Tag Archives: RSPCA education programme

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Ditton, Kent: Danny King Sr and Jr

November 25, 2021 misanthropic 5 Comments

CONVICTED (2021) | Danny King Sr, born c. 1979, and son Danny King Jr, born 29 May 1999, both of 44 Nursery Road, Ditton, Maidstone ME20 6DZ – bragged about killing badgers and kept multiple dogs in atrocious conditions.

Danny King Jr and Sr. Picture: Facebook.

The Kings, who are gypsy travellers, were due to stand trial earlier in November 2021 but failed to attend. The trial went ahead in their absence and they were both found guilty of a number of offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Both were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a black poodle and failing in a duty of responsibility for the welfare of eight dogs between 2019 and 2020.

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

RSPCA officers joined police to execute a warrant in March 2019, where a mobile phone was seized as part of the investigation and revealed a “hunting” WhatsApp group between a number of people.

One of the people involved in the conversation was named as Danny King who also sent a video of two dogs attacking a badger and an audio message saying: “That’s what you call the all rounder… had a good bit of sport last night”.

Another audio message referred to a dog “running and killing” a badger and a number of hare, while another audio recording referred to the injuries to the dog and badger.

RSPCA officers found the dogs in poor conditions in Ditton, near Aylesford

On 29 January 2020, officers from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit joined Kent Police as they executed a warrant at a property in Ditton under the Protection of Badgers Act.

Eight dogs, including greyhounds and dachshunds, were found at the property and seized by police; one was extremely underweight, had matted fur, fur loss and poor teeth.

RSPCA inspector Jason Bowles, who assisted with the investigation, said: “The dogs were being kept in unacceptable conditions, living in cold, filthy kennels. None of the dogs had suitable, dry or comfy bedding to rest on and only one kennel had food or water.

“A number of dogs including lurchers, spaniels and a poodle type were seized by police and placed into our care.”

A phone number listed on a van parked on the drive matched up with the number assigned to ‘Dannyking’ from the WhatsApp chat.

Danny King Jr. Picture: Facebook. — Danny King Jr

Danny King Sr was given a three-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £750 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge.

Danny King Jr received a four-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours of unpaid work.

Danny King Sr. Picture: Facebook. — Danny King Sr

Both men were disqualified from keeping animals, King Sr for 20 years and King Jr for 10 years.

The dogs have all been rehomed.

A third unnamed person – believed to be family matriarch Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Harbour – was given a suspended prison sentence in March 2021 having previously admitted two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Medway Magistrates’ Court. She was handed a two-month jail term – suspended for 12 months – and ordered to complete an animal welfare rehabilitation programme. She was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years.

Kent Online

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

Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire: Ashden King and Jakob Goffin

April 19, 2019 misanthropic 1 Comment

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.”

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.”

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

Dogs, ear cropping and tail docking

Ashford, Kent: Liam Jones

February 1, 2019 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2019) | Liam Jones, born c. 1993, of Shrubcote, Tenterden, Ashford TN30 – for illegally docked the tail of a 15-week-old spaniel puppy

Max's tail was illegally docked by Liam Jones from Tenterden, Kent

Cocker spaniel Max was discovered in High Halden with an elastic band wrapped at the top of his tail that had been tightened with the aid of crimping pliers, leaving the end to become “withered”.

His owner Liam Jones pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a puppy by attempting to dock his tail, when he appeared before Maidstone Magistrates.

RSPCA Inspector Dave Grant said that Max had been rescued in July 2018: “When we removed Max from the home he had an orange elastic band wrapped tightly around his tail.

“It was 1.5ins from the base of his tail and the remainder of the tail was withered almost to the point of falling off. I touched his tail and he yelped; he was obviously in pain.”

He added: “Mr Jones was used to docking lambs’ tails and didn’t see any different in applying the same method to his 15-week-old cocker spaniel puppy, Max.

“He claimed his previous dog had suffered a de-gloving tail injury, which is when the skin is torn away, and he wanted to prevent Max going through the same.

Tail docking is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, except for medical purposes or for certain types of certified working dogs, when the procedure must be carried out by a vet before the puppy is five days old.

“While Mr Jones told us that Max was intended to be a working dog, he was not registered with any groups.”

Insp Grant said. “He also admitted that he was unaware of the laws around tail docking and had used crimping pliers to apply the rubber band to Max’s tail.

“Tail docking is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act. It is a painful process, can impact on how dogs communicate and is often wholly unnecessary.

“We do not believe any animals should be mutilated for cosmetic purposes and that removing part or all of the tail should only be done for medical reasons.”

Max has been rehomed by the RSPCA.

Sentencing: community order of 200 hours of unpaid work and 20-days of rehabilitation activity, to include attending the RSPCA’s pilot intervention programme aimed at stopping re-offending. Total of £385 costs and charges. Disqualified from keeping dogs for two years (expired February 2021).

Kent Online

Dogs, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, Boarding Kennels, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Pudsey, Leeds: Jacqueline Wilkins

January 7, 2019 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2019) | professional dog walker Jacqueline Wilkins, born c. 1972, of Dorset Grove, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 7EN – caught on CCTV abusing a customer’s pet

Dog abuser Jacqueline Wilkins from Pudsey, Leeds — Professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins was caught on camera terrorising one of the dogs she was meant to be looking after

Jacqui Wilkins, owner of dog-walking service Wilkins Walkies, was caught on camera striking boxer Bella twice and shouting at her repeatedly when the dog would not stay still long enough for her to remove her harness after a walk.

Bella's owner noticed changes in her pet's behaviour during the time in the 'care' of professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins — Petrified: Bella’s owner noticed changes in her pet’s behaviour during the time in the ‘care’ of professional dog walker Jacqui Wilkins

In footage captured on CCTV cameras inside the home of Bella’s owners Gary Hirtsch and Louise Williams, Wilkins can be heard shouting “You’re not doing as you’re told, are you?” and “Do you want another smack?”

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard the couple had hired Wilkins when Miss Williams broke her wrist and was unable to walk Bella and their other dog, Coco.

Bella’s owners checked CCTV footage recorded in their home after noticing a change in the dog’s behaviour. They made a report to the RSPCA after seeing the footage.

Prosecutor Andrew Davidson said: “What you can see there is what the defendant now accepts was unnecessarily rough treatment. The prosecution say there’s very rarely any reason for using that type of behaviour to discipline a dog.”

Wilkins admitted failing to meet the needs of a dog by protecting it from injury or distress. She had initially pleaded not guilty but changed her plea following expert evidence about the psychological damage Bella may have suffered.

A separate charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal was dismissed.

Magistrates were told that Wilkins had experienced a “moment of madness” and felt she was disciplining Bella at the time, but now recognised her behaviour was wrong.

The court heard she was of previous good character and had told her clients about the case, prompting a number to write references and two of them to attend court in support.

A probation officer also reported that Wilkins had reflected on the harm she may have caused Bella and was “completely remorseful” about her actions.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hirtsch said: “I feel relieved. We had put her in a position of trust. I think they’ve done the right thing for the safety of the other dogs.”

He said Bella’s behaviour had changed significantly following the incident, adding: “Bella was so friendly, but then she was reluctant to go out. She used to cower on the sofa.

Wilkins was visibly upset as she left the courtroom after being told that she would not be allowed to keep her own dog, Bentley, during the two-year ban.

Friend and client Janet Pearson said: “Obviously she’s not going to have an income now but the thing she’s most upset about is losing her dog. Her dog is like her baby.

“I think the court has made an example of her. If I thought she didn’t care and was cruel, clearly there’s no way she would look after mine. It’s not just a business to her though. Dogs are her life.

“She’s worried about her clients too. What are they going to do?”

Sentencing: 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work and an RSPCA education programme; total of £385 in costs and charges. Banned from keeping or caring for any dogs for two years – later reduced on appeal to just three months (expired).

Yorkshire Evening Post

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

North Yorkshire Badger Baiters: Alan Alexander, Richard Simpson, Paul Tindall, William Anderson, Christopher Holmes and Malcolm Warner

January 10, 2012 misanthropic 1 Comment

CONVICTED (2012) | badger baiting ring Alan ‘Bok’ Alexander, born 03/04/1979, of Bramham Grove, York YO26 5BH, Richard Lee Simpson, born 24/11/1974, of Bramham Grove, York YO26 5BH, Paul Ian Tindall, born 30/03/1978, of Boroughbridge Road, York YO26 6AL, William Edward Anderson, born 29/05/1985, formerly of Hillside Farm in Pickering but as of April 2020 residing at the Jam House, Alne Hills, Great Alne, Alcester, Stratford on Avon B49 6JT, Christopher ‘Tiffa’ Martin Holmes, born 04/03/1983, of Byland Avenue, York YO31 9AY and Malcolm David Warner, born 21/02/1983, of Tedder Road, York YO24 3JD

Badger baiters Richard Simpson, Alan Alexander, Paul Tindall, William Anderson

Scarborough Magistrates’ Court heard how the group of six men and a 17-year-old boy dug out two badgers and laughed as they set a pack of 13 dogs on them. The horrific incident took place on farmland at Howsham, near York, in January 2011.

An RSPCA inspector involved in the case said it was the worst incident of badger baiting he had ever seen.

Sobia Ahmed, prosecuting, told the court that two witnesses, including wildlife photographer Robert Fuller, heard the sound of dogs barking excitedly and a badger squealing in distress and went to investigate.
When they reached the scene, they saw two large dogs attacking a badger.

Ms Ahmed said: ‘They had hold of it in their mouths and were shaking it violently. They said the dogs were playing tug of war with the badger.’

Mr Fuller recalled in court how the men ‘laughingly’ encouraged the beasts before they spotted him and fled the scene.

Wildlife photographer Robert Fuller managed to take this picture showing Alan Alexander snatching at a badger in the dog's mouth — Wildlife photographer Robert Fuller managed to take this picture showing Alan Alexander snatching at a badger in the dog’s mouth

After some time, the badger was shot dead by Anderson and the men, who had become aware of the witnesses and tried to cover their tracks by throwing the dead badger into the undergrowth.

They then buried a second dead badger – a pregnant animal which had been torn to pieces by the dogs – back into the hole from which it had been dug.

Ms Ahmed said witnesses called the police and the men and teenager were arrested a short time later.

Police and RSPCA inspectors who visited the scene found animal intestines and badger foetuses scattered around and areas of congealed blood, believed to be from where the badger had been shot.

When they recovered the two badgers, one was found to have been shot at close range and had a fractured skull and jaw.

Badger baiters Christopher Holmes and Malcolm Warner — Badger baiting ring members Christopher Holmes (left) and Malcolm ‘Mally’ Warner were given suspended prison sentences

The other had part of its abdomen missing and injuries consistent with being attacked by a dog.

Mr Fuller later gave his pictures to the police and RSPCA and they were used to convict the gang.

When they investigated, the authorities established the men had killed three adult badgers and three unborn cubs.

Ms Ahmed said the pregnant badger suffered ‘a sustained attack by a number of dogs that had caused the badger to be torn to pieces and eventually it bled to death’ while the other had a ‘gunshot wound to the head immediately after a severe and sustained attack by a number of dogs’.

Ms Ahmed described the operation as a ‘sophisticated enterprise’ in which the men used equipment to track down the badgers.

Speaking after the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Geoff Edmond said: “I was there on the day and was responsible for removing a pregnant badger which had been buried in a hole, which had been ripped to bits by dogs.

“That’s horrific, barbaric, and these badgers had been tortured by these dogs on that day.”

Alexander, Simpson, Tindall and Anderson were jailed for 16 weeks after being found guilty of wilfully killing a badger, hunting a mammal with dogs, digging for badgers and interfering with a badger sett.

Alexander and Simpson were also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

All four men were each ordered to pay £750 costs and £100 compensation.

Badger baiter Alan Alexander pictured outside court — Alan Alexander

Holmes and Warner were handed 12-week custodial sentences suspended for 12 months after they pleaded guilty to wilfully killing a badger, digging for badgers and interfering with a badger sett. They were told to pay £250 costs and £100 compensation

The 17-year-old boy, who could not be named for legal reasons, was given a youth rehabilitation order.

An eighth person, James Doyle from Westfield Avenue, Knottingley, was acquitted.

The men were represented by Clive Rees.

BBC News
Daily Mail
NWHSA

UK Animal Cruelty Files