Young was filmed inflicting repeated violence on the frail dog
Incident Details
Footage captured between February and June 2025 showed 61‑year‑old David Young repeatedly kicking, dragging, and shouting at his elderly Patterdale terrier, Milo.
The video, handed to the RSPCA by a concerned member of the public, showed Young kicking 19-year-old Milo in the back, tail and hind leg before dragging him by the collar.
When Inspector Clare Wilson attended Young’s home with police on 11 June 2025, Milo was so stiff and reluctant to walk that he had to be carried into the vet practice.
Credit: Northern Echo
He was blind and suffering from arthritis, cataracts, dental disease, abdominal and testicular growths, and cancer. Despite being diagnosed with dental disease in 2023, Young had not sought treatment.
A vet concluded Milo had been subjected to non‑accidental injury, stating Young had attempted to hurt him several times and that the emotional impact of the abuse may have been long‑lasting.
Due to Milo’s age and extensive health problems, euthanasia was considered the kindest option following sentencing. A second dog was also removed under a deprivation order.
Sentence
At Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, Young was banned from keeping dogs for two years. He was also given a deprivation order for his second dog, who will now be rehomed by the RSPCA.
Still from video footage showing Milo outside with David Allan Young during one of many recorded incidents.
He received a £220 fine, £300 in costs, and an £88 victim surcharge.
In mitigation, the court heard Young had “mental health difficulties”.
RSPCA Statement
Inspector Clare Wilson said: “Milo was an elderly and vulnerable dog who should have been able to spend his final years feeling safe and cared for.
“The footage showed a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour towards him, with Milo being kicked and dragged by his collar on multiple occasions.
“He was also suffering from a number of health problems which required veterinary attention.
“It is heartbreaking that Milo suffered in this way, particularly during his later years.”
At a Glance
Name: David Allan Young Age: 61 Location: Longfield Road, Darlington DL3 0EW Victim: Milo — 19‑year‑old Patterdale terrier (blind; arthritis; cataracts; dental disease; abdominal/testicular growths; cancer) What Happened: Repeated kicking; dragging by collar; non‑accidental injury confirmed by vet Outcome for Victim: Euthanised due to age and severe health conditions Second Dog: Removed under deprivation order; to be rehomed Sentence: 2‑year dog ban; £220 fine; £300 costs; £88 surcharge Mitigation: “Mental health difficulties”
Single mother Vanessa Ann Kentfield allowed her dog Rubic to starve to death despite having access to free veterinary care.
Case Summary
A woman from Lewisham has been banned from keeping animals after her bull‑breed dog, Rubic, starved to death.
Rubic lying deceased on a clinic blanket in an emaciated state, his ribs clearly visible as vets attempted to assess him.
His skeletal body was brought to a veterinary practice following his death, prompting an RSPCA investigation and prosecution.
Offender Overview
Name: Vanessa Ann Kentfield
Born: 13 January 1991
Age at Conviction: 35
Last Known Address: Manor Park, Lewisham, London SE13
Occupation: Unknown
Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information: Claimed “mental health issues” in mitigation.
Incident Details
Rubic, a three‑year‑old bull‑breed dog, was brought to New Cross PDSA Pet Hospital on 27 November 2025 after his death. He weighed just 21 kg (46 lb) — less than half his healthy weight — and was described by the vet as skeletal, with bones of the head, thorax, spine, limbs, and pelvis easily visible. His body condition score was 1/5, the lowest possible.
Rubic standing in a severely underweight condition, with his ribs and spine protruding due to prolonged starvation. There s a large lesion on his neck: cause unknown
Rubic had previously been seen on 13 August 2024 in a starving condition with a neck laceration. Kentfield claimed he had been cared for by a friend. Though his condition briefly improved, she failed to attend follow‑up appointments and did not return until presenting his body over a year later.
The vet concluded Rubic had suffered for an extended period, enduring “overwhelming, severe, unrelenting feelings of hunger”.
Pressure sores and overgrown nails indicated prolonged inactivity and neglect.
Animal Victims
Rubic during healthier times, photographed outdoors in the snow before his condition deteriorated.
Name: Rubic
Species/Breed: Bull‑breed dog
Age: 3 years
Condition: Emaciated, skeletal, body condition score 1/5
Fate: Deceased
Sentence
Court: Bromley Magistrates’ Court
Date: 14 September 2026
Penalty:
Disqualified from keeping animals until further order (minimum 5 years before appeal)
Ordered to pay £300 in costs
Mitigation: Mental health issues cited.
RSPCA Statement
Inspector Natalie Kitchin said:
“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met, including a suitable diet, their ability to exhibit normal behavioural patterns and to protect them from pain and suffering. Owning an animal is a privilege and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”
UKACF Commentary: The “Mental Health Issues” Mitigation & Suitability as a Parent
Kentfield’s mitigation relied on the same exhausted line we see in case after case: “mental health issues.” And once again, the court appears to have accepted it without requiring any medical evidence, documentation, or professional assessment.
There is no indication that Bromley Magistrates’ Court asked for:
GP letters
psychiatric reports
medication history
risk assessments
or any verification whatsoever
If the victim had been a child, the court would have demanded proof. If the victim had been a vulnerable adult, social services would have intervened. But because the victim was a dog, the claim is simply absorbed into mitigation without scrutiny.
This is a systemic failure: animal victims are treated as an afterthought, and offenders are allowed to deflect responsibility with unverified excuses.
Suitability as a Parent
Kentfield has at least four children. That fact cannot be ignored.
Rubic in a healthier state, standing alert on a grassy lawn long before the starvation that led to his death.
A person who allowed a young dog to starve to death over months — while failing to attend vet appointments, ignoring follow‑up care, and presenting a skeletal corpse without explanation — is demonstrating behaviours that overlap directly with child safeguarding red flags:
chronic neglect
inability or unwillingness to meet basic care needs
failure to act even when help is freely available
avoidance, denial, and prolonged inaction
disregard for suffering in a dependent being
If these behaviours were directed toward a child, it would trigger immediate safeguarding action. If they were directed toward an elderly relative, it would be criminal neglect. But because the victim was an animal, the system treats it as a lesser concern — despite the fact that the underlying behaviours are the same.
UKACF’s position is clear: Neglect is neglect. A person who cannot meet the basic needs of a dependent animal raises serious, legitimate questions about their suitability as a parent. The courts may ignore this, but the pattern is unmistakable.
Former dog walker Ellen Gibson permitted the prolonged suffering that led to the death of a dog and cat.
Case Summary
Ellen Gibson, 24, was convicted for her role in the prolonged suffering and eventual deaths of a Labrador‑type dog named Chance and a cat named Casper.
Although not the primary perpetrator of the violence, Gibson permitted the abuse to occur, failed to prevent it, and failed to obtain prompt veterinary treatment for Chance’s catastrophic head injuries.
Chance sustained multiple traumatic head, throat, and spinal injuries over several months. He’d also had his whiskers burned off.
She later acquired Casper despite ongoing RSPCA involvement, and he too died from severe, repeated trauma.
Her offending is linked to the case of Jordan Wood, who inflicted the physical violence that caused both animals’ deaths. Wood was jailed for 18 months and banned for life in August 2026. Gibson was sentenced separately in September 2026.
Offender Overview
Name: Ellen Gibson
Born: 26 June 2002
Age at Conviction: 24
Last Known Address: Ropery Close, Kilham, Driffield YO25 4SZ
Occupation: Former professional dog walker
Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information:
Changed plea to guilty at Bodmin Magistrates Court
Subject to mental‑health treatment requirement
Co‑offender: Jordan Wood (sentenced August 2026)
Incident Details
Between December 2024 and April 2025, Gibson was responsible for Chance and Casper while living at Trekenning Tourist Park, Newquay. During this period:
Chance (Labrador‑type dog)
Sustained multiple traumatic head, throat, and spinal injuries over several months
Whiskers burned off
Suffered repeated blunt‑force trauma
Gibson failed to obtain prompt veterinary treatment for severe head injuries
Seized by police following vet concerns
Despite weeks of RSPCA care, Chance had undetected internal injuries including:
Crushed trachea
Fractured hyoid bone
His trachea collapsed while running in a field, causing respiratory failure and death
Casper (cat)
Acquired by Gibson after Chance’s seizure, despite RSPCA involvement
Plan was in place to remove him for safety
Gibson posted online that Casper had died before removal could occur
RSPCA intercepted his body prior to cremation
Post‑mortem revealed:
Catastrophic chest trauma
Multiple rib fractures across three timelines
Severe head injuries
Blindness
Organ damage
Injuries consistent with prolonged, repetitive violence
Fate: Died from respiratory collapse following undetected internal injuries
Casper
Species: Cat
Sex: Male
Age: Unknown
Injuries: Catastrophic chest trauma; multiple rib fractures across three timelines; severe head injuries; blindness; organ damage
Fate: Died from inflicted injuries
Photos: ✘ None available
Sentence
Court: Bodmin Magistrates Court Date: 24 September 2026
Penalty:
23‑week prison sentence, suspended for two years
15‑year ban on keeping animals (expires September 2041)
Mental‑health treatment requirement
£1,000 costs
£154 surcharge
Mitigation:
Guilty plea
Mental‑health factors considered by the court
RSPCA Statement
RSPCA Inspector Jack Alderson said:
“The cruelty inflicted upon innocent animals like Chance and Casper is an unforgivable betrayal of trust. Every living creature deserves a life free from suffering and filled with compassion.”
Linked Cases
This case is directly linked to the conviction of Jordan Wood, who was jailed for 18 months and banned for life for inflicting the violence that caused Chance and Casper’s deaths.
Katie Beaumont — killed a cat by throwing him against a wall. Now banned from keeping animals for life.
Case Summary
Katie Beaumont avoided jail after killing a cat by throwing him against a wall. She admitted causing unnecessary suffering and received a community order, mental health treatment, and a lifetime animal ban.
Offender Overview
Name: Katie Beaumont
Born: 21 January 2004
Age at Conviction: 22
Last Known Address: Salisbury Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Occupation: Unknown
Previous Convictions: None disclosed
Additional Information: Offence involved the violent killing of a cat by hurling him against a wall. Guilty plea entered at an earlier hearing.
Incident Details
On 26 August 2026, Stevenage Magistrates’ Court sentenced Katie Beaumont after she pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cat.
The court heard that Beaumont killed the cat by throwing him against a wall during an incident in Stevenage. She admitted the offence at an earlier hearing on 15 June 2026.
Animal Victims
Unnamed male cat
Victim of fatal blunt‑force trauma
Thrown against a wall
Died as a result of the violence
Missing Information:
Cat’s name
Veterinary report
Photos
RSPCA statement
Sentence
Court: Stevenage Magistrates’ Court Date: 26 August 2026
Penalty:
Community order lasting until 25 August 2027
12 months mental health treatment
Up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities
Lifetime disqualification from owning, keeping, controlling, or influencing the keeping of animals
Must comply with all requirements or face breach proceedings
Jenna Read, whose neglect left her dog in a shocking state of suffering, photographed before facing justice for the cruelty she inflicted.
Case Summary
Nine‑year‑old Bichon Frise Jim was found in an appalling state of neglect after being taken to a County Durham veterinary clinic on 26 September 2025. He weighed just 2.5kg, had a body condition score of 1/9, and was infested with maggots in his eyes, mouth and anus.
A friend of the offender, Jenna Read, brought Jim to the clinic after becoming severely concerned about his welfare. The vet determined that euthanasia was the only humane option.
An RSPCA investigation later discovered another dog, Rosy, living at Read’s home in a dirty, matted condition. Rosy was signed over and has since been rehomed.
Read pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering and received a 10‑year ban on keeping animals.
Offender Overview
Name: Jenna Read
Born: 19 September 1986
Age at Conviction: 39
Last Known Address: Rockwell Avenue, Darlington
Occupation: Unknown
Previous Convictions: Not reported
Additional Information: Defence cited mental health difficulties and periods of hospitalisation; court heard that other adults had also been involved in caring for the dogs.
Incident Details
Jim was taken to a veterinary clinic by a friend who had permission from Read to request euthanasia.
On examination, the vet found Jim severely emaciated, with his skeletal frame clearly visible and a body condition score of 1/9. He weighed just 2.5kg and showed signs of extreme muscle wastage.
A mass was present on his neck, and live maggots were found in his mouth, under his left eye, and around his anus.
Close‑up of Jim’s infected eye crawling with live maggots — a graphic indicator of the extreme neglect he endured before rescue.
The concentration of maggots in the oral cavity suggested a possible dental abscess, although no external wounds were found to explain the infestation.
During the RSPCA investigation, another dog, Rosy, was discovered at Read’s home. Rosy had a dirty, matted coat and was later signed over to the charity and rehomed.
Animal Victims
Jim — 9‑year‑old Bichon Frise
Emaciated (2.5kg)
Body condition score 1/9
Severe muscle wastage
Maggot infestation (eyes, mouth, anus)
Euthanised to prevent further suffering
Rosy — Bichon Frise‑type dog
Dirty, matted coat
Signed over and rehomed
Sentence
Court: Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court
Date: 20 August 2026
Penalty:
10‑year disqualification from keeping animals (expires August 2036)
£200 fine
£80 victim surcharge
£480 costs
Mitigation: Mental health issues; periods of hospitalisation; other adults involved in care.
RSPCA Statement
The investigating inspector described Jim’s condition as “horrific,” noting his extreme emaciation and the presence of maggots emerging from multiple areas of his body. The inspector emphasised that owners must recognise when an animal is suffering and seek veterinary help before the situation becomes critical
Serial offenders Charlene McGilligan and Kevin Malpass are banned for life from keeping animals after neglecting five cats.
Case Summary
A Consett couple already banned from keeping animals went on to neglect five cats, three of whom suffered severe flea allergic dermatitis and were underweight.
Kevin Malpass and Charlene McGilligan, both 39, breached their existing ten‑year ban and admitted four animal welfare offences at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court. Their ban has now been upgraded to a lifetime prohibition. All five cats have since been rehomed.
Offender Overview
Kevin Malpass
Name: Kevin Malpass
Born: circa 1987
Age at Conviction: 39
Last Known Address: Briardale, Consett DH8 7BG
Occupation: Not reported
Previous Convictions: Ten‑year animal ban imposed December 2017
Additional Information: Lived at the property with McGilligan; jointly responsible for breach of ban and neglect.
Charlene McGilligan
Name: Charlene McGilligan
Born: circa 1987
Age at Conviction: 39
Last Known Address: Briardale, Consett DH8 7BG
Occupation: Not reported
Previous Convictions: Ten‑year animal ban imposed December 2017
Additional Information: Allowed inspectors into the property; admitted the cats were strays; stated the mother cat had died after being attacked by a dog.
Incident Details
On 5 November 2025, RSPCA Inspector Catherine Maddison attended the couple’s home following reports that cats were present despite an active ten‑year ban. In her written statement to the court, she described the property as “incredibly cluttered” with little room to move around.
The exceptionally cluttered home of Charlene McGilligan and Kevin Malpass, where five neglected cats were found by RSPCA inspectors.
McGilligan allowed inspectors inside but refused access to the upstairs area, stating she would bring the cats down herself.
She explained that the mother cat had previously been attacked by a dog, had suffered severe injuries, and despite calling around for help, she had been unable to get anyone to attend. The mother cat later died, and McGilligan buried her. She told the inspector that the cats currently in the property were four kittens from the deceased mother cat and one of their kittens.
McGilligan then brought down five cats: Lilo, Tinkerbell, Misty, Wendy and Nala. The four black‑and‑white females were aged two, and the tortoiseshell‑and‑white female, Nala, was aged one. All five were flea‑infested, underweight, and four had bald, thickened skin.
Rescued cats Lilo, Tinkerbell, Misty, Wendy and Nala, all rehomed by the RSPCA after suffering neglect and flea allergic dermatitis
A vet later confirmed that three of the cats — Lilo, Tinkerbell and Misty — were suffering from severe flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) and had been left untreated for at least a month. Wendy was also underweight with milder disease, and Nala had fleas. The vet stated that basic handling, such as stroking, would have revealed the extent of their suffering.
The couple also had fish and axolotls in the property, despite their existing ban.
Animal Victims
Species: Cats
Names: Lilo, Tinkerbell, Misty, Wendy, Nala
Ages: Four black‑and‑white females aged 2; one tortoiseshell‑and‑white female aged 1
Injuries:
Lilo, Tinkerbell, Misty — underweight, severe flea allergic dermatitis
Wendy — underweight, mild skin disease
Nala — flea infestation
Fate: All five cats rehomed by the RSPCA
Sentence
Court
Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court
Date
17 June 2026
Penalty
Both Defendants:
Lifetime ban on keeping animals
Convicted of four animal welfare offences
Other animals (fish and axolotls) were passed on during the investigation
Mitigation
The court heard that both defendants had “mental health issues”.
They said they believed they could appeal their previous ban after five years, though they had not sought legal advice.
They claimed the cats were strays they had taken in.
RSPCA Statement
Inspector Catherine Maddison said: “Kevin Malpass and Charlene McGilligan should not have been keeping animals. The cats that were discovered at their house had not been afforded the most basic care, with three of them in particular suffering unnecessarily for weeks as a result.”
She praised the public for reporting the breach and highlighted the cats’ recovery at Felledge Animal Centre: “With the right veterinary treatment and the care they received from our wonderful staff, Wendy, Lilo, Tinkerbell, Misty and Nala went from strength to strength. We’re so pleased they are all now in loving homes.”
Poppy and Henry as found by the Scottish SPCA, with severely matted coats causing pain, skin infection and chronic discomfort.
Case Summary
Two cockapoos, Poppy and Henry, were found in severe discomfort after being left with heavily matted coats, skin infections, overgrown claws and chronic irritation.
Their owners, Peter and Helen Doyle. admitted causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide basic grooming or veterinary care over a six‑month period.
Both dogs required extensive clipping, with 1.5kg of matted fur removed from Poppy alone.
The couple were sentenced at Lerwick Sheriff Court and banned from keeping animals for two years.
Offender Overview
Peter John Doyle
Born: born circa 1968
Age at Conviction: 58
Last Known Address: Robertson Crescent, Lerwick
Occupation:unknown
Previous Convictions:unknown
Additional Information: Received one of the dogs following a family bereavement; mental health issues cited in mitigation
Helen Katie Doyle
Born: born circa 1983
Age at Conviction: 43
Last Known Address: Robertson Crescent, Lerwick
Occupation:unknown
Previous Convictions:unknown
Additional Information: Co‑owner; mental health issues cited in mitigation
Incident Details
Between May and November 2025, the Doyles failed to provide adequate grooming, care or veterinary treatment for their two cockapoos, Poppy and Henry. When the case first appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court, Procurator Fiscal Duncan MacKenzie described their “woeful neglect”.
Poppy’s coat was severely matted, dense and heavy, covering one eye and impairing her vision. The matting caused skin infection, pain, itching and chronic discomfort. Her claws were also overgrown. A total of 1.5kg of matted fur was removed during treatment.
Henry was in a similar condition, with extensive matting and chronic skin irritation, though his state was described as “marginally better”.
The two cockapoos after rescue, showing the dramatic difference once their coats were removed and their skin treated.
The Scottish SPCA confirmed that both dogs had been left without even the bare minimum of care. Cockapoos require brushing several times a week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks; neither dog had received this.
The dogs were seized, treated, fully recovered and later rehomed.
Peter Doyle: 120 hours of unpaid work; 12‑month supervision order
Helen Doyle: 80 hours of unpaid work; 12‑month supervision order
Mitigation: Mental health issues; one dog inherited after a family death; claimed full cooperation
Ban Expiry: Two‑year ban on owning or keeping animals (expiry: August 2028)
Scottish SPCA Statement
“It would have taken a considerable amount of time for the dogs to get to this state and it is evident by how matted their coats both were that no effort was made to prevent or resolve their suffering.
“Any responsible owner should research the breed they are considering taking on and consider whether they can meet its needs. Cockapoos require brushing several times a week and regular grooming every six to eight weeks. In Poppy and Henry’s case, they did not even receive the bare minimum of care.”
Jordan Wood and Ellen Gibson let a dog and cat suffer months of violence, fractures, blindness and agony until both animals died.
Case Summary
Labrador‑type dog Chance and cat Casper suffered months of brutal, repetitive violence at the hands of Jordan Wood, culminating in catastrophic injuries that led to their deaths.
Chance
Wood, aged 25, formerly of Trekenning Tourist Park, Newquay, pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences following an RSPCA investigation.
His co‑defendant, Ellen Gibson, aged 24, formerly of Cornwall and now living in Kilham, Driffield, also admitted causing or permitting unnecessary suffering.
Casper suffered catastrophic chest trauma, multiple rib fractures across three timelines, severe head injuries, blindness, and organ damage. Both animals died as a result of the violence inflicted upon them.
Jordan Wood inflicted months of violence that left Lab-cross Chance broken, strangled and dying, and left Casper the cat blind, crushed and fighting for breath.
Wood has been jailed for 18 months and banned from keeping animals for life. Gibson will be sentenced separately in September 2026.
Offender Overview
Name: Jordan Wood Born: 22 December 2000 Age at Conviction: 25 Last Known Address: Trekenning Tourist Park, Newquay; family home at Hillside Park, Bodmin PL31 2NB Occupation: Unknown Previous Convictions:
Possession of a throwing knife (blade over three inches), Bridlington, Yorkshire — January 2025
Community order
£120 fine
£85 costs
Additional Information:
Defence cited PTSD and depression
Known to have moved between Cornwall and Yorkshire
Offender Overview (Co‑Defendant)
Name: Ellen Gibson Born: 26 June 2002 Age at Conviction: 24 Last Known Address: Ropery Close, Kilham, Driffield YO25 4SZ Occupation: Former dog walker — Happy Hippy Pet Services Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information:
Responsible for Chance and Casper during periods of injury
Pleaded guilty to causing or permitting unnecessary suffering
Returned to family home in Kilham, Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire
As of August 2026, she is reportedly employed in a care home where she works with vulnerable adults
Incident Details
Concerns were raised in April 2025 when Chance was taken to a vet with severe injuries.
The RSPCA were alerted and attended Wood’s address. Chance was seized by police and placed into RSPCA care, where further examinations revealed:
Multiple traumatic head injuries
Skull fractures on both sides of the frontal bones
Sagittal crest fracture
Strangulation injuries and altered airway size
Windpipe compression consistent with repeated collar tightening
Spinal fracture from high‑level blunt force
Burned whiskers
Swelling, bruising and abrasions around eyes, ears, face and neck
Chance was euthanised due to complications from his pre‑existing throat fractures.
Ellen Gibson — a former professional dog walker – admitted causing or permitting the violence that left Chance and Casper dead.
In August 2025, Casper was found dead with catastrophic injuries from at least three separate timelines of blunt‑force trauma:
Casper’s cause of death was severe blunt‑force trauma to the chest, resulting in respiratory failure.
Every mark on Chance’s body, including the cigarette burns on his ears, tells the story of the torture he endured.
Veterinary evidence confirmed both animals endured prolonged physical pain and mental torment.
Animal Victims
Chance (Dog)
Male Labrador‑type
Suffered repeated blunt‑force trauma
Skull, throat, spine and facial injuries
Whiskers burned off
Euthanised due to complications from injuries
Chance was joyful. He was trusting. He was failed.
Casper (Cat)
Male
Suffered catastrophic chest trauma
Rib fractures across three timelines
Severe head injuries
Blindness and extensive eye damage (his eye was reportedly gouged out while he was still alive)
Died from lung collapse and respiratory failure
Sentence (Jordan Wood only)
Court: Truro Date: 6 August 2026
Penalty:
18 months; imprisonment
Lifetime ban on keeping animals
Guilty of three animal welfare offences
Mitigation:
Defence cited PTSD, depression, and difficult childhood
RSPCA Statement
RSPCA Inspector Jack Alderson said:
“The cruelty inflicted upon innocent animals like Chance and Casper is an unforgivable betrayal of trust. Every living creature deserves a life free from suffering and filled with compassion.”
Chance was removed from Jordan Wood and Ellen Gibson along with several rats and rabbits. The smaller animals were unharmed.
Chance was immediately placed under the care of the RSPCA Cornwall Branch, where he received repeated health checks, veterinary treatment and daily monitoring. A member of staff fostered him to ensure he had stability, safety and comfort while the investigation progressed.
Despite weeks of dedicated care, Chance had suffered internal injuries that were not initially detectable. Unknown to the team and the attending vets, he had a crushed trachea and fractured hyoid bone caused by strangulation.
While running in the field at the centre, his damaged trachea suddenly collapsed, causing respiratory failure and his death.
His passing occurred despite every possible intervention, and only because of the violence inflicted on him before rescue.
Unbeknownst to the RSPCA, Gibson later acquired another animal — Casper the cat. As soon as this was discovered, a plan was put in place to have him removed. Before this could happen, Gibson posted on social media that Casper had died.
Casper’s body had already been sent for cremation, but the RSPCA were able to intercept it in time.
Both Chance and Casper were sent to a forensic pathologist. The examinations revealed the full extent of the injuries suffered by both animals, confirming prolonged, repeated, non‑accidental trauma.
UKACF Commentary
Jordan Wood’s case is one of the clearest examples of prolonged, escalating violence against companion animals that we’ve seen in recent years. The veterinary findings alone — multiple skull fractures, throat and windpipe compression injuries, spinal trauma, and repeated blunt‑force blows — show a pattern of deliberate harm inflicted over months, not moments. Chance’s injuries were so severe and so varied that they could not be explained by any accidental cause, despite Wood’s claim that the dog “ran into a fence.”
Casper’s post‑mortem findings were even more disturbing: fractures healing at different rates, catastrophic chest trauma, skeletal injuries, and internal organ damage, all pointing to repeated episodes of violence across at least three separate timelines. His cause of death — extensive lung collapse and respiratory failure due to blunt force trauma — reflects sustained suffering rather than a single fatal incident.
The RSPCA’s own inspector described the cruelty as an “unforgivable betrayal of trust,” and it’s difficult to disagree. These animals were not only harmed — they were harmed repeatedly, severely, and in ways that demonstrate intent, force, and a complete disregard for pain, fear, and vulnerability.
The lifetime ban imposed on Wood is both appropriate and necessary. Cases like this highlight why lifetime bans exist: to prevent individuals who have demonstrated a capacity for extreme violence from ever having access to animals again. The 18‑month custodial sentence, while welcome, inevitably feels small compared to the suffering endured by Chance and Casper — a recurring issue in UK sentencing for animal cruelty.
Ellen Gibson’s involvement, while different in nature, still reflects a failure to protect animals in her care. Allowing suffering and failing to seek veterinary treatment are not passive oversights — they are active breaches of duty that enable harm to continue. Her sentencing will determine whether the courts recognise the seriousness of enabling or permitting cruelty, not just inflicting it.
This case is a stark reminder of how vital community vigilance is. It began because a vet recognised that Chance’s injuries did not match the explanation given. Without that intervention, both animals’ suffering might have continued unnoticed. It also underscores the importance of robust enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, particularly Section 4(1), which exists precisely for situations where unnecessary suffering is inflicted or permitted.
For UKACF, this case stands as a deeply troubling example of sustained violence, preventable deaths, and the need for stronger deterrents. Chance and Casper deserved safety, care, and compassion — not months of pain followed by fatal injuries. Their story must be remembered, not only to honour them, but to reinforce why reporting concerns, supporting the RSPCA and Scottish SPCA, and demanding stronger sentencing all matter.
Additional Photos of Jordan Wood and Ellen Gibson
Update | 24 September 2026
Ellen Gibson, 24, has now been sentenced for her role in the prolonged abuse suffered by Chance the dog and Casper the cat. Gibson admitted allowing the violence to continue, failing to protect the animals, and failing to obtain urgent veterinary care for Chance’s catastrophic head injuries.
She received a 23‑week prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a 15‑year ban on keeping animals, a mental‑health treatment requirement, and £1,154 in costs and surcharges. Magistrates stated that her failure to act contributed directly to the suffering and deaths of both animals.
Martell Tyrone Dublin was jailed and banned from keeping animals for life after admitting multiple counts of non‑accidental injuries inflicted on his cats. The RSPCA launched an investigation after a vet raised concerns about repeated trauma and unexplained deaths involving five cats owned by him.
Shirley, the surviving cat, pictured resting in a soft round pet bed after being rescued by the RSPCA.
Offender Overview
Name: Martell Tyrone Dublin
Born: 28 June 2001
Age at Conviction: 25
Last Known Address: High Street, Harlesden, London
Screenshot of Dublin’s profile on the All Things Chelsea blog showing his personal interests.
Previous Convictions: None known
Additional Information: Offender has scrubbed social media accounts; believed to have removed identifying photos
Incident Details
The RSPCA investigation began on 17 November 2022 after a vet reported concerns about injuries and unexplained deaths involving Dublin’s cats.
France, Narla, Baby and Milo were all linked to suspicious circumstances, while Shirley was found alive but suffering from multiple fractures.
Veterinary experts concluded that the injuries were non‑accidental and consistent with deliberate physical abuse, with several cats experiencing prolonged pain, fear and distress. Baby also suffered untreated head and spinal injuries which left the cat unable to walk.
Dublin was assessed as posing a serious ongoing risk to animals, given the repeated non‑accidental injuries and multiple unexplained deaths.
Animal Victims
France – repeated injuries; severe scalding; died
Narla – non‑accidental injuries; died
Baby – head and spinal injuries; untreated; died
Milo – unexplained death
Shirley – fractured jaw, cheekbone and ribs; survived
Sentence
Court: Harrow Crown Court Date: 31 July 2026 Conviction: Four counts of animal cruelty (non‑accidental injuries and unnecessary suffering)
Penalty:
28 months’ imprisonment
Lifetime ban on keeping animals (not appealable for 3 years)
Mitigation: The court heard that Dublin was previously of good character, no longer kept animals, and had mental health difficulties, alcohol problems, and significant childhood adversity.
RSPCA Statement
Former RSPCA Inspector Nicole Broster said:
“This was an incredibly challenging and harrowing case, one of the worst I’d seen during my 17 years as part of the Inspectorate… Dublin subjected these beautiful, innocent and affectionate creatures to unimaginable suffering by intentionally harming them.”
Epitome of evil: Francis Croft, who beat an elderly Staffie so severely the dog had to be put down.
Case Summary
A 21‑year‑old* Staffordshire bull terrier named Georgie was subjected to a violent and sustained attack by Francis Croft of Liverton Court, Blackley. Croft kicked the elderly dog and struck him repeatedly with both a wooden mop handle and an ashtray, causing catastrophic head injuries. Georgie suffered a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury and was euthanised due to the severity of his injuries.
Georgie, the Staffordshire bull terrier who was fatally injured in the attack by Francis Croft.
Croft claimed he had been bitten, but there was no evidence to support this. The judge said that even if true, it offered no justification for the attack. Croft was jailed and banned from keeping animals for three years.
Offender Overview
Name: Francis (Frank) Croft Born: circa 1963 Age at Conviction: 63 Last Known Address: Liverton Court, Blackley, Manchester M9 0NQ Occupation: Not stated Previous Convictions: Not stated Additional Information: Croft was described in court as a chronic, long‑term drug abuser who had stopped taking prescribed mental‑health medication at the time of the offence.
Animal Victim
Name: Georgie Species: Staffordshire bull terrier *Age: Believed to be around 10–12 years old (reported as 21 in court) Sex: male Fate: Euthanised due to catastrophic head injuries Additional Information: Described as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who pottered around the house and had lived with his owner since puppyhood.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on 16 March 2026 at the home of Croft’s neighbour, Bradley Crewe, in Blackley. Croft attempted to enter the flat but was initially prevented by a woman. He later managed to gain access, where several people were present along with Georgie — a dog known not to like him.
Witnesses described Croft as behaving in a “rowdy” manner. He kicked Georgie, causing the dog to yelp, then went to the kitchen and picked up a wooden mop handle, striking the dog with it. He then grabbed an ashtray and hit Georgie multiple times. Witnesses said Georgie cried in pain before collapsing motionless, bleeding from the head.
A vet confirmed Georgie had suffered a skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Due to the extent of the injuries, Georgie was put down. A witness reported hearing Croft say he had “done Brad’s dog” after the attack.
Mr Crewe, who had cared for Georgie since he was a puppy, described him as a gentle, kind‑hearted dog who simply pottered around the house. He said the violent end to Georgie’s life was deeply distressing.
During a hearing at Manchester Crown Court Croft pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.
Prosecutor Peter Malone told the court there was no evidence Georgie had bitten Croft, and Croft had not mentioned any bite to police. Defence counsel Hayley Bennett said Croft expressed remorse and described his actions as “a stupid thing to do.” She said he had stopped taking mental‑health medication and was a long‑term drug abuser.
Judge Nicholas Dean KC told Croft:
“You attacked a 21‑year‑old dog, that is a very elderly dog, and in effect you killed the dog. This was a very cruel thing to do. Whether the dog bit you or not is neither here nor there.”
Sentence
Court: Manchester Crown Court
Date: August 2026
Penalty: Custodial sentence of three years and nine months
Ban: Three‑year ban on keeping animals (expires August 2029)
Mitigation: Mental‑health issues and drug abuse cited; remorse expressed
