams, and bundled them into sacks and containers. The thugs then took them to Dolphin House in Goscote, Walsall.

Stills of CCTV footage showing Chad Worgan attacking birs

Once inside the building, the birds were emptied onto the landing. From there, the abuse got underway although police believe a lot were already dead at that stage. CCTV revealed the horror as the rare birds were tortured to death.

Sadistic animal killer Jake Higgs from Walsall

One of the yobs can be seen smirking and then appearing to aim a kick at an innocent bird as others are scattered across the floor.

Other footage shows birds being chased by a dog, jammed into drawers and squeezed to death. Some were posted through letterboxes and dropped through people’s windows.

Sadistic animal killer Chad Worgan from Willenhall. West Midlands

Worgan admitted an offence of receiving stolen goods and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal on the basis that he kicked a pigeon.

It was said there was a ‘sick grin across his face’ as he appeared to be enjoying what he was doing, appearing to grab one of the perched birds and visibly squeeze it.

A dog was let into the flat and terrorised the birds. The animal belonged to Knox.

Knox was criticised for spending most of the trial giggling with his co-accused in the dock. He denied causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and receiving stolen goods, along with the 16-year-old.

Higgs admitted receiving stolen goods but denied causing unnecessary suffering. Magistrates found all four guilty of the charges after the trial.

Sadistic animal killer Jake Higgs from Walsall

Knox was convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, receiving stolen goods, common assault and using threatening words or behaviour.

The latter charges related to his behaviour towards a dog warden and housing staff when he was told his dog was going to be taken away.

Vaughn Whistance, defending, said Knox was a vulnerable young man who suffered with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

Co-accused Jake Higgs was also due to learn his fate but failed to show up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Sadistic animal killer Chad Worgan from Willenhall. West Midlands

Chairman of the bench, Mr Bob Thomas, said the youths’ actions amounted to ‘joint enterprise’. He added CCTV showed all of them playing some part in the birds’ suffering.

Rare bird breeder Mr Williams had built up his collection of rare jays, finches, doves, budgerigars, quails and pigeons over a number of years.

Maggie Meakin, prosecuting, said it would cost £1,500 to replace the birds, and added: ‘He cannot afford to replace the birds and he cannot claim on the insurance.’

Sentence: Worgan and Knox were jailed for six months and ordered to pay compensation. The 16-year-old minor was given an 18-month rehabilitation order. No details are available on Jake Higgs’ sentencing.

Express and Star