Tag Archives: South East England

South East England

Dogs, Pet Profiteering, puppy farmers / traffickers, kennels, backyard breeders, Traveller Animal Crimes

North-West Kent puppy farming ring: Wally Beaney, Maria Smith, Louise Smith, Charlotte Byron, Debbie Lampard

January 28, 2024 misanthropic 5 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | Wally David Beaney, born 15/11/1984, his wife Maria Smith, born 18/05/1988, and her mother Louise Smith, born 28/08/1960, all of 2 Beechwood Gardens, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0SD, Charlotte Lauren Byron, born 15/04/1987, of Longfield Road, Meopham, Gravesend, and her mother Deborah Lorraine Lampard aka Deborah Kirsch, born 11/08/1964 of 123 Highview, Vigo, Gravesend DA13 0UT – kept dozens of dogs in horrific conditions and sold gravely ill and dying dogs to buyers.

Of the five members of a gang of fraudulent puppy farmers estimated to have netted £500,000,, only one escaped a prison sentence. L-R Maria Smith, Wally Beaney, Debbie Lampard, Charlotte Byron

The cruel and illicit activities of the gang were uncovered during a raid on 22 September 2021 by rural crime police officers and the RSPCA. A total of 36 dogs and three cats were taken away and £10,000 was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Kent puppy farmers Wally David Beaney, Louise Smith, Maria Smith and Charlotte Lauren Byron were all handed prison sentences for duping the public and showing ‘cruelty and neglectful behaviour’ that led to deaths of multiple dogs.

Police made eight arrests, acting on four animal welfare warrants and also seized 12 vehicles and were able to return a farm vehicle to its owner.

All members of the gang, apart from Debbie Lampard who walked free with a conditional discharge, received prison sentences for duping the public and showing ‘cruelty and neglectful behaviour’ that led to the death of multiple dogs.

The gang reaped considerable financial benefit by repeatedly breeding dogs, while failing to provide appropriate medical care.

A joint police and RSPCA probe was launched after people who purchased the sick dogs raised the alarm.

Some of the puppies had been poorly with parvo virus – a highly contagious and often fatal illness – and had died within days of being taken to their new home.

During a raid on three properties in Kent in October 2021 over 30 puppies were recovered.

A vet described the puppies’ living conditions as ‘dark and smelly’, with three puppies requiring ‘urgent’ veterinary attention.

Many adult dogs were also found in the garden of the raided properties – including two pregnant dogs who were riddled with parasites and dental issues.

Phones containing enquiries from people about purchasing the puppies were also seized during the search.

RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: ‘These dogs were all being kept in horrible conditions with very poor care which did not remotely reflect the expectations of buyers who saw the adverts placed for them.’

Woolwich Crown Court heard that, in one instance, three Golden Retriever puppies, all purchased from Byron’s address in Kent in July 2021, died within four days of being purchased.

A vet who examined the case said in a statement: ‘This suggests that the seller knew a litter mate was sick at the time of their sale.

‘Yet the other puppy purchasers were not notified, either at purchase that a litter mate was unwell or that a litter mate became unwell.

‘It is my opinion that the seller failed to protect the three pups discussed in this report by not sharing with the new owners that he had detected signs of disease in another litter mate.’

All five defendants were sentenced on January 25, 2024.

Wally Beaney pleaded guilty to four offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, as well as one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Louise Smith pleaded guilty to one offence under Animal Welfare Act 2006 and one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Maria Smith pleaded guilty to two offences under Animal Welfare Act 2006, and a charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Charlotte Byron pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.

Debbie Lampard pleaded guilty to selling puppies without a licence.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: ‘Those convicted reaped considerable financial benefit by repeatedly breeding dogs, all the while failing to provide the animals and their puppies with appropriate medical care, such as worming medication and inoculations.

‘They demonstrated cruelty and neglectful behaviour that ultimately led to numerous animals losing their lives unnecessarily.’

Sentencing |

Wally Beaney: four and a half years’ immediate custody. Ten year-ban on keeping dogs.

Louise Smith: two years and four months in custody, Banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Maria Smith: two years and four months in custody. Disqualified from keeping dogs for five years.

Charlotte Byron: two years and three months in custody. No ban.

Debbie Lampard: 18-month conditional discharge. No ban.

Metro
Daily Mail
Kent Online

animal fighting / baiting, Animal Torture, deer, Dogs, hare coursing, hunting with dogs, Multiple Species, Organised Animal Crime, poaching, Serial Animal Abusers, Traveller Animal Crimes, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports, Worst of the Worst

Bransgore, New Forest: Kristen and Todd Cooper

January 19, 2024 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2024) | brothers Kristen Christopher Cooper, born 2 May 1999, and Todd James Edward Cooper, born c. 1994, of 24 Westbury Close, Bransgore, Christchurch BH23 8AZ* – tortured wild animals to death and filmed their agonies.

Sadistic animal killers: brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire — Sadistic brothers Kristen Cooper (left) and Todd Cooper

Career criminal brothers Kristen and Todd Cooper, who are gypsies, made a series of sick videos showing hares and deer being abused and mutilated.

During one depraved incident, the pair mutilated the genitalia of a deer – to the extent that officials could not tell if the animal was male and female – and stabbed another in the eye on camera, causing an ‘extreme level of suffering’.

In another twisted video they held a hare by his head and encouraged a dog to bite him.

Sadistic animal killer: Kristen Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

A vet reviewing the videos as part of the investigation described the footage, filmed in 2021 and 2022, as the “worst case of animal abuse” he had seen in his 24-year career.

“These images will stay with me forever,” he said.

Sadistic animal killer: Todd Cooper from New Forest, Hampshire

Other videos showed deer being dragged by their antlers having appeared to have suffered spinal injuries from possibly being hit by a car, with one piece of footage showing a man raising a wooden object above a helpless deer’s head as if he was going to strike it.

The brothers were caught after police seized a phone containing the shocking videos.

Kristen Cooper was charged with seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal with Todd Cooper being accused of one count.

But after appearing at the crown court for these offences and being released on bail, just days later the pair were apprehended again after attacking a mother and her son outside a Co-Op in Betsy Lane in Bransgore on March 4, 2023.

In a video shown in court, the pair can be seen with a third unknown man, ramming another car before getting out and attacking the vehicle with a catapult, a crowbar and a baseball bat.

The victims of the attack later gave evidence at trial with the mother saying she “genuinely believed they wanted to kill us”.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutor Stuart Ellacott said the animal abuse was “sadistic” adding that the animals were in “distress and suffering”.

Aleks Lloyd, defending Kristen – who has eight convictions for ten offences – said this is the first time his client has been in custody adding that he “appears to be getting his head down and getting on with it”.

Ruba Huleihel defending Todd, who has 24 convictions for 52 offences, said her client has ADHD and was exposed to violence from a very young age.

Judge Peter Henry sentenced the pair for a variety of offences committed in the New Forest and in Dorset, including actual bodily harm, criminal damage and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.

He said: “One would have thought that both of you being brought up in the New Forest you would have had more respect for such defenceless creatures.

“It was being filmed, other people were present and other people seemed to find it all very amusing.”

Both men were given restraining orders banning them from ever contacting the mother and son they attacked ever again.

This image shows the Cooper brothers and an as yet unidentified accomplice participating in hare coursing, a cruel sport in which dogs are tested on their ability to run, overtake and turn a hare

Police Constable Sebastian Haggett, of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team – who led the case alongside Hampshire police – said after the sentencing: “These are without doubt some of the most horrifying offences I have ever investigated.”

Angharad Thomas, Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “The level of cruelty displayed in this case is beyond comprehension and the brothers showed an inexplicable disregard for the welfare of these animals peacefully existing in the wild.

“An expert witness for the prosecution described the actions of Kristen and Todd Cooper as the worst case of animal abuse they had ever come across in their 24-year veterinary career.

“The CPS welcomes today’s sentence and hopes it sends a clear message that we will continue to work with the police to bring offenders of these disturbing crimes to justice.”

Sentencing |
Kristen Cooper: jailed for five years; 10-year criminal behaviour order. Banned from owning a dog for ten years.
Todd Cooper- jailed for three years and eight months.

Daily Echo
Dorset Police
Daily Mail

*alternative addresses per newspaper reports |

Kristen Cooper: Whitelands, Bransgore BH23 8DY
Todd Cooper: Jubilee Court, Sway, Lymington SO41 6HA

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Traveller Animal Crimes

Wokingham, Berkshire: Daniel Banham

December 26, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Daniel Banham, born 6 September 1999, of Carters Hill Park traveller site, Carters Hill, Billingbear, Wokingham RG40 5QL – left his horse to suffer with a painful untreated skin condition.

Daniel Banham, a traveller and animal abuser from Wokingham, Berkshire — Daniel Banham received a suspended prison sentence and eight-year ban on keeping horses following his mistreatment of an unnamed colt

Banham, a traveller, was visited by the RSPCA after calls of concern over a young horse in Fordingbridge in Hampshire who had severe skin lesions over his body. The lesions were crusty, the skin was dry, red and painful.

Daniel Banham from Wokingham, Berkshire, mistreated a horse — The horse was signed over to the RSPCA and can now be rehomed following his recovery

A vet carried out an examination of the unnamed horse and found him to be in a suffering state.

Banham was asked about the skin condition and said he thought it was rain scald so had used coconut oil on the lesions.

In their report, the vet said: “This horse was suffering from the consequences of inadequate management. The poor management led to dehydration, malnutrition, painful skin condition and severe liver disease that can have life-threatening consequences.

“He failed in his duty by failing to seek veterinary help for his horse’s very obvious and severe skin condition and concerning weight loss.

“Added to this his choice to apply coconut oil to his skin significantly increased this animal’s pain and suffering by conducting and amplifying the sun’s heat onto his severely damaged skin.”

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “Our plea to all animal owners is to make sure they always receive care and treatment from veterinary experts when they need it.

“They 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 veterinary care is a key part of the responsibility we have towards them. It’s so sad that, in this instance, that responsibility was not met.”

The horse was also signed over into the care of the RSPCA and can now be rehomed.

Sentencing | eight-week custodial suspended for 12 months; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days; £300 costs and £154 victim surcharge. Banned from keeping horses for eight years.

Planet Radio
Reading Chronicle

animal fighting / baiting, badger baiting, Dogs, foxes, hunting with dogs, hunts, Wildlife Crime / Bloodsports

Elham, East Kent: Robert and Jack Mills

December 22, 2023 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | father and son wildlife persecutors Robert Mills, born c. 1956, and Jack Mills, born c. 2001, both of Little Orchard, Exted, Elham, Canterbury CT4 6YG – used superglue to patch up the wounds of a dog forced to fight a fox.

East Kent wildlife killers and dog abusers Robert Mills and son Jack Mills from Canterbury — Jack Mills (left), his father Robert Mills (centre) and an as yet unidentified Kent Hounds terrierman. Photo credit: West Kent Hunt Sabs

Robert and Jack Mills, who are believed to be terriermen with the Kent Hounds, used the strong commercial adhesive in a botched DIY effort to put the Patterdale terrier’s lip back together after she was maimed during the illegal chase.

The terrier, known as Fudge, was one of two dogs discovered with shocking injuries at the pair’s family home in Elham, near Canterbury.

The other, a lurcher called Rose, had extensive scars across her face, a large part of her tongue missing and she had a weeping nailbed on one of her paws.

The Mills had allowed the animals to suffer without seeking proper treatment for their injuries.

Incriminating messages – including a photo of a smiling Jack Mills posing with a dead fox – were found during examinations of their mobile photos.

In court, both men pleaded to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

East Kent wildlife killer and dog abuser Jack Mills from Canterbury

The court was told police executed a warrant at their home on January 18, 2023, as part of an RSPCA investigation known as Operation Aurora.

In a statement provided to the court, RSPCA special operations officer Jason Bowles, said: “Rose from kennel A had a large part of the skin around her lower jaw missing and part of her tongue. Her feet were discoloured. She had extensive scarring to her face and muzzle.

Images of animals harmed by Robert Mills and Jack Mills of Little Orchard, Exted, Canterbury

“Fudge from kennel A had part of her lower jaw in an unusual state in that it looked to have been injured in the past and had healed in an odd shape and she had scarring to the muzzle.

“There was a strong smell of ammonia in the building but I took into consideration that this was early in the morning, possibly before an early morning routine had been executed.

“Bedding was inadequate in all kennels in that they did have hard beds but only remnants of straw in some.

“Water bowls were present but at least one kennel only had remnants of water. Bowls could easily be knocked over and spills take place. Empty bowls were refilled.”

Of the five dogs kept in kennels in the outbuilding, two of them – Rose and Fudge – were seized.

Patterdale Fudge suffered horrific facial injuries after wildlife killers Robert Mills and Jack Mills forced her to fight wildlife — The court was shown messages discussing how Robert and Jack Mills had used glue to try to repair degloved tissue on a dog’s lip after she had been injured by a fox. No pain relief had been sought

Recounting the notes of an expert veterinarian who examined the animals, prosecutor Janet Patel told magistrates: “There was damage to the skin of Rose’s lower jaw with the site of a deep tear or cut visible on the lower jaw and a loss of the lip margin contiguity.

“A significant amount of the tongue had been lost in a surgical or traumatic incident. The lesions are consistent with those that could be received in a fight between this dog and a large mammal such as a dog, fox, or badger.”

The vet added that a nail was missing on Rose’s left paw, oozing fluid and causing clear pain to the dog.

Fudge was found to have suffered significant damage to his face and head, and was missing a number of front teeth.

“The person caring for Fudge cut off some tissue, used commercial superglue to try and repair degloved tissue on her face and did not administer any pain medication,” the prosecutor added.

Messages shared between Robert and Jack Mills – both bricklayers by trade – described the dogs being used to hunt foxes.

Lurcher Rose suffered a catalogue of painful injuries after wildlife killers Robert Mills and Jack Mills forced her to fight wildlife

Records from their phones indicated Fudge was caused harm in November 2021.

The vet added: “The entries, dated 16.11.2021, lead me to believe that Fudge was involved in a fight with a mammal such as a fox, large dog, or badger.

“The use of the word ‘hangin’ implies the lower jaw has been degloved to some extent, leaving the tissue literally hanging. There are two more statements. Firstly, that super glue has been used to try and put it back together and secondly that some of the flesh has been cut away.”
This referred to a message, containing a typo, which said: “I just cut a bit of.”

The vet continued: “To advise the court in this matter I am forming my opinion on the basis that the person caring for Fudge cut off some tissue, used commercial super glue to try and repair the degloved tissue and did not administer any medication.”

Another mobile phone message discovered by officers read: “Had any joy with the fox?”

A picture of a dead fox was also shared with the words: “Went out this morning, Fudge killed it.”

Ms Patel added: “That is the language of both Jack and Robert tracking and killing foxes, and it is not them flushing a fox out so that it can be killed humanely with a pistol.

“Both Jack and Robert Mills have shown deliberate disregard for the welfare of animals by placing them in situations where they sustained these horrific injuries.”

When questioned by police, Robert said that the dogs’ facial injuries had occurred when Rose and Fudge encountered a badger in the garden and that both dogs had been attacked by a rabbit.

But his son contradicted that claim in an interview, saying that neither dog had ever come across a badger.

Mitigating, solicitor Sam Harkness told the bench both men were remorseful.

“Mr Mills says he has owned dogs all his life. He deeply regrets his actions and Mr Mills Junior says this is a steep learning curve,” said Mr Harkness.

“They are both devastated that they have been involved in these proceedings, but they have cooperated.”

The charges related specifically to Fudge’s facial injury and the wound to Rose’s foot, which was sustained in the days before the police visit in January 2023.

During a discussion about the prospect of both defendants being banned from keeping any animals, the pair were seen intensely shaking their heads.

Sentencing the pair, chairwoman of the bench Patricia Light told them they had “broken the custody threshold because there is more than one dog with deliberate suffering,”

She added: “The fact that you have access to a vet and financial means to pay for treatment and yet still did not seek treatment shows deliberate disregard for the welfare of the animals.”

She continued: “We are also granting a deprivation order for Fudge and Rose and the RSPCA will seize your other dogs.

“We are also granting a disqualification order for both of you in relation to owning, keeping, or participating in controlling or transporting any animals for five years, no application may be made to appeal this for two years.”

Rose and Fudge, who have remained with the RSPCA since January 2023, can now be rehomed.

The Mills’ other three dogs will be seized within 14 days, with magistrates also giving them two weeks to rehome a number of chickens and ferrets.

Sentencing | 23-week custodial, suspended for two years; 150 hours of unpaid work; £500 costs and £154 surcharge each. Five year ban in relation to all animals, but can appeal after two years (expires December 2028).

Kent Online
ITV News

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

Faringdon, Oxfordshire: Oliver Thompson

December 13, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED | huntsman Oliver Thompson, 32, of 4 Old Berks Hunt Kennels, Little Coxwell, Faringdon SN7 8ES – baited a petrified fox cub with a dog while his wife Felicity Thompson, aka Felicity Hook, filmed events.

‘Sadistic’ huntsman Oliver Thompson baited a petrified fox cub in Wiltshire countryside while his wife Felicity Thompson filmed — Huntsman Oliver Thompson was filmed training a terrier to attack a fox

Thompson, formerly of the Old Berkshire Hunt, was filmed removing a young fox from a trap and repeatedly putting her in close proximity to a terrier named Nelly in July 2020.

The video – filmed near Melksham, Wiltshire – was leaked and the RSPCA successfully prosecuted the defendant Oliver Thompson for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Thompson pleaded guilty to the offence at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, and appeared for sentencing on Monday 11 December.

He also admitted second charge of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal – which involved throwing a fox to a pack of hounds on Christmas Eve 2020.

Magistrates described his offending as “sadistic behaviour” in which he had a “leading role”.

Felicity Thompson, whose voice is heard on the video, was also charged. However, prosecutors offered no evidence and the case against her was dismissed.

After the footage was leaked, the British Hound Sports Association said it had suspended Oliver Thompson pending further investigation. but he subsequently resigned from the Old Berkshire Hunt.

A spokesperson for the Hunt Saboteurs Association said that it was “no surprise for us to learn about the latest incident of animal cruelty”.

They added: “These two new offences pre-date, but are in addition to the recent court case of Stuart Radbourne and whipper-in Aaron Fookes who were also sentenced Hunting Act and Animal Welfare Act offences, when they also threw a fox to the hounds in Brokerswood in December 2022.

“Hunt Saboteurs are out in the fields, week in week out and witness the cruelty at every hunt we attend. The next government must act and close down the smokescreen of trail hunting for good.”

Sentencing | 20-week prison sentence suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work; costs of £2,500. No dog ban was imposed but the court ordered Thompson to hand Nelly the terrier over to the RSPCA. It’s not known if she will be re-homed or put to sleep.

Wiltshire999S
Protect the Wild
North West Hunt Saboteurs

Dogs

Lydd-on-Sea, Kent: Jason and Toni Woodford

November 28, 2023 misanthropic 2 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) Jason Woodford, born c. 1980, and Toni Woodford, née Toni Rabson, born 3 May 1985, of Lade Fort Crescent, Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent TN29 9YF – left their dog with a maggot-infested nose injury that was so severe he had to be put down.

Animal abusers Jason Woodford and Toni Woodford from Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent.

The Woodfords, who pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering, told RSPCA inspectors they did not know how their Yorkshire terrier, Samson or Sammy for short, suffered the wound and claimed not to have noticed the maggots.

Little Samson was left to suffer by Jason Woodford and Toni Woodford from Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent. — Little Samson was put to sleep due to the severity of his condition

But the court heard the injury was probably caused by a muzzle being left on too long and too tightly, or something had been tied around the little dog’s nose.

Magistrates were also told the pair had another dog – a pug called Bobby – who will now be removed from them and taken into the RSPCA’s care.

Bobby the pug was seized from animal abusers Jason Woodford and Toni Woodford from Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent. — Bobby the pug, who had a cancerous growth on his lip, was seized by the RSPCA

The court heard that by the couple deliberately delayed in getting treatment for Samson. When they finally took him to a vet, his condition had deteriorated to a point where he couldn’t be saved.

Sophie Read, prosecuting, said: “An [RSPCA] inspector went to their home a couple of days after the vet visit and Mr Woodford told them the dog had been missing for nine days and had come back in that state.

“There was another dog at their home and a grey parrot in a cage and the inspector noticed the cage was dirty.

“The other dog, a pug, also had a cancerous growth on its lip.”

Mrs Read said RSPCA inspectors continued to investigate how Samson came by his injury. The couple were questioned further separately and their stories didn’t match up, with inconsistencies about how long the dog had been missing.

Samson before he was neglected by Jason Woodford and Toni Woodford from Lydd-on-Sea, Romney Marsh, Kent. — Samson / Sammy in healthier times

She added: “The vet thought the injury had been caused by the nose being tied or a muzzle left on for too long and too tightly. There were maggots in the wound – it was a deliberate delay in getting treatment.

“Three or four days later the couple were questioned separately and denied they had tied anything around Samson’s nose. Mrs Woodford said the dog had been missing for 24 hours and she thought it had either been stung or had suffered a snake bite.”

She also told the bench that when Mr Woodford was interviewed he changed his initial account of what he told inspectors.

He instead said Samson had been missing for four or five days and upon their pet’s return they had tried to care for him and fed him chicken and rice. He said they did realise the wound had an awful smell and that they had given the dog cuddles, love and prayers in the hope it got better.

Lewis Holloway, defending, said his clients did try to care for Samson after the dog came back after disappearing – but when the wound didn’t improve they took him to the vet.

He said: “There were well intentions, but incompetent care. They have had eight dogs in 20 years and have never had any issues before.

“They did have another dog too, but that passed away today of old age.

“Their parrot has also passed of old age, but they still have her parents’ dog – the pug, Bobby.

“He is 12 years old and he does have a cancerous lump on his lip but they had it checked out by a vet.”

The court also heard Toni Woodford had never been in trouble before – but her husband had convictions, albeit from 24 years ago.

Sentencing | 12-month community orders with 15 rehabilitation sessions. Ordered to pay £200 costs each at a rate of £20 a month. Banned from keeping animals for four years (expires November 2027).

Kent Online

Dogs, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Tooting, Wandsworth, South West London: Harry Booth

November 10, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Harry Booth, born c. 1996, of Dalebury Road, Tooting SW17 7HH – kicked his dog in the head during an angry outburst.

Harry Booth appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 8, 2023, where he pleaded guilty to one count of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and one count of affray.

The court heard that in Brighton on May 17, 2022, he kicked a rottweiler repeatedly to the head in what was described as a “psychotic episode”.

Booth was “extremely unwell” when he attacked the dog after a row in Budgens in Queens Road, central Brighton, in the early hours.

Prosecuting, Benjamin Parkinson said Booth’s dog had lunged at a customer after he went into the Budgens at about 1am.

He said: “The defendant and the customer had a verbal argument and the dog again lunged at them.

“The defendant took the muzzle off the dog and made threats towards the customer, and threw a bottle.

“The customer paid and left the shop. The defendant made a threat to fight a member of staff.

“CCTV captures the defendant’s behaviour outside the shop and shows him kicking the dg multiple times.

“Police attended, and the defendant gave a false name and date of birth and could be hard saying on body worn camera footage ‘F*** the law.’”

The incident of affray took place on the same day during an altercation with train staff.

The court was told that Booth used his dog as a weapon during that incident.

Defending, Alison Reedy said Booth had suffered from mental health episodes since his teens, had been sectioned several times and sent to mental hospitals across the country.

But it was only recently he had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was now receiving treatment for that and was “in a much better place.”

She said when he was told what he had been charged with, his main concern was his dog.

She said: “He’s clearly very fond of his dog and wants the best for him. He’s a lovely dog.

“He would never harm that dog intentionally – he’s horrified that he has done.

“He’s someone who forms a very strong bond with animals. He was able to give the dog a good life. They loved each other.”

Sentencing | six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Disqualified from keeping pets for two years (expires November 2025) and the rottweiler was confiscated from him.

The Argus
Brighton and Hove News
This is Local London

Dogs, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Hastings, East Sussex: Mark Stables

November 3, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Mark Stables, born 12 October 1981, of Grove Road, Hastings TN35 4JS – left a dog to suffer so much he had to be immediately put to sleep.

Animal abuser Mark Stables from Hastings, East Sussex

Stables let the five-year-old brown Chow dog suffer with open sores, underlying anaemia and fur matted in faeces and urine over the course of a month.

Chow Chase was severely neglected by Mark Stables from Hastings, West Sussex

The dog, named Chase, was put to sleep by a vet to “end his suffering”. The vet said he was lethargic and whimpering.

The RSPCA noticed a “strong foul smell” when they first found Chase in Beauport Caravan Park in St Leonards.

*Stables told the RSPCA he had only owned Case from March 12, 2022 but shared photos of the dog on social media as long ago as 2019

Stables signed the dog over to the charity after claiming to have had him for just under a month between March 12 and April 8, 2022*.

RSPCA inspector Tony Woodley said: “I was taken inside the caravan by Stables where I noticed a strong foul smell.

“I was shown a brown Chow dog lying on the floor in the bathroom. This dog was clearly distressed and unable to stand. The dog was wearing a harness. I could also see and feel that the dog was very underweight. I asked the owner of the dog if it had been treated by a vet and he said it had not.”

“This poor dog had clearly been left to suffer for a number of weeks by his owner.

Animal abuser Mark Stables' dogs Chase and Maisie — Stables had owned Chase and a second chow-type dog called Maisey for several years. This photo was posted to Facebook by Stables’ then partner in October 2018. We are advised that Maisey was rehomed and “living her best life”.

“He must have endured pain throughout this period due to the open sores obvious on his body. It is sad that despite the best attempts of the veterinary team, Chase had to be put to sleep to end his unnecessary suffering.

“Stables seriously failed in his responsibilities towards the animal. Poor Chase couldn’t even stand when I found him, yet Stables hadn’t acted or sought veterinary advice.

“The RSPCA urges anyone struggling to take care of their pet to ask for help, rather than neglecting them and leaving them to suffer.”

Sentencing | 18 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 12 months; 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days; 200 hours of unpaid work;
ordered to pay £300 costs and a victim surcharge of £128. Indefinite ban on keeping animals.

The Argus

*A reliable source has told us that Stables had owned Chase since he was a puppy.

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

Basingstoke, Hampshire: Edward Ade

October 21, 2023 misanthropic 3 Comments

CONVICTED (2023) | Edward Ade, born 25 June 2004, of 178 Gershwin Road, Basingstoke RG22 4HL – filmed himself attacking a bleeding dog as she cowered away from him

The dog belonging to Basingstoke man Edward Ade had a broken spine and jaw and injuries inflicted using sharp objects — Edward Ade’s dog Fendi had a broken spine and jaw and injuries inflicted using sharp objects

Ade pleaded guilty to an animal cruelty offence, following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Josephine Story, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, was on duty on February 17, 2023, when she received a call that highlighted a video relating to the abuse of a black and tan Doberman named Fendi.

Inspector Story said: “I was horrified by the look of terror on the dog’s face and by its behaviour indicating extreme stress. Having been verbally abused she was then hit at the end of the video.”

The short clip shows the terrified dog standing in a small space surrounded by three walls with blood on the wall behind her. She is pressed against the wall with her head down and doesn’t move during the recording.

The footage then zooms in on her head and back. Open wounds can be seen on both which are wet with blood.

Ade can be heard talking throughout, saying: “Had to pat on this b*tch, bust her head, bust her back. Yeah have you got anything else to say, you want to try and bite me still? Go on bite me, you b*tch, you b*tch.”

Inspector Story was joined by police when she visited Ade’s home to take the dog into immediate possession.

Vet Dr David Martin described how there must have been at least two severe beatings to her head, back, jaw and skin for between three and 14 days before Fendi was seized.

He said some injuries had been inflicted using sharp objects.

He said the dog would have experienced extreme pain and distress trying to eat with a broken jaw or walk with a broken spine.

Dr Martin said the fractures would have been immediately apparent to Ade when they occurred as they would have caused severe distress to Fendi and required substantial force to cause.

The report added that these are the sort of injuries normally seen in dogs that have been run over by a car.

Fendi, who has since been renamed, has now recovered and found a happy new home.

Sentencing | jailed for 26 weeks; £200 costs. Banned from keeping animals for life.

Basingstoke Gazette

Bestiality / Zoophilia, Paedophiles / Sex Offenders

Petersfield, East Hampshire: Kurtis Nichols

October 15, 2023 misanthropic Leave a comment

CONVICTED (2023) | Kurtis Nichols, born 5 July 1996, of Old Stables East Meon Road, Langrish, Petersfield GU32 1RN – caught with disturbing images of animal rape and child sexual abuse.

Paedophile and zoophile Kurtis Nichols from Petersfield, Hampshire. Image: Facebook — Sexual deviant Kurtis Nichols escaped a prison sentence despite being caught with images showing vile animal and child sexual abuse

Nichols was hauled before Portsmouth Crown Court after police found vile images on his devices at his previous address in Havant in February 2020.

The images included those of the worst kind and featured babies of six to 12 months being abused, as well as sexual activity with animals.

Nichols admitted three charges of making indecent images of children, possessing an extreme pornographic image, and possessing a prohibited image of a child. The offending period stretched into 2021.

The court heard that Nichols, of previous good character, suffered with “neuro diversity” issues with ADHD and mild autism and found it “difficult to connect with people”.

It was the defendant’s “desire to fit in” that had led him down the path of child abuse imagery with people in the online gaming community.

Nichols had not reoffended in the three-plus years since his foray into child abuse imagery – which judge Richard Shepherd said was an indication this was a temporary blip.

“In the years up to 2020 you were part of an online gaming community where the sexual abuse of children was discussed and you were given many still and moving images (of child abuse),” he said.

“The thing to remember is that every image you receive is a real child who has been sexually abused. Even worse, these children often know they have been pictured and filmed and even as adults they know these are still out there.

The judge said “very young children and animals were involved” with them in “distress”.

But judge Shepherd said Nichols had shown “genuine remorse” and referring to the defendant’s neuro diversity, added: “You joined the group to feel part of something.”

The judge opted to spare the defendant jail due to him having “good prospects of rehabilitation” and having not offended for over three years.

Sentencing | two-year jail term suspended for two years; told to complete a thinking skills program; 200 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation days; £425 in costs; subject to sex offender notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

The News

UK Animal Cruelty Files