Tag Archives: Sedgemoor

Animal Abandonment, Animal Sanctuaries from Hell, Dogs, Hoarders, Worst of the Worst

Highbridge, Somerset: Judy Doolan

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | dog collector Judy Patricia Doolan, born 10 May 1959, of 12 East Ride, Brent Knoll, HighbridgeTA9 4EA – kept 16 badly neglected Romanian rescue dogs in an unattended property.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Photo: Judy Doolan / Facebook

The 16 Romanian rescue dogs had reportedly been left unattended at Doolan’s home for several days while she lived elsewhere on a caravan site. Some were emaciated and had rotten teeth, dirty smelly coats, and overgrown nails.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Several were found to be extremely fear-aggressive and unsafe to handle through their lack of socialisation. Nine dogs had to be put down due to their poor state of health.

The court heard how in March 2023 RSPCA inspector Hayley Lawrence attended at Doolan’s home to investigate a report of concern about animals at the property. On looking through the letter box she could see that the property was very dirty inside with large amounts of faeces covering the floor area which she said “looked and smelled horrendous”.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Inspector Lawrence had concerns for Doolan’s wellbeing as well as for the dogs so she called her colleagues, police and a vet to attend. Dogs could be seen at the window but no food or water could be seen.

Police located Doolan at the caravan site and returned to the address where she brought the dogs out individually to the front door for them to be checked and recorded.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

On examination, many of the dogs were found to have severe matting – the matts on one dog were found to weigh 2.15kg.

The vet describes observing that two rooms of the house had a large build up of faecal matter with the windows heavily soiled in faeces. Some of the dogs also had faecal soiling on their feet and coats.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

In mitigation, it was said Ms Doolan had rescued dogs from Romania and had got out of her depth and had struggled with personal difficulties throughout her life.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Doolan plead guilty to two animal welfare offences. She had appealed against her sentence, which was originally imposed in October 2023.

The surviving dogs have been cared for by RSPCA and are thriving.

RSPCA prosecution of animal hoarder Judy Doolan from Highbridge, Somerset. Image: RSPCA.

Speaking after the appeal hearing Inspector Lawrence said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment they need when they need it.

“Animals are completely reliant on their owners to ensure their needs are met and they are kept safe and healthy. Owning an animal is a privilege – and ensuring appropriate care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them.”

Sentencing | fined £600. Ten-year ban on keeping dogs but may appeal after seven years.

Somerset County Gazette
Burnham-on-Sea.com|
BristolLive

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

Bridgwater, Somerset: Susan Boobyer

3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Susan Helen Boobyer, born 1 December 1970, of Bower Avenue, Bridgwater TA6 4QP – kept five dogs in cages with little food, water and bedding.

Animal abuser and backyard breeder Susan Boobyer from Bridgwater, Somerset. Pic: Facebook

Backyard breeder Susan Boobyer admitted to three animal welfare offences in relation to dogs Rex, Suzie, Foxy, Bella and Annie.

Bridgwater backyard breeder Susan Boobyer kept neglected dogs in cages without food, water or bedding.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel persuaded Boobyer to let her take two of the dogs, Rex and Suzie, to a vet on May 5, 2022, after she had ignored repeated warnings to do so.

Inspector Daniel said: “Once the dogs arrived at the vet, Rex jumped into the sink, holding his nose to the tap and desperately drank the water provided – together with another three bows after that.

“Suzie also quickly drank a bowl of water, and both readily ate food offered to them.

“The vet who examined the dogs confirmed they were suffering.”

Animal abuser and backyard breeder Susan Boobyer from Bridgwater, Somerset. Pic: TikTok
Pic: Susan Boobyer, TikTok

Veterinary evidence showed that Rex and Suzie were both very underweight with their bones visible. They were also both suffering from dental disease.

Suzie, the mum of pups Annie and Bella, was also found to have discolouration of fur indicating flea allergic dermatitis.

Bridgwater backyard breeder Susan Boobyer kept neglected dogs in cages without food, water or bedding.

Rex and Susie were seized by police and Boobyer was served with a further animal welfare advice notice, advising her that her remaining dogs needed to be provided with bedding and fresh water at all times.

During a follow-up visit on May 13, 2022 Inspector Daniel found an adult dog known as Foxy and two 10-week old pups shut in with several piles of faeces over the floor. Neither bedding nor water was available for the dogs.

Boobyer confirmed that the dogs had not seen a vet but refused to allow Inspector Daniel to take them to see one. Police were called and Foxy and the puppies were seized.

Foxy was found to have marked dental disease, while Bella and Annie were underweight with healing ulcers on their pads either from urine or faecal scale or being caged with inappropriate bedding. The puppies were also suffering from anaemia due to their parasitic burden.

The five dogs have been in the care of the RSPCA since they were rescued and will be rehomed soon.

Sentencing | 12 months in prison suspended for two years. Ordered to pay £600 costs and a £156 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for 15 years.

Somerset Live
Somerset County Gazette

farms / smallholdings, Food Production

Brent Knoll, Somerset: Sally Jones

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Sally Victoria Jones, born September 1959, of Meadow Vale, Brent Knoll, Highbridge TA9 4BE – for cruelty offences to cattle on her smallholding.

Jones kept animals in poor and unsafe conditions with a rusty gate and barbed wire. Inspectors also found a collapsed calf in an emaciated condition, which had to be put to sleep

Jones pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the calf and three other charges for failing to ensure that animals had access to a dry lying area, failure to remove or repair sharp edges or protrusions which posed a hazard to livestock, and failure to dispose of animal-by products without ‘ undue delay’.

In addition she admitted breaching biosecurity measures put in place to reduce the risk of spread of Avian Flu.

The case against Jones was brought by Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service following concerns by members of the public.

Sentencing | £307 fine for unnecessary suffering, £184 fine for the lack of dry lying area for her cattle, £184 for the animal-by product offences, £184 fine for the sharp objects in which her cattle and sheep had access and £184 fine for breaching bio security measures in place to reduce the risk of spread of avian influenza. She was also ordered to pay £3,495 in legal costs and a £104 victim surcharge. Lifetime ban on keeping cattle.

SomersetLive

Cats, Domestic Violence - Animals Targeted, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Bridgwater, Somerset: Reece Coney

10 Comments

#MostEvil | Reece Coney, born 11 January 1998, of Wye Avenue, Bridgwater TA6 5DG – trampled his ex-partner’s cat to death in vile revenge attack

Cat killer Reece Coney from Bridgwater, Somerset, UK and victim Pedro
Cat killer Reece Coney from Bridgwater, Somerset, UK and victim Pedro

Coney saw the cat, known as Pedro, in a supermarket car park and took him to the Quantock Hills where he put him in a shopping bag and repeatedly stamped him underfoot.

A judge at Taunton Crown Court said it had been a targeted attack designed to deliberately distress his ex.

He said: “This was an absolutely disgraceful offence.

“It was malicious, deliberate activity and beyond the pale frankly, and it was targeted.”

Cat killer Reece Coney from Bridgwater, Somerset, UK

Prosecutor Ms Lucy Taylor said the defendant, a delivery driver, had been in a relationship with Pedro’s owner.

Following the split, she had left the animal in the care of a relative but when she returned was told he had disappeared. She printed posters and displayed them in the neighbourhood but there was no sign of him.

Six months later, in November 2019, she received a message from the defendant’s latest partner to say the defendant had killed the cat by strangling and stamping.

She said Coney had seen the cat while at Asda and put him in the footwell of the car. He had told his partner to drive to Cheddar so he could throw him off the cliffs. She had refused but instead, and out of fear, agreed to drive to the Quantock Hills.

When they got there Coney took the animal outside and killed him with his foot, she said. He then buried the bag under some weeds.

Pedro’s body was never found.

Ms Taylor said the defendant messaged his ex to try and persuade her not to go to the police.

“There was clearly evidence of planning. It seems to have been a revenge attack on what is termed his ex partner’s property but was her pet cat.”

Coney pleaded guilty to an offence of criminal damage. The offence carries a maximum of three months in prison.

When police arrested him he initially blamed his latest partner for taking the cat and he had simply released it into the wild.

Cat killer Reece Coney from Bridgwater, Somerset, UK

Mr Harry Ahuja, defending, said Coney had initially been too embarrassed and ashamed to admit what he had done.

“It was a disgraceful act on his part to take someone’s pet and treat in that manner,” he said.

Coney had been in a toxic relationship at the time which was now over.
He said the defendant had matured since the incident and feared going to prison. He has no previous convictions.

Sentencing: 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work; £200 court costs and £600 compensation to Pedro’s owner. 20 rehabilitation days. No ban on keeping animals was imposed with the judge stating that he was “not sentencing [Coney] for an animal welfare offence” despite it being “part of it”.

SomersetLive

Paedophiles / Sex Offenders, Pet Profiteering, Reptiles / Exotics

Bridgwater, Somerset: Martin Geary and Lesley Donnelly

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2021) | Martin Geary, born 21 July 1989, and Lesley Donnelly, born 2 June 1995, of Poplar Road, Bridgwater TA6 4UH – neglected the bearded dragons they sold online

Convicted animal abusers Lesley Donnelly and Martin Geary from Bridgwater, Somerset, UK
Donnelly and Geary, who have other pets, were only banned from keeping exotic animals

Geary (apparently a convicted paedophile) and partner Lesley Donnelly (aka Lesley Geary) pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences, following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

The charity was alerted by an exotic animal rescuer, who was concerned for the welfare of the reptiles being sold by the pair.

Neglected bearded dragon Chubby, who had to be euthanised
Neglected bearded dragon Chubby was in such poor condition he had to be euthanised.

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel visited the couple’s home, where she discovered three bearded dragons.

She said: “I was shocked when Donnelly moved a bookcase that was leaning on what I thought was a disused tank on the floor to see that this was where the bearded dragons were being housed.

“The vivarium was dirty with a smashed area of glass in the bottom right corner.

“I could see a lizard’s leg protruding through this hole. There were three bearded dragons in the vivarium. All appeared very quiet and subdued.

“The largest was the one with its foot protruding, who I was advised was called Chubby.

“It was immediately apparent that he was emaciated and he also had grossly swollen eyes, in particular the right.

“The second was a juvenile female and was the smallest of the three with smaller darker spines.

“This bearded dragon was also emaciated with the spine and pelvis prominent and a damaged tail.

“The last bearded dragon, a juvenile male, was slightly bigger and had white spines and was also emaciated with spine and pelvis prominent and a tail injury.

“An exotic animal vet who examined the bearded dragons concluded that they were kept in inappropriate conditions resulting in stress, suffering, and illness.

“The broken glazing put them at risk of injury. The inappropriate feeding resulted in malnutrition, stress and illness, and the poor sanitary conditions resulted in parasitic disease which in turn resulted in illness.”

Chubby had to be put down due to the severity of his condition caused by the couple’s neglect.

The other two bearded dragons were taken to an RSPCA animal rescue centre, where they were housed in a vivarium with appropriate heat and UV light, food and water and their condition began to improve. They have since been rehomed with experienced owners.

Sentencing: six-month curfew order; total of £690 costs and charges each. Banned from keeping exotic pets for ten years but can appeal after five.

Somerset County Gazette
BBC News

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

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire: Jacqueline and Peter Portingale

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2021) | breeder Jacqueline (Jackie) Portingale, born 7 November 1945, and husband Peter Portingale, born 26 August 1944, previously of Lower Weare, Somerset, but now of Stoke-on-Trent – left dogs and cats to suffer from untreated eye and dental problems

Animal abusers Jackie and Peter Portingale


Jacqueline Portingale, a breeder of King Charles Spaniels under the name Jacrianna who has also participated in Crufts, and husband Peter Portingale were found guilty of animal welfare offences, following a prosecution by the RSPCA.

An inspector from the animal welfare charity was called to the couple’s former home in Turnpike Road in May 2019 after concerns were raised for the welfare of animals at the address.

One dog, known as Jack, had to be put to sleep because of the severity of his condition.

He had a large corneal ulcer of the left eye which had ruptured and was discharging eyeball contents. He also had problems with his right eye, a severe heart murmur, and an infected tooth.

Two King Charles spaniels were also suffering because of untreated eye issues, while other animals were found with a severe dental disease requiring urgent treatment.

Two cats were found to have been neglected with dental disease, matted fur and overgrown claws, including one with such overgrown claws some had curled around to penetrate the pads of the toes.

Veterinary experts concluded that as owners they should have sought veterinary advice regarding cause and treatment which would have reduced or avoided the suffering caused.

Jackie Portingale
Jackie Portingale

Following the sentencing, RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Judge Leyton stated that it was clear that both defendants were responsible for the animals which had suffered due to their gross failure to address the animals’ conditions.

“The dental conditions had been present for a considerable period, many months and the matting and dental disease in the cats would have been evident.”

The dogs and cats at the address were rescued and have since found new homes with the help of breed-specific rescue organisations.

Sentencing: 16 week-curfew; ordered to pay £425 in court costs each. Seven-year ban on owning animals which can be appealed after three years.

Weston Mercury

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Serial Animal Abusers

Bridgwater, Somerset: Elizabeth, Douglas and Annette Weeks

1 Comment

CONVICTED (2020) | backyard breeders Elizabeth May Weeks (since deceased), born 24 May 1953, and her son Douglas Weeks, born 26 December 1995, both of 182 Kendale Road, Bridgwater TA6 3QQ plus daughter Annette Weeks, born 21 January 1991, of Lords Way, Bridgwater TA6 3SF – failed to look after a litter of Staffordshire bull terrier puppies

Douglas and Annette Weeks were convicted of animal cruelty alongside their mother Elizabeth May Weeks
Dougie Weeks and sister Annette Weeks were convicted of animal cruelty alongside their mother Elizabeth May Weeks

The seven neglected puppies, all of whom had scarring and other injuries caused by fighting with each other, were found in a house smelling of animal waste

Now, those responsible – backyard breeder and repeat offender Elizabeth Weeks along with her son Douglas and daughter Annette Weeks – have been banned from keeping animals following an RSPCA prosecution.

One of the rescued puppies
One of the rescued puppies

RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel was called to an address in Bridgwater on January 30, 2020, after concerns were raised about the welfare of dogs at the property.

She said: “I went into the living room which was dark with curtains drawn and little natural light. There was a very strong unpleasant smell in this room of stale urine and faeces.

“There were bare floorboards and these were heavily soiled with urine and faeces.

“There were eight dogs in this room – seven juveniles and one adult dog.
Some were swarming and barking around me and occasionally snapping and growling at each other.

“It was immediately apparent that many of the dogs were in very poor bodily condition with easily seen ribs, spine and pelvis. They also had obvious scarring and scabs, especially over their faces.

“Several of the young dogs were subdued and appeared very submissive. There was no food or water available to the dogs in this room.”

The puppies were rushed to a vet who examined them and discovered that all of the younger dogs were suffering and underweight as a result of their inappropriate or insufficient diet.

The vet said the dogs were suffering due to their hunger.

Rescued puppy Twiglet has since recovered from his ordeal and has been rehomed along with his brothers and sisters
Rescued puppy Twiglet has since recovered from his ordeal and has been rehomed along with his brothers and sisters

They also discovered that they all had evidence of injuries from fighting with each other which would be causing them unnecessary pain and that the overcrowded conditions that the dogs were living in did not allow them to exhibit their natural behaviour.

The adult dog, who was in better condition and unlike the rest of the dogs did not have injuries, was found to have not had his needs met.

Elizabeth Weeks, who was in breach of an existing animal ban, was given an 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £300 in costs and £122 victim surcharge. She has to complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and has been disqualified for 10 years from keeping all animals, which she can not appeal for five years.

Douglas Weeks was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay £300 costs and £122 victim surcharge. He was also ordered to complete 35 days rehabilitation activity requirement and disqualified from keeping all animals for 10 years, which he can not appeal for five years.

Animal abuser and backyard breeder Annette Weeks from Bridgwater, Somerset

Annette Weeks was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years, which she can not appeal for two years. She was also fined £60 and ordered to pay £100 in costs plus a £32 victim surcharge.

All the dogs have since recovered in the care of the RSPCA and have all found new homes.

ITV News
Bridgwater Mercury

Dogs, Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers, Multiple Species, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes

Bridgwater, Somerset: Martin Veysey

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2018) | Martin Veysey, born c. 1955, of Albert Court, Albert Street, Bridgwater TA6 7ET – breached a previous life ban on keeping animals imposed on him in 2011

Veysey pleaded guilty to six charges under the Animal Welfare Act and the Cattle Identification Regulations on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at Taunton Crown Court.

Veysey was banned for life from keeping animals in 2011 after he was prosecuted for causing unnecessary suffering and failing to provide appropriate care for his animals.

The latest prosecution was brought by Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service and related to the purchase, transport and ownership of cattle obtained from markets in the South West.

Charges also related to a pony and an American bulldog owned by Veysey.

Veysey was also found guilty for failing to report and record the movements of cattle and failing to surrender the passports of cattle to Defra’s British Cattle Movement Service.

The court heard that the prosecution followed an investigation by Trading Standards officers.

Officers gathered intelligence from several sources including from members of the public, who responded to adverts he had placed to sell animals, as well as the RSPCA, livestock auctioneers and landowners who had witnessed his involvement with animals.

In sentencing Veysey, the judge told him that ‘the legislation is intended to protect animals from cowboys like you’ and warned him any further breaches would mean that he would go to prison.

Sentencing: eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Costs of £2,115.

BridgwaterMercury

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

Bridgwater, Somerset: Scott Ayres

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2018) | wildlife killer Scott Ayres (also known as Scott Pope), born 09/06/1992, and Leanne Hodge, born 11/05/1995, both of Haygrove Park Road, Bridgwater TA6 7BT – failed to seek veterinary treatment for a ‘hunting’ dog’s horrific fighting wounds.

Wildlife persecutor and dog abuser Scott Ayres from Bridgwater and Leanne Hodge who turned a blind eye to ta dog's suffering

Scott Ayres and then partner Hodge were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a Patterdale terrier named Archie after not seeking veterinary care for wounds to his head, body and injured jaw.

Archie was discovered with his lower jaw degloved and puncture wounds to his face and body when he was rescued by the RSPCA in October 2017.

Patterdale terrier Archie was discovered with his lower jaw degloved and puncture wounds to his face and body when he was rescued by the RSPCA in October 2017.

Whilst no explanation for Archie’s injuries is given or even appears to have been investigated, there is evidence from Ayres’ Facebook profile that he enjoys inflicting suffering on wild animals such as foxes or badgers.

Archie has made a full recovery since being rescued by RSPCA officers

Archie has since recovered from his injuries during his time in the care of the RSPCA.

Sentence:
Ayres – suspended 12-week prison sentence. Community work. Total costs and charges of £415. Hodge – 16-week curfew order. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years (expires September 2028).

SomersetLive

Dogs, Hoarders

Bridgwater, Somerset: Roy Busby

Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2018) | Roy Busby, born c. 1959, of Bath Road, Bridgwater TA6 4PP – failed to seek veterinary treatment for his elderly dog after he was attacked by another of Busby’s nine dogs.

Bridgwater's Roy Busby, who was allowed to keep his eight other dogs, failed to seek timely vet treatment for poor Binks' terrible injuries
Bridgwater’s Roy Busby, who was allowed to keep his eight other dogs, failed to seek timely vet treatment for poor Binks’ terrible injuries

Busby admitted that his failure to provide timely veterinary care for lurcher Binks led to his suffering.

The elderly dog sadly had to be put to sleep by a vet because of the severity of his injuries.

Speaking about the case, RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths  said: “Our pets are reliant on us and when an animal is injured. It’s an owner’s duty to ensure they receive the veterinary care they need.

“It’s heartbreaking to think not only did Binks endure painful injuries but that he was left to suffer without the care he deserved.”

Busby’s daughter Emily Courtenay insisted that she and her father did “everything in our power” to save Binks, adding: “If we treated our animals badly we would not have been allowed to keep our other eight dogs”.

Sentencing:
80 hours of unpaid work; £225 in court costs. NO BAN.

Bridgwater Mercury