Horse Trader On The Run As Appeal Against Sentence Fails
12.5.10
An arrest warrant has been issued after horse trader James Gray absconded from Court. Gray had been at Aylesbury Crown Court earlier today as both he and his family were hearing their Appeal against sentence.
After breaking to consider the sentences, the Court reconvened this afternoon. It was then that staff realised James Gray was missing, leaving his family to hear their own verdicts. He was sentenced in his absence to a six-month term (26 weeks) in prison for cruelty to more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys.
James Gray Junior (17) has to complete a 18-month supervision order and is banned from keeping equines for 10 years.
Gray’s wife Julie (42) and daughters Jodie (27) and Cordelia Gray (21) were also unsuccessful in their appeals. They will each have to complete 150 hours of community service and are banned from keeping equines for 10 years¹.
A further decision on costs is to be heard at a later date.
Recorder of Aylesbury, His Honour Christopher Tyrer said during the hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court: “The court has listened to a horrendous case of animal cruelty. It is the worst case experienced by the RSPCA on a scale which beggars belief. The RSPCA faced a calamity of huge proportions - they were neglected, starved, emaciated and living in squalor and the horses were hungry, thirsty dejected and miserable. The business of which you were all party to was concerned only with profit. Animal welfare did not figure at all and you have shown no remorse.”
RSPCA inspector Kirsty Hampton, who was commended by the Judge in investigating the case, said: “I’m pleased that the severity of the cruelty suffered by so many horses, ponies and donkeys has been reflected in the sentences the Gray family received.
“This investigation has been one of our biggest ever and has so far cost the RSPCA more than £1million, including veterinary treatment and care of the rescued horses. It is thanks to the RSPCA’s hard work and expertise that this case has successfully been brought to court.
“I would like to thank the Horse Trust, Redwings and World Horse Welfare for caring for many of the horses, ponies and donkeys removed from Spindle Farm.”
On Thursday 6 June 2010 James Gray, along with Julie, Jodie and Cordelia, lost their appeals against their animal welfare convictions. James Gray Junior was acquitted on two charges, but convicted of the rest.2
The family was prosecuted after RSPCA inspectors discovered more than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys and the bodies of a further 32 equines at Spindle Farm near Amersham between Friday 4 and Wednesday 9 January 2008.
Inspector Hampton described the conditions that the horses were kept in as ‘grotesque’.
She said: “When we arrived at the farm we were confronted with an extremely distressing scene. The stench of decomposition and urine was overpowering. The sight of horses left in such a miserable state will stay with me forever and I hope I never have to see animals treated with such little care and compassion again.”
Officers from World Horse Welfare, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, vets and Thames Valley Police worked alongside the RSPCA in very difficult conditions to rescue the surviving animals from the terrible scene.
Many of the animals had little food or dry bedding and were crammed into pens, ankle deep in faeces. Other horses had simply been left to die where they fell and then, surrounded by their companions, decomposed. Further carcasses were discovered in surrounding fields, some burned on bonfires, and there was a pile of bones and a skull against an outbuilding.
The court had previously heard how, prior to this case, the RSPCA successfully prosecuted James Gray in 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering to a horse. On that occasion he was fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £7,871 in costs by Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court. He was not disqualified from keeping animals.
If members of the public would like to contribute towards the work of the RSPCA and the animals in its care, they can call 0300 123 0346.
A Final Step For Supermarkets, One Giant Leap For Chicken Welfare
22.4.10
A leading animal welfare charity today wrote to UK supermarkets, urging them to ditch faster growing breeds of chicken in favour of a slower growing alternative.
The RSPCA said this move is one of the final major hurdles in dramatically improving the lives of chickens bred for meat.
This comes hot on the heels of new research carried out by Kantar Worldpanel for RSPCA Freedom Food – which revealed growth and spend on Freedom Food indoor reared chicken is far outstripping ‘standard’, with a staggering 55.2 million pound increase in consumer spending on Freedom Food labelled chicken (from 16.4 million to 71.6 million) since March last year.*
This compares to a drop of more than 26 million pounds for ‘standard’ chicken - proof that chicken welfare is on the shopping list for more people than ever before.
'It's great news that people are supporting better chicken welfare by choosing more Freedom Food over standard chicken than ever, and we've seen an incredible commitment from supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco and Morrisons to improving the lives of chickens, by offering their customers a higher welfare option in Freedom Food. But there is still a way to go in our mission to see improvements for the vast majority of chickens reared for meat in this country," said Dr Marc Cooper, RSPCA senior chicken welfare scientist.
"That is why we are asking all UK supermarkets to take the next vital step and commit to only using a genetically slower growing breed for all chicken, in line with the requirement that already exists under the Freedom Food scheme. Science and practical experience clearly demonstrate that this would lead to an even greater improvement in the welfare of many millions of chickens," he added.
Faster growing breeds of chicken are most commonly used in ‘standard’ and so-called ‘standard plus’ production. These birds reach slaughter weight in around six weeks and are dogged with significant health and welfare problems:
· High growth rate can lead to lameness, heart and circulation problems and cause sudden death due to heart attacks.
· While ‘standard plus’ chickens are often provided with natural light, environmental enrichment and more space compared to ‘standard’ chicken, these on-farm improvements do not offset the real welfare benefits of the RSPCA welfare standards used by Freedom Food.
· In total there are around 600 RSPCA standards specifically developed for chickens to improve welfare across the whole of their life – from hatching to transport and slaughter, rather than just covering the time spent on-farm.
Poll shows 2 out of 3 dog owners back new dog licence
31.3.10
New figures revealed today show huge public backing for the introduction of a licence to tackle a range of dog welfare problems which plague the country.
In a survey commissioned by the charity, 2 out of 3 dog owners (66%)* asked said that they would be in favour of a licence scheme. The RSPCA will be submitting these results in response to the consultation on dangerous dog legislation recently launched by the UK government.
In addition, 76% of all the people asked said that a dog licence should be enforced in England to help curb problems such as ‘puppy farms’, stray dogs, stolen dogs and animal abandonments.
The RSPCA believes that a licence would be hugely beneficial in addressing many animal welfare concerns stemming from overbreeding of dogs to a lack of traceable ownership.
Reading University carried out research on behalf of the RSPCA and have released their findings which clearly show that an affordable and well-enforced dog licensing scheme could provide funding for a range of issues, most of which are currently funded poorly by central and local government.
Professor Emeritus Martin Upton from Reading University’s school of agriculture, policy and development, said: "Our study into the potential costs and benefits of dog licencing and registration found that such a scheme could greatly contribute to responsible dog ownership and animal welfare.”
The findings are also backed up by the results of the recent Bateson report into dog breeding which called for urgent action to be taken to safeguard animal welfare.
Head of external affairs David Bowles said: “The RSPCA has been seriously considering a dog licence scheme as we feel it would provide an effective mechanism for tackling a whole raft of dog welfare problems.
“The income should be ring-fenced and ploughed into services such as an effective local dog warden service which could make a real difference to both dogs and their owners at a local level.
“An annual scheme would also help to ensure that contact details of owners are kept up to date so they can be reunited with their pet more easily if it is lost or stolen.”
It is possible that a reduction in the licence fee could apply for more responsible dog owners such as those who have their pets neutered.
Similar schemes operate in 23 countries throughout Europe and also in parts of Australia and New Zealand. They have proven success rates in reducing problems with disease, enforcing microchipping and neutering and in turn encouraging responsible pet ownership.
Hunting Act Snares Criminals
26.12.09
The RSPCA issued a briefing which reveals the Hunting Act is working well and actually being used more than some other legislation to tackle wildlife crime.
The Hunting Act (2004) will celebrate its fifth anniversary in force in February 2010, and the Society is delighted that despite dire predictions before it was introduced, many hunts have successfully adjusted to the new law, thereby keeping their hounds and preserving rural jobs.
“The Hunting Act has never been about stopping the activity of riding to hounds in the countryside – it was to prevent wild animals being chased and killed for sport,” said John Rolls, RSPCA Director of Animal Welfare Promotion.
“Hunting wild animals to a cruel and pointless death for sport is no longer tolerated by modern Britain. Thankfully it is now an enforceable crime, and those who think otherwise will, where evidence comes to light, find themselves in court.”
Offences under the Hunting Act were successfully prosecuted in 2007 more often than some other wildlife legislation (see RSPCA Hunting Brief for more information).
The figures also show that in the same year 48 people were found guilty of offences under the Hunting Act, more than for other similar laws. The number of defendants found guilty of offences under wildlife legislation in 2007 was:
- Badgers Act 1991 6
- Deer Act 1991 1
- Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 3
- Hunting Act 2004 48
The 2007 figures also show the success rate for prosecutions under the Hunting Act was 77 per cent, substantially higher than for the other three laws.
Various legal challenges to the Act have been dismissed in UK courts, and in a significant legal ruling last week (17 December), the European Court of Human Rights decided unanimously that the challenges were inadmissible.
The court rejected arguments that the Hunting Act infringed an individual’s right to a private and family life on the basis that hunting is a public activity and it is not integral to an individual’s identity. The judgment also made clear that the ban on hunting had “not created serious difficulties for earning one’s living.”
Blackburn Men Jailed After Admitting Dog Fighting In Park
27.11.09
Two men from Blackburn have been jailed and banned from keeping animals after they admitted fighting their dogs, in a case brought by the RSPCA.
Aftab Razzaq and Usman Hussain admitted goading and fighting their dogs in broad daylight on Troy Street Fields, in Blackburn, after the police were handed mobile phone footage incriminating the pair.
Razzaq, of Clinton Street, Blackburn, was sentenced to four months in jail after he admitted causing and participating in a dog fight with his pit bull terrier type dog Benny. The 25-year-old was also sentenced to three months custody after he admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by failing to get treatment for his injuries and one month custody for a welfare offence related to the filthy conditions in which the animal was kept. The sentences will run concurrently.
Hussain, 22, of St James’s Road, Blackburn, was sentenced to three months in jail. He had pleaded guilty to taking part in a dog fight with his Staffordshire bull terrier Reefer.
Both men were also banned from keeping any animal for 10 years. They were told by magistrates that the dog fight had been pre-arranged in a public place, where innocent members of the public could have been put at risk.
Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “These men used the excuse that they weren’t dog fighters, but were just showing off. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Razzaq and Hussain had deliberately trained and goaded their dogs to hate each other. They took open delight in fighting them for their own sick entertainment.
“Dog fighting is barbaric and causes horrific injuries and suffering to those animals involved. Just because these men claim they were only showing off, it doesn’t make it any less serious or cruel.
“Sadly this type of case, where people are fighting their dogs in parks in a pathetic attempt to boost their own ego, is becoming more common as people use dogs as a status symbol.
“Anyone who suspects or sees dog fighting, no matter where or when, should call the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999. While people continue to practice this so-called ‘sport’, we’ll continue to prosecute them.”
The pair were caught after mobile phone footage of them goading and fighting their dogs in Troy Street Fields, Blackburn, was handed in to Lancaster police station by a member of the public. The footage was clearly labelled ‘Reefer versus Benny’ and showed both Razzaq and Hussain deliberately fighting their dogs.
The evidence was passed to the RSPCA’s special operations unit, which carried out a joint operation with Lancashire Police on 6 April this year when warrants were executed at the defendants’ home addresses.
The dogs were seized and eventually signed over to the RSPCA by the two men who were arrested by the police and interviewed by the RSPCA.
Both Razzaq and Hussain indicated to the court that they intend to appeal against their sentences
Former Race Horse Trainer Banned From Keeping Equines
13.11.09
A former race horse trainer from County Durham has been banned from keeping equines for five years after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a bay thoroughbred stallion called Hans Christian.
Paul Johnson of Low Wyndways Farm, White Le-Head, Tantobie appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court earlier today (Friday 13 November 2009) where he pleaded guilty to failing to seek veterinary treatment for the horses injured foot, an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
When the RSPCA attended Mr Johnsons farm on Monday 11 June 2007, Hans Christian was found to be suffering from an injury on his left fore leg which had developed a chronic infection and had become maggot-infested. The animal had to be put to sleep two days later on veterinary advice.
RSPCA inspector Tony Jackman said: "This horse was in a terrible state when he came to our attention. He was suffering terribly. He couldn't carry weight on the injured leg and had been that way for a number of weeks. Mr Johnsons failure to seek veterinary attention was
inexcusable."
The case against Mr Johnson was thrown out by Consett Magistrates Court in October 2008 after a judge ruled the RSPCA had taken too long to bring it but the charity challenged the decision at the High Court in London on Friday 16 October 2009. Lord Justice Pill, sitting with Mrs Justice Rafferty, decided that delays in the case were not an "abuse of process" but that much of it was caused by Mr Johnson himself who had made "concerted efforts" to "avoid and hide from" an RSPCA inspector. Allowing the RSPCA's appeal, Lord Justice Pill ordered that the case return to the Magistrates Court for a hearing of the prosecution.
Today, Mr Johnson was also sentenced to a six-month community order including 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £4,650 costs.
In mitigation, the court heard that he had been treating the wound himself before going on holiday and thought it was improving.
RSPCA inspector Jackman said: "You can't cut corners when it comes to the welfare of the animals in your care. Mr Johnsons lack of action caused this horse a great deal of suffering, unnecessarily.
"I hope the sentence passed today will ensure this doesnt ever happen again."
New Report Backs The RSPCA’s Fears For Pedigree Dog Health and Welfare
3.11.09
A new report echoes calls for urgent action to safeguard the welfare of pedigree dogs and has been welcomed by the RSPCA. A Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs, the conclusions of an inquiry by the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW)1, says that current breeding practices cause dogs ‘significant health and welfare problems’.
This supports the findings of an independent report commissioned by the RSPCA, Pedigree Dog Breeding in the UK: A Major Welfare Concern?2, and the charity’s view that exaggerated physical features and inherited diseases cause serious welfare problems for pedigree dogs.
RSPCA senior animal welfare scientist Claire Calder said: “This inquiry has come to the same conclusion as the RSPCA: pedigree dogs urgently need our help and the way they are bred must change. APGAW calls for an independent panel to be set up to help tackle this complex problem, an idea the RSPCA would also support.
“The report lacks some detail about how the problems facing pedigree dogs can be solved and doesn’t recommend all the measures the RSPCA believes are necessary; for example, we believe a strategy for monitoring how effective any changes are is essential.
“However, I hope this inquiry stimulates much more detailed and action-focussed discussion amongst everyone involved in order to identify practical solutions that will really make a difference. Pedigree dogs need our help and they need it now.”
The APGAW report also concludes:
- Breed standards should ensure dogs are ‘fit for purpose’ rather than look a certain way
- A database to collate the occurrences of hereditary diseases and health and welfare problems would provide information to all stakeholders on the problems and their frequency
- Future regulations concerning the breeding of dogs should impose clear restrictions on the breeding of closely related dogs.
The RSPCA believes all key stakeholders should meet after a third report into the health and welfare of pedigree dogs is published in early 20103 in order to agree a way forward.
The RSPCA is extremely concerned about the unacceptably high levels of disability, deformity and hereditary disease affecting these animals, as is the public, following the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed which sparked a national debate on the issue.
Breeder Jailed For Neglecting 99 St Bernards
23.10.09
A St Bernard breeder who pleaded guilty to neglecting 99 dogs was today sent to prison for 18 weeks.
Mary Ellen Collis, 51, of Denby Lane, Wakefield was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years by Wellingborough Magistrates.
The charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to 85 St Bernard dogs and failing to meet the welfare needs of another 14.
The RSPCA was alerted to the condition of the dogs by concerned members of the public. Inspectors attended Wardana kennels on Stanion Road in Brigstock along with police and a veterinary surgeon at the end of November 2008. The dogs, aged between nine weeks to eight years of age, were being kept in kennels which were covered in urine and faeces. There was no food or water available for them. Their coats were filthy and matted with faeces.
Nine puppies were kept in a separate pen with no food or water. The pen was cold and the heat lamps provided were not working due to a lack of electricity.
Thirteen dogs were found in the kitchen of the house connected with the kennels.
Eighty-five of the St Bernards were suffering from medical problems such as abscesses, ulcerated skin and eye conditions and ear infections which had not been treated. Many were emaciated. Three of the puppies were very thin and their ribs were visible.
One dog was unable to stand and was suffering from dehydration. She had several open sores on her legs and feet caused by pressure and urine scalds. Another was in such a poor condition that the vet had to put the dog to sleep at the scene to prevent him from suffering further. Another dog died overnight after suffering a heart attack at the veterinary surgery. He was thin, covered in faeces and was suffering from severe dehydration. Another had severely ulcerated eyes, which had not been treated and caused blindness.
Vets concluded that most of the dogs had suffered from neglect for several weeks or months.
In sentencing, the chair of magistrates, Dr Pugsley, said: “As a trained veterinary nurse you should have known what was required.” In mitigation, Collis said that she had been breeding the dogs for about 30 years and had not encountered any significant problems before. Her solicitor said that she had been hiding from the circumstances surrounding her bankruptcy and that she had not intentionally neglected the dogs.
RSPCA inspector Clint Davies said: “Whilst there was no deliberate cruelty here, these dogs had been left in such a poor state that others may have died had we not been alerted. Many were in pain and suffering just because they had not received veterinary treatment and food.
“I am confident that the sentence will protect future animals from a similar fate. “Thanks to the hard work of vets, our inspectors, officers and animal centres, new homes have now been found for all of the dogs. This could not have been done without the support of the public across the country who have once again helped us to provide a lifeline for animals in desperate need.”
Four Jailed As RSPCA Brings One Of The UK’s Biggest Dog Fighting Gangs To Justice
25.9.09
Three men and a woman have been jailed after a major RSPCA investigation helped tackle one of the UK’s biggest dog fighting rings.
Gary Adamson was sentenced to 23 weeks in prison after he admitted fighting his dog Pablo in a garage at the home of Claire Parker in May 2007 (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also banned from keeping animals for life and ordered to pay £1,500 costs.
Parker was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after she was convicted of being present at the fight, jointly keeping a premises for use as an animal fight venue and the joint possession of three pit bull terrier dogs (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). She was also banned from keeping all animals for ten years and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.
Her husband John Parker was to face charges relating to dog fighting, but he died in prison before the case reached court.
Owen Batey, who travelled to the fight from his home in Middlesborough, was jailed for 23 weeks after he admitted three charges, including causing an animal fight to take place (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also ordered to pay £1,500 costs and was banned from keeping animals for life.
Mohammed Nasir Farooq, from Birmingham, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after he was convicted of attending the fight, which attracted people from across the UK to Parker’s home in Kexby, Lincolnshire (26 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also banned from keeping animals for life and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.
Those sentenced today (FRIDAY) were caught as part of two investigations into organised dog fighting by the RSPCA’s special operations unit, named Operations Cannon and Castle.
Footage taken by an undercover reporter working on an investigation into dog fighting for BBC’s Panorama also provided the RSPCA with vital evidence to bring these individuals to justice. The footage obtained by the BBC showed Adamson reveal details of the fight that took place at Parker’s Kexby home, as well as the names of some of those who attended, to the undercover reporter.
Work by the RSPCA’s special operations unit led them to others connected to the fight. Searches were then carried out at premises across eight different counties by RSPCA inspectors who discovered dog fighting equipment including several treadmills, training aids, veterinary kits and breaking sticks – used to prise apart the jaws of dogs during a fight.
Many of those prosecuted also had elaborate kennels at their homes where they trained their dogs for fighting. The investigation led to the discovery of 35 fighting dogs, of which more than half had sustained fighting injuries and showed scars from previous bouts.
One of the biggest discoveries was of the blood stained fighting pit, constructed in Parker’s garage, where Adamson and King fought their dogs. The inspectors also found three pit bull type dogs and treadmills, used to build up dogs’ stamina and fitness, at Parker’s home.
Chief inspector Mike Butcher, of the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “A search warrant was executed in eight counties across the UK and involved joint RSPCA and police teams. The operation unearthed 35 fighting dogs of which over half had sustained fighting injuries. Dog fighting paraphernalia was also found, including treadmills and breaking sticks. “As a result 10 people have now been convicted.
The RSPCA feels much of the credit for this success is due to the determination and bravery of the late Stephen Ibinson, the reporter who carried out the BBC investigation. “Dog fighting is a barbaric and cruel so-called ‘sport’ which belongs in the dark ages and horrific suffering is caused to the dogs involved. Those that continue to pursue this activity should understand that the RSPCA and the police will continue to bring those responsible before the courts.
“Anyone with information about dog fighting should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.”
The investigation also led the RSPCA to Christopher Burgess, from Mansfield, who admitted one charge of joint possession of a pit bull type dog. He was sentenced to 160 hours unpaid work and £250 costs
A youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a six-month referral order and a five year ban on keeping animals after he was convicted of five charges related to the keeping of fighting dogs. The youth had also admitted possession of three pit bull terrier type dogs.
District Judge Richard Blake said today: “Understandably there is widespread public objection at these events. This was the sadistic abuse of animals for entertainment. These offences involve many years of breeding and training of the animals. This is the abuse of innocent animals.”
Kenneth King has not yet been sentenced as he was attacked before today’s court hearing began and is recovering in hospital. He is now due to be sentenced on Wednesday 30 September.
Claire Parker, Mohammed Nasir Farooq and the youth have indicated that they intend to appeal against their sentences.
Suspended Prison Sentence For Two Men Convicted Of Badger Digging
2.9.09
Two men were today (2.9.09) given suspended prison sentences and banned from keeping dogs after they were caught in the act of badger digging* by an undercover RSPCA inspector.
Gerard Monk and Paul Billington were filmed digging a badger sett in woodland at Sandford, near Whitchurch, in Shropshire, on 11 May 2008. They fled the scene after realising they were being watched. Both men were subsequently arrested and were found guilty of six charges at the conclusion of a two-day trial brought by the RSPCA.
The pair were both sentenced to a four-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, 200 hours of community service and a five-year ban on keeping dogs. Monk and Billington were also ordered to pay the full £6,000 costs each at today’s hearing at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court.
Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Today’s hearing is the result of a prolonged investigation between the RSPCA and Lancashire Police. To catch two men actually in the act of digging a badger sett is extremely rare, but the video evidence proved vital in bringing this case to court and securing a guilty verdict.
“Badger digging is inhumane and cruel, causing suffering not only to badgers, but also to the dogs used for this barbaric activity. The sentence passed by the court shows if anyone is caught badger digging faces a severe punishment.”
CI Briggs added: “Sadly badger digging remains a serious problem in our countryside and one we are proactively targeting in order to bring those involved in this cruel activity to justice. “Badgers are a protected mammal by law, therefore it is a criminal offence to disturb their setts or to purposefully kill or injure a badger. We hope this case will act as a warning to anyone thinking about digging a badger sett. If we catch them, we will prosecute them.”
PC Duncan Thomas, Lancashire Police’s wildlife officer, said: “Unfortunately badger digging is still alive and well. We are committed to stamping out this activity in close co-operation with our wildlife enforcement partners, in this case the RSPCA. “Let me make the issue absolutely clear: if you’re caught digging badgers, we will confiscate the dogs, the equipment and any vehicles used and you will be brought before the courts.”
Monk, 27, of Millbrook Close, Wheelton, Lancashire, and Billington, 37, of Llydir Lane, Rossett, Clywd, both appeared at Shrewsbury Magistrates Court earlier this year where they were each found guilty of six charges:
- attempting to kill injure or take a badger
- digging for a badger
- interfering with a badger sett
- interfering with a badger sett by causing a dog to enter the sett
- interfering with a badger sett by disturbing a badger whilst it was occupying a sett (all five offences contrary to the Protection of Badgers Act 1992)
- hunting a wild mammal namely a badger contrary to the Hunting Act 2004
The court was told the pair had arranged to meet at a roadside café on the Shropshire/Cheshire border early on the morning of 11 May, 2008, before going to dig a sett in Pond Wood, near Ashford Grange Farm, at about 8.30am. The pair left the scene about 45 minutes later, after they saw the RSPCA covert inspector filming them.
They were later arrested by the police and questioned. Monk claimed he had been rabbiting and was digging to free his dog, while Billington also claimed to be digging for Monk’s terrier, which had run down a rabbit hole. Billington claimed in court this was the first occasion the two men had ever met and they had arranged to meet as he was interested in buying a terrier bitch from Monk. However there were numerous inconsistencies with the pair’s accounts. They were also found to have badger digging equipment with them.
Hedgehog Numbers May Be At Risk From Rat Poison - RSPCA Wildlife Centres Aid Research
26.8.09
New scientific research aided by the RSPCA has for the first time found that rat and mice poison may be having an effect on the welfare of hedgehogs.
The new study shows that anticoagulants, which are a group of chemicals used to kill rodents by preventing the blood from clotting, have shown up in significant levels in the hedgehogs studied. This could have an impact on their survival, breeding success or mobility.
RSPCA’s Wildlife Scientific Officer Sophie Adwick said “All four of the RSPCA’s Wildlife Centres, along with other establishments, supplied scientists at the University of Bristol with the carcasses of 120 hedgehogs that had died or were put to sleep due to illness or injury. The findings of this study are a great surprise and may have a significant impact on how these poisons are used in the future, so I’m pleased that our RSPCA Centres were able to contribute to this important study.”
Dr Claire Dowding, from the University of Bristol, who carried out the research said “the number of hedgehogs affected is quite worrying. It’s difficult to tell exactly how these animals are exposed to the chemicals. They may be eating them directly, scavenging on dead rodents that have been killed by the poison or eating their favourite diet of slugs and snails that have fed on the poison bait. Slugs and snails are not affected by anticoagulants because their blood is different, but they will retain poisonous residues.”
Out of the 120 hedgehogs sampled, 80 of them had been exposed to these poisons, Claire said “this high figure really is of concern and might be one of the reasons why the British hedgehog population is thought to be declining”.
Sophie added “The findings of this study mean that we must ensure these poisons are used with even greater care. Because they are widely available and the most common form of rodent control, we would urge people to bear in mind the wider problems these are now thought to cause, and use them responsibly.”
Hundreds of hedgehogs are admitted to RSPCA Wildlife Centres every year, usually because youngsters born late in the season will not have had enough time to build up sufficient fat reserves to survive hibernation. Once their weight has been increased they are released back into the wild. Sadly some are too ill to rescue or have suffered some sort of injury, only in these cases are the animals are put to sleep.
Information regarding the rescue and rehabilitation work that RSPCA Wildlife Centres carry out can be found online at www.rspca.org.uk/wildlife where you can also listen to the monthly wildlife podcast.
Three Men Arrested In Suspected Dog Fighting Raids
28.7.09
Three men were arrested yesterday morning (Monday 27 July) after the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, together with uniformed RSPCA inspectors and West Yorkshire Police, carried out a number of raids across Bradford in relation to suspected organised dog fighting.
One man was arrested for questioning on suspicion of possessing dog-fighting paraphernalia under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and another man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a pit bull-type dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
A third man was arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs (a pit bull-type and an Akita-type) under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and for suspected possession of three pit bull-type dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. A quantity of class A drugs was also confiscated from one of the properties.
Four addresses were searched in Bradford following information relating to alleged organised dog fighting.
RSPCA inspector Chris Heyworth from the Society’s Special Operations Unit said: "We are extremely pleased with the operation and would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their help and co-operation throughout.
“Dog fighting is cruel and callous and we shall continue to seek out those who feel that taking part in this barbaric activity is somehow acceptable.”
Inspector Alan Rhees-Cooper of West Yorkshire Police said: "We have carried out these raids with the RSPCA because people in the area have raised concerns about dogs being kept at the properties, and about the circumstances in which they were being kept.
“I want to assure people that if they have worries that ‘dangerous’ dogs are being kept near them they should tell us and we will endeavour to take positive action. If people are concerned organised dog fights may be taking place, they should telephone the RSPCA immediately.”
Anyone who has information is asked to contact the RSPCA on its national cruelty and advice line – 0300 123 4999. All calls will be treated in confidence.
Government Figures Confirm Yet Another Rise In Number Of Experiments On Animals
21.7.09
The RSPCA wants to see efforts massively stepped up by everyone involved in animal experiments to replace or avoid the use of animals in research and bring to a halt what has now become a frustratingly predictable annual rise in figures.
The Home Office statistics released today show that in 2008 almost half a million more animals were used in scientific procedures than in 2007. This is especially disappointing given that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the concept of the Three Rs – replacement, reduction and refinement – that is supposed to form the basis for humane research.
The figures reveal:
- In 2008, just under 3.7 million procedures were carried out, up from 3.2 million in 2007 (a rise of around 14 per cent).
- Use of fish rose by 85%, mice by 9% and amphibians by 81%.
- Breeding for the production of harmful mutants and GM animals accounted for 38% of the total procedures.
- This year’s figures represent a seventh consecutive annual rise.
Deputy Head of the RSPCA’s Research Animal Department, Penny Hawkins said: “With the numbers continuing to rise, people will take some convincing that the use of each and every animal is really necessary and justified. The RSPCA welcomes the efforts that are being made to reduce the suffering experienced by individual lab animals, but replacing or avoiding animal use must be everybody’s principle goal. In this respect much more clearly needs to be done.”
Penny added: “This year is an extremely important one for lab animals right across Europe as the revision of the law controlling animal experiments has reached a critical stage. Given the deeply concerning rise in numbers year on year, any attempts to weaken the UK standards of regulation will be totally unacceptable.”
RSPCA Figures Reveal Swans Still Suffering From Fishing Litter
13.7.09
New figures show that over the past two years, discarded fishing line, hooks and weights used by anglers continue to be responsible for a significant number of injured swans admitted to RSPCA Wildlife Centres.
Last year, 1,959 calls were made to the RSPCA’s advice and cruelty line to report incidents involving swans and fishing litter and 92 mute swans were admitted to three of our four Wildlife Centres, 13 more than in 2007.
Alison Charles is Manager of the RSPCA’s East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk and says “These new figures also show that 22% of all swan related calls the Society received last year were to do with injuries relating to fishing litter. Although the number of calls we have received has continued to drop year on year, the numbers of swans we admitted has crept up slightly from 2007. This adds to our already busy wildlife centres, the three of which took in nearly 12,000 animals last year.”
Manager of the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, Dr Andrew Kelly says “This is a serious problem for us in Cheshire too. These poor swans will suffer painful injuries, internal blockages, poisoning and sometimes death. Hooks can pierce through skin, weights and floats are ingested, and line is swallowed and becomes wrapped around bodies and limbs.”
Rupert Griffiths, Manager at RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Somerset says “Money donated by RSPCA supporters continues to help us treat, rehabilitate and release these swans back into the wild, but the most important thing is to stop it happening in the first place”.
Codes of practice and coaching courses initiated by responsible angling organisations help achieve this, how ever the inexperienced angler needs to know there are a few things that can be done to help bring admission numbers down.
Baited hooks will be attractive to swans and they can quite easily swim through lines whilst in use, so unattended rods will always pose a threat. Generally be aware of the area around you, and never forget to clear up your discarded line, used hooks, weights and floats before you leave.
Please contact the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 123 999 to report any animal in distress.
More Than 2,500 Day Old Chicks Suffer Horror Death In Stifling Heat
2.7.09
The RSPCA has been left reeling after more than 2,500 day old chicks suffered a horrendous death when dumped in boxes in a lay-by in direct sunlight.
The 33 neatly stacked boxes were discovered yesterday on Chemical Lane, Stoke (the road leading to Queensway Industrial Estate). The boxes contained pheasant and red legged partridge chicks, all of which were only a day old.
When RSPCA inspector John Groarke attending he was horrified to find most of the chicks lying lifeless in the boxes after being unable to survive the sweltering heat.
“I am very angry that someone dumped these chicks to die. It was extremely distressing to open the boxes and find that most of the chicks had been overcome by the heat and to witness the strongest chicks crawling over the dead birds fighting to survive,” said inspector Groarke.
“To me it would appear to be an act of sheer laziness where someone has got out of a vehicle and neatly stacked these boxes in direct sunlight and drove off leaving the birds to suffer a horrendous death.”
“It is possible that someone had just bought the chicks at market and then had second thoughts, or possibly the chicks were dying in the heat while being transported and the delivery driver decided to dump them. Whatever the reason these birds didn’t stand a chance and I appeal to anyone who either witnessed anything or who knows where these chicks came from to please contact me” continued John.
Inspector Groarke had the upsetting task of counting the number of dumped chicks. The boxes contained 2,590 chicks. Only 54 chicks were alive. They were taken to vets where sadly 22 dying chicks were put to sleep. The remaining 32 chicks were taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich. Tragically a further 20 have since died. The remaining 12 chicks, which are in an incubator, are said to be very weak and in a poor condition.
Anyone with information is urged to call the RSPCA national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. Calls will be treated in confidence.
RSPCA Welcomes MP’s Proposed Changes To Dog Legislation
1.7.09
Dog owners could be made legally responsible for their pets being dangerously out of control in gardens and on private property, if a new parliamentary Bill is passed as law.
The RSPCA is supporting the Ten Minute Rule Bill proposed by Angela Smith MP (Sheffield Hillsborough), which also recommends dogs currently banned under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act can be placed on the exempted register without being seized.
Although the RSPCA remains opposed to breed specific legislation, this would ensure the better welfare of the dog and prevent the animal spending time in kennels while the exemption process takes place.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 currently only applies to public places and makes it difficult to hold an owner accountable if their dog injures, or even kills, a person or another animal in a private home or garden. The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill would change that by making dog owners legally responsible for their animals in public and private places.
Claire Robinson, the RSPCA’s Government Relations Manager, said: “By putting more legal emphasis on dog owners rather than their pets, The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill is a step in the right direction which we strongly welcome. In so many instances, the biggest problem of all is with the person at the other end of a dog’s lead, rather than the animal itself. “
However, the RSPCA remains opposed to breed specific legislation and believes it is time the Government took a closer look at the issue and replaced what is a flawed and outdated law.”
The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill will be read in the House of Commons today (Wednesday, 1 July). If the Bill is approved by the House of Commons at its first reading stage it will go on to receive a second reading.
The Communication Workers’ Union (CWU) and Royal Mail have already given their backing to the Bill. The CWU is campaigning on this issue after it was estimated that 5,000 postal workers require medical treatment for dog bites every year.
The RSPCA has long stated its desire for the law to put more emphasis of responsibility on dog owners, rather than penalise specific breeds. Earlier this year the Society supported Lord Redesdale’s Dog Control Bill, which also took the emphasis away from specific breeds and made owners more accountable for their pets in public and private places. The Bill received cross-party support at its second reading in the House of Lords in May.
Dogs Die As RSPCA Urges Owners Not To Leave Dogs In Hot Cars
1.7.09
The RSPCA is renewing its plea to owners to not leave their pets in hot cars as dogs are losing their lives in the crippling heat.
A tragic incident happened yesterday after two dogs were in a car in Nottingham on one of the hottest days of the year.
It has also been reported that a dog died after being left in a car in Chichester during the hot weather at the end of last week.
The RSPCA has been inundated with calls from members of the public who are worried about animals which have been trapped in hot environments such as cars or gardens without shade.
The Society received a whopping total of 1,058 calls with concerns for the welfare of dogs in the hot weather throughout June. 109 of those calls were taken on Monday (June 29) when temperatures topped 30 degrees. More than 250 calls were also received regarding other animals suffering in the heat.
Pet owners are being reminded to never leave an animal in a car at any time during hot weather. Temperatures can dramatically increase and rise to as much as 47 degrees in less than an hour. Air-conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of the system being turned off.
Many owners believe that leaving a car window open or a bowl of water nearby is enough but in reality this will make virtually no difference and the dog is still in serious danger of literally being cooked alive.
RSPCA chief veterinary adviser Mark Evans said: “A hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that. Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day, can put your pet at huge risk of suffering and even death.
“This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still don’t appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan. Don’t let your dog be the one to find out the hard way.”
Animals & hot weather – RSPCA tips & information:
- All dogs will suffer in extreme heat, but some are more prone to heatstroke than others. Dogs that are old, young, short nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases.
- Particular breeds of dog, such as flat-faced pug dogs and bulldogs are also particularly susceptible to heat stoke.
- Owners should also bear in mind that dogs can suffer from heat stroke at any time, such as when they are out for a walk. It is therefore advised that they are kept out of the midday sun and taken out for a walk in the early morning or evening to avoid the temperature extremes.
- Pets should also not be left in conservatories, outbuildings or caravans during the hot weather as it poses the same risk.
- Owners who fear their dog may be suffering from heat stroke should act with great urgency. Warning signs include overly red or purple gums, a rapid pulse, vomiting and diarrhoea, lack of co-ordination and a reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing or suffering seizures.
- Pets should be moved to a cooler spot straight away before ringing your vet for advice immediately.
- Under the Animal Welfare Act, those found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal face a fine of up to £20,000 and/or a six-month custodial sentence.
