Tag Archives: South Somerset

Dogs

Horton, Somerset: Sam Rigby

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CONVICTED (2023) | Samuel Aaron Rigby, born 3 January 1997, of 6 Riverside, Horton, Ilminster TA19 9RS – for the ill-treatment of an elderly dog.

Animal abuser Sam Rigby from Horton, Ilminster, South Somerset. Image: Facebook
Sam Rigby failed to feed his dog a proper diet and left his eye condition untreated

Rigby, who works as a tree surgeon and has links to Taunton, admitted failing to ensure that the needs of the 11-year-old dog, known as Bella, were met.

The RSPCA investigated after receiving a report of concern about Bella’s welfare.

Bella was in such poor condition she was put to sleep
Bella was in such poor condition she was put to sleep

She was examined by a vet who found her to be thin and lethargic with a tucked in abdomen and prominent hip spinal and shoulder bones.

She also had staining of her hair consistent with frequent licking due to irritation, most notably over her back end and feet, with associated hair loss and thickening and roughening of the skin.

The vet concluded it was most likely due to a flea infestation that would have caused annoyance and irritation preventing sleep and comfortable rest.

More detailed examination revealed both sets of eyelids were thickened and crusting indicating longer term skin disease.

Her right eye was held partially shut, indicating probable pain, while the left eye had clouding of the surface of the eyeball.

Examination of the abdomen revealed a firm grapefruit sized region suspected of being an inflamed bladder.

Bella also suffered muscle loss, mammary masses, dental disease, inflammation of her toes and reduced motion in her elbow and shoulder, while she was passing red urine.

X rays also revealed abnormalities within her chest, abdomen and spine.

Sadly they decided Bella had to be put to sleep because of the severity of her condition.

Sentencing | fined £460 and ordered to pay £184 victim surcharge and a contribution of £400 towards the RSPCA’s prosecution costs. Two -year ban on having anything to do with dogs (expires May 2025).

Chard and Ilminster News
Somerset County Gazette

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Traveller Animal Crimes, Violent and Sadistic Pet Abusers

Crewkerne, Somerset: Keiron Hodges and Haron Cooper

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CONVICTED (2022) | Keiron Ashley Hodges, born c. 1984, of Cowen Close, Crewkerne TA18 8JF and Haron Reggie Cooper, born 19 August 1996 – kicked and beat an exhausted horse as she lay on the ground unable to get up.

Hodges left and Cooper.


Travellers Hodges and Cooper were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering, following an RSPCA investigation and prosecution.

The charity was contacted by police in April 2021 after concerns were raised by a member of the public who had seen the men with a horse and cart on the B3168 Ilminster to Curry Rivel Road.

Dy will not be returned to her abusive owner, Haron Cooper.

The eyewitness, who had been driving by, saw them with a horse attached to a trotting trap.

She said: “They were pulling the horse from side to side very aggressively from her bridle.

“From owning horses myself, I knew from the body language of the horse that she was traumatised.

“The horse’s feet were planted firmly on the floor, legs were straight, head was positioned to the sky and her eyes were bulging and she looked totally exhausted and appeared like she would not move another step.

“I pulled my car to the side of the road and watched in horror as these two men beat this poor horse.

“Both were pulling at the horse trying to get her to move and both were hitting the horse and were very angry with her.

“They were shouting at the horse whilst they were hitting her with their hands.

“I saw the horse rear up in the air and come down on the road, collapsing onto her right hand side.

“The horse stayed on the road, and didn’t move nor did she return to her feet.

“Both males started to kick the horse really hard in the body and head whilst screaming aggressively at her to get up.”

Haron Cooper – a traveller that also abuses animals. A man with a history of violent offending, he also has a conviction for assault.

Dy, a piebald cob mare, suffered a 2cm cut between her front legs and another deeper, larger cut on an elbow.

There were abrasions on both sides of the mouth, bruising on the lower gums and a dark mark and swelling over her ribs.

An equine specialist vet concluded Dy’s injuries were consistent with falling to the ground, rough rein handling and bruising from the shaft of the cart.

Sentencing |
Cooper: 300 hours unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement (RAR) days; £895 in costs and victim surcharge. Disqualified from keeping all equines for ten years (expires October 2032). He was also deprived of the ownership of Dy, who has been cared for by the RSPCA since she was seized by police and can now be rehomed.
Hodges: ordered to carry out five RAR days; £275 in fine and victim surcharge. Five-year ban on keeping equines (expires October 2027).

Chard and Ilminster News
Mirror
SomersetLive
BBC News

Dogs, Lifers, Worst of the Worst

Yeovil, Somerset: Ashley Woodruff

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CONVICTED (2021) | Ashley Woodruff, born 25 January 1993, of St Johns Road, Yeovil BA21 – starved and neglected a dog until he was close to death

Sick Ashley Woodruff starved a dog almost to death
Sick Ashley Woodruff starved a dog almost to death


RSPCA inspector Marie Griffith found the dog – called Barney – under half his recommended body weight, with his ribs, spine and pelvic bones visible.

He was also suffering from hypothermia, depression and dehydration.

Dog abused by Ashley Woodruff from Yeovil, Somerset, UK, who is now banned from keeping dogs for life.
Abused dog Barney was severely emaciated and close to death

Barney’s owner Ashley Woodruff admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog.

Inspector Griffith attended Woodruff’s address after a tip-off from a member of the public.

She said: “Woodruff was holding a small brown terrier type dog tightly. Even though a lot of the dog’s body was covered by Woodruff’s arms I could see the dog was in an extremely poor condition.

“Barney was totally emaciated with no body fat present at all. His ribs, spine and pelvic bones were very visible, and the sockets behind his eyes were sunken. His coat was dull and he appeared lethargic and depressed.”

Dog abuser Ashley Woodruff from Yeovil, Somerset, UK, is banned from keeping dogs for life.

Barney was rushed to the vets for urgent treatment and checks. Upon examination, vets discovered he weighed just 4.8kg, less than half the weight of a dog of his age, sex and type should weigh.

Medics also discovered that Barney was hypothermic, and concluded that his lack of body fat had left him unable to stay warm while living outdoors.

He was hospitalised and given intravenous fluids and treated with warming equipment to rehydrate and bring up his body temperature.

Barney also had several rotten teeth, including some that were showing signs of infection.

Dog abuser Ashley Woodruff from Yeovil, Somerset, UK, is banned from keeping dogs for life.

Inspector Griffiths added: “In their report, the vet said they felt that Barney may have been close to death, and that it would have been obvious he was in a terrible state.

“He was caused to suffer unnecessarily by a failure by Woodruff to provide a proper diet and failing to provide urgent vet care for several months.”

Abused dog Barney following his recovery

Barney has since recovered and is enjoying life in his new home.

Sentencing: jailed for 12 weeks and banned for life from keeping dogs.

SomersetLive

Dogs

Yeovil, Somerset: Latoyah Stones

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CONVICTED (2020) | Latoyah Donna Stones (aka Lottie Devine), born 24/02/1992, of Hillcrest Road, Yeovil BA21 – neglected and starved her pet dog

Convicted dog abuser Latoyah Stones from Yeovil, Somerset, UK

Mother-of-three Stones caused unnecessary suffering to the female dog, known as Boston, by failing to explore or address her poor condition between March and September 2019.

The Dogue de Bordeaux had been taken to Vets4Pets in Yeovil on September 22, 2019 by Stones, who claimed the severely malnourished dog was a stray she had found.

Boston was starved to emaciation by cruel Latoyah Stones from Yeovil, Somerset, UK

Boston, who weighed just 30kg at the time, was taken to St Giles Animal Rescue by the local authority dog warden and social media appeals for information regarding the dog were made.

Stones’ name was put forward by members of the public who identified her as being Boston’s owner, which she later admitted when interviewed.

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel, who investigated for the animal welfare charity, said: “The vet who examined Boston found her to be very thin, weighing just 30kg when a similar dog in healthy condition could be expected to weigh between 40 to 45kg, and said the dog’s condition was because of a failure to provide adequate food to maintain a normal bodily condition.

“In conclusion, the vet found no underlying causes that would have led to her being in the state she was, adding that she would have suffered for a number of months and have suffered hunger and fatigue during that time.

“This picture, which was taken ten days after she went into the care of the rescue centre, shows what an awful condition she was in.

“Thankfully, she’s now recovered thanks to simply being given an appropriate diet and the care she needs.”

Boston has since been rehomed.

Sentencing: 20 days of rehabilitation activity requirement; total of £365 costs and charges. Banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Somerset County Gazette

Dogs, Worst of the Worst

Chard, Somerset: Ian Tompkins

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CONVICTED (2019) | Ian Stuart Tompkins, born c. 1974, of Dellshore Close, Chard TA20 1AG – left elderly German Shepherd to suffer in agony for months with an untreated ear tumour

Elderly German Shepherd Theo was neglected by his cruel owner Ian Stuart Tompkins of Chad in Somerset

In a prosecution case brought by the RSPCA Tompkins admitted one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to 14-year-old Theo by failing to seek veterinary care for a chronic ear condition.

RSPCA inspector John Pollock was called in April 2019 by a member of the public who was concerned for Theo’s welfare.

After several visits with no answer, the inspector returned on Saturday, April 6 when Tompkins brought out a black and tan coloured German Shepherd dog from the lounge.

Mr Pollock said: “I was immediately drawn to an apple-sized mass erupting out of Theo’s right ear.

“It looked red, sore and inflamed.

“It was dripping pus over his coat.

“The smell was very strong and started to trigger my gag reflex.”

Theo had a tumour which was 9cm wide by 10cm in height and 3cm thick to the base of his right ear and a high temperature.
Theo had a tumour which was 9cm wide by 10cm in height and 3cm thick to the base of his right ear and a high temperature.

He was taken to a vet for emergency care and sadly it was found his condition was so severe that a vet made the decision he should be put to sleep to end his suffering.

RSPCA Inspector John Pollock added: “Sadly Theo had suffered from prolonged neglect that could have been avoided by seeking appropriate veterinary care much earlier.

“While it is always heartbreaking to see the health of a much-loved pet deteriorate, ignoring serious issues won’t make them go away.

“We’d encourage people who may be worried about the health of their pet to ask for help and advice to avoid unnecessary distress and suffering being caused.

“The RSPCA, as well as a number of other animal charities, can offer financial help, and a range of support, for owners who need help to help their animals.”

Sentencing: 130 hours of community service; £485 in court costs. Five-year disqualification order with right of appeal after two years (expires June 2024).

SomersetLive

Cats

Chard, Somerset: Troy Draycott and Michael Stephens

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CONVICTED (2018) | Troy Draycott, born 1 December 1986, of Holyrood Street, Chard TA20 2DN and Michael William Stephens, born c. 1990, of Old Town Flats, Chard – kept two poorly cats in foul conditions.

Chard men Troy Draycott (left) and Michael Stephens left cats Lexi and Blade to suffer in foul conditions
Chard men Troy Draycott (left) and Michael Stephens left cats Lexi and Blade to suffer in foul conditions and failed to have their ailments treated.

When an RSPCA inspector called at the address of one of the men she was greeted with an overwhelming stench of cat urine and faeces.

When she entered the bathroom where the cats – named Lexi and Blade – were being kept she found them in a state of distress and neglect and lying on a urine-soaked cushion and blanket.

Animal abuser Michael Stephens from Chard, Somerset

The room was covered in dirt and walked-in faeces, including pools of diarrhoea, and the two cats were very subdued, sat in a hunched position and were heavily soiled.

Lexi was in a very poor condition and appeared emaciated with her spine, ribs and pelvis easily felt. She also had minimal muscle tone and was described as being in a “life-threatening condition”.

Animal abuser Troy Draycott from Chard, Somerset

Lexi and Blade had dirty ears and flea dirt throughout their coats which were wet with urine and “smelt appalling”. There was some food and milk in a bowl, but no water was available.

They were assessed by a veterinary surgeon who said they had high levels of flea dirt and were soaked in urine. They also had mites and ear infections and Blade had a urine-soaked underside, skin lesions and stunk of ammonia.

Lexi’s body condition was anaemic, her temperature was very low and she was in a life-threatening condition.

Draycott and Stephens both pleaded guilty to causing animal suffering.

Chard cat abusers Stephens and Draycott outside court
Chard cat abusers Stephens and Draycott outside court

The court heard that both cats had since responded to treatment, were in full good health and would not be returned to the defendants.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Stephens and Draycott were joint owners of the cats and had both been diagnosed with learning difficulties and other mental health conditions.

“They discussed the possibility of owning an animal of some sort but were of the opinion that the accommodation they had was not suitable,” he said.

“However they noticed an advert on Facebook for two kittens being sold by a friend and, perhaps somewhat foolishly, they went and had a look and immediately fell in love with them and had them.

“Initially they were at Draycott’s home but the housing association was not prepared for him to have pets so they moved them to Stephens’ flat where they were rescued from.

“When the inspector attended they both immediately agreed and were delighted to be able to sign the animals over because they realised they were not able to look after them as they should have.”

He said the regret was that they did not do anything earlier but added that they now didn’t have any animals and did not wish to have any.

Sentencing: 
£150 each towards court costs. Banned from keeping animals for just five years (expires September 2023).

SomersetLive

abattoirs / animal slaughter, farms / smallholdings, Food Production

Yeovil, Somerset: Graham Anstey

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CONVICTED (2018) | Graham Lee John Charles Anstey, born 15/10/1974, formerly of Trackside Farm, Yeovil and currently of Spooner Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 –  caught on CCTV kicking a cow before pushing her head into a concrete floor and pulling on her tail.

Heartless livestock worker Graham Anstey formerly of Yeovil, now Wymondham in Norfolk
Heartless livestock worker now lives in Wymondham, Norfolk

The appalling footage showed Anstey spending 30 minutes trying to “violently” move the collapsed animal at an abattoir in Bridport, Dorset, before abandoning her on a ramp.

He pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a cow, failing to record livestock movements and breaching TB disease controls.

Sentence: fined £850 and ordered to pay £2,000 towards prosecution costs.

BBC News

Update June 2020

Anstey now lives at Rowney Farm, Whepstead, Suffolk IP29 4TQ and is keeping horses.

Dogs

Yeovil, Somerset: Teresa Long

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CONVICTED (2017) | Teresa ‘Tez’ Sharon Long aka Terri Brooks, born 29 April 1970, of St George’s Avenue, Yeovil BA21 – failed to get treatment for her West Highland terrier who was left with almost no fur on her body.

Convicted dog abuser Teresa 'Tez' Long from Yeovil, Somerset, UK
Teresa ‘Tez’ Long

The RSPCA found the Westie, called Spirit, in a pitiful state when Inspector Marie Griffiths visited Long’s home address in April 2017.

The nine-year-old dog was suffering from a skin condition, later confirmed as demodectic mange, which had left her body almost entirely bald. She also had infected ears and overgrown claws.

Long admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to investigate and treat the cause of Spirit’s skin condition.

Neglected dog Spirit before and after treatment
Westie Spirit before and after treatment

Inspector Griffiths said: “When I visited the property I found Spirit in the house. The smell of her skin when I found her was disgusting. It was pungent and there was pus in her ears caused by an infection.

“Her claws were overgrown and she had been scratching herself raw. The owner had put a jumper on her to try and stop her scratching, but if anything that just made the skin condition worse.

“When I took her to the vet, they said it was the worst skin case she’d ever seen.”

The court issued a deprivation order against Long and a new home for Spirit, who has made a strong recovery, has already been lined up by the RSPCA.

“Generally, in cases like this where the skin has got so bad it never fully recovers, but she’s got so much fur now she looks like Tina Turner.

“She’s a real little trooper. She was obviously suffering, but she had such a feisty attitude it was like she just decided to battle on regardless.

“The sentence shows how series the court viewed the case. Every owner has a responsibility to their animals. Veterinary advice or attention should always be sought. Ignoring situations is not acceptable and could have serious consequences,” added Inspector Griffiths.

Sentencing: 80 hours of unpaid work; ordered to pay £585. A five-year ban on keeping dogs (expired October 2022).

SomersetLive

Equine Abuse, horses and ponies, Lifers

Langport, Somerset: Neil Duncan Harper

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CONVICTED (2017) | Neil Duncan Harper, born 24 September 1978, currently of Montacute, Somerset and previously of Parksey Park, Pitney in Langport – starved two horses and a foal to emaciation

Animal abuser: Neil Harper from Somerset

Harper, who is originally from Uckfield, East Sussex, was found guilty of three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to three horses.

He was found to have failed to investigate and address the cause of grey gelding Aramis’ weight loss, failed to ensure six-week-old colt Tristan had received adequate nutrition and failed to investigate or address the poor condition of his dam Meggy.

Neglected mare Meggy

The RSPCA was called by members of the public concerned for the horses’ welfare.

Inspector Marie Griffiths said: “It was heartbreaking to see horses so extremely thin and undernourished and particularly upsetting to find that Meggy had suffered such weight loss that she was physically unable to produce milk to nourish her young foal.

“To let these horses get into such a shocking state is inexcusable. Aramis had been left to suffer so badly, he sadly passed away, but thankfully both Meggy and her foal Tristan have made a brilliant recovery and I hope that they will now go on to live out their days in wonderful, loving homes.”

Animal abuser: Neil Harper from Somerset

Harper had pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing, saying he felt he had done all he could to care for his animals.

Meggy and Tristan, who were seized by police and given into the RSPCA’s care at the time they were found, have been signed over to the charity to be rehomed.

Sentencing:
Fined £400 and ordered to pay £1,000 court costs. Banned from owning horses for life.

Horse and Hound

Dogs

Langport, Somerset: Michael Wade

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CONVICTED (2016) | Michael John Wade, born 19/04/1978, from Langport, Somerset – starved his pet dog to within 36 hours of death

Dog abuser Michael John Wade of Langport, Somerset
Michael John Wade of Langport, Somerset, left his dog to starve to death

Wade did not give Dora enough food and when the animal was discovered in his house she was lying on the floor in great distress. She was thin to the point of emaciation and was unable to stand.

She was making a distressed wailing noise and in obvious and extreme distress, and when the defendant was interviewed he admitted she was in a “piss poor, pretty bad condition”.

Wade pleaded guilty to a charge that, between August 12 and November 12, 2015, at Langport, he caused unnecessary suffering to Dora by failing to adequately investigate and treat the cause of her weight loss.

After three weeks of being fed and given proper fluids, Dora had gained three kilograms and was described as “bright and alert”.

Dog abuser Michael John Wade of Langport, Somerset

However, RSPCA inspector Peter Barton confirmed after the court hearing that the dog later started to develop a series of fits and later had to be put down. But he confirmed the fits could not be confirmed as being caused as a result of the neglect.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Wade had gone through a “traumatic” few years in his personal life and was a full-time carer for his partner Kirstie Louise Cox who apparently suffered from mental health problems.

“There came a time when his partner made it clear that she did not like the dog and it ended up being sidelined,” he said.

He said that Wade also claimed he did not have enough money to get the dog treated by a vet and also had no transport.

He added: “However he sincerely regrets what happened as he was very attached to the dog.”

Sentence: eight-week prison sentence, suspended for two years; a total of £180 costs; disqualified from keeping any animals for the next 10 years (expires April 2026).

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