CONVICTED (2022) | serial offender Danny King Sr, born c. 1979, of 44 Nursery Road, Ditton, Maidstone ME20 6DZ – for the cruel treatment of dogs and puppies.
King Sr, a traveller, was already banned from keeping animals when he was found to be mistreating the dogs on his puppy farm, leaving them in their own faeces and without access to fresh water.
He pleaded guilty to causing to causing unnecessary suffering to a tan, male lurcher and failing to take steps to ensure that the needs of five dogs and three puppies were met.
The offences took place between October 23 and November 20, 2021.
Other offences, including causing unnecessary suffering to an apricot male cavapoo puppy and a white female setter, and for breaching a 20-year conviction of being disqualified for keeping animals were dismissed.
The RSPCA presented multiple videos as evidence of the conditions on-site, which were played in court.
One of the videos depicted two kennels, which had metal bars at the front and were attached to an adjoining shed.
RSPCA inspector Will Rippon, who assisted with the investigation, said there was a “very smelly” aroma.
He noted one dog’s behaviour in particular, who was walking round in circles, which he said was “very concerning”.
Mr Rippon added that there was an open bag of dry dog food outside the kennels, and above, on a window ledge, was a bottle of bleach.
Another video showed the conditions inside the shed where three puppies were living, none of which had access to water.
The officer said there was a “foul smell and a pile up of mouldy faeces”.
He also showed the wooden gate keeping the puppies inside was drilled with nails, explaining that there was no easy access to get to the dogs, and would need a screwdriver to remove.
Mr Rippon found two metal tins on the ground – one had been chewed all the way round and a bottle of Drontal puppy worming liquid that was embedded in poo.
Eight dogs, including lurchers and cavapoos, found at the property were seized.
Vet Jeremy Stattersfield assessed a male lurcher and discovered he had multiple lesions on both legs and paws, which he said was “typical of kennel sores”.
The dog also had fur loss and sore gums, which “suggested it was chewing on something that has done damage”.
Mr Scott, defending, said the videos presented were “a snapshot in time”.
He said King was “not someone who intentionally didn’t care, but just someone who couldn’t cope with life and things got on top of him”.
Mr Scott also emphasised that King had voluntarily signed the dogs over to the RSPCA.
After speaking with a probation officer, they noted the 43-year-old kept apologising and said that the area “should have been cleaner and it wasn’t intentional”.
The court heard he is the sole primary carer for his wife, who has mental health problems, and is also looking after his 15-year-old son.
Last year, King, along with his son Danny King Junior was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a black poodle and failing in a duty of responsibility for the welfare of eight dogs.
King Jr was additionally charged with killing a badger in 2018.
Chairman of the bench, Adrian Atmore, told King he had “a total disregard for animals”.
He also added that King was very lucky not to go prison.
Mr Atmore said the sentence reflected the state that the animals were in, which was “a dirty, soiled, unsuitable environment, including hazards such as broken glass and an open drain”.
Sentencing | 160-day prison sentence, suspended for two years; 300 hours of unpaid work; rehabilitation activity requirement; total of £420 costs and surcharge. Banned from keeping animals for life but can appeal after 10 years.
