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Travellers ride horses through the river as Appleby Horse Fair 2019 kicks off

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Compilation of travellers riding their horses through the River Eden in Cumbria for the Appleby Horse Fair 2019
Travellers have been filmed riding their horses through the river (Picure: SWNS/Getty Images)

Thousands of people have flocked to a small town in Cumbria for the first day of Europe’s largest traveller festival.

Families were filmed washing their horses off in the River Eden as the Appleby Horse Fair begins.

The festival in Appleby-in-Westmorland attracts around 10,000 travellers every year and about 30,000 visitors.

A member of the traveller community washes his horse in the River Eden on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair on June 06, 2019 in Appleby, England.
A member of the traveller community washes off his horse today (Picture: Getty Images)
Appleby Horse Fair gets underway in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
The fair is the largest traveller festival in Europe (Picture: SWNS)
Two travellers ride their horses through the River Eden as the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair gets underway in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
Riders clean their horses ahead of the six day festival in Appleby-in-Westmorland (Picture: SWNS)
A horse and trap is driven down the Flashing Lane on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair on June 06, 2019 in Appleby, England.
A horse and trap being driven on the first day of the fair (Picture: Getty Images)
A traveller and his horse fall in the river on the first day of the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
A fully clothed traveller falls in the river with his horse (Picture: SWNS)

The six day event gives attendees the chance to buy and sell horses and to meet other members of the community.

Riders were seen waist deep in the river as they rode their horses through the water to clean them up for the first day of the festival.

He told The Sun: ‘They take the horses into the water up to their ears and then cover them in washing up liquid and soap them all up.

‘They are all fully clothed as they give the horses their bath.’

He added: ‘Everyone is in a really good mood. The travellers are more than happy to talk to you about their horses, they are so proud of them and want to show them off.’

Travellers on their horses on the first day of the 2019 Appleby Horse in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
The event gives members of the traveller community a chance to meet and mingle (Picture: SWNS)
A traveller and his horse fall in the river on the first day of the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
The festival is a chance for travellers to buy and sell horses (Picture: SWNS)
A traveller on his horse in the River Eden for the first day of the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
The travellers are ‘so proud of their horses’ and ‘want to show them off’, an attendee said (Picture: SWNS)
A traveller on his horse in the River Eden for the first day of the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
The River Eden gave people and horses alike a chance to cool off from the sun (Picture: SWNS)
People watch on as travellers ride their horses through the river at the fist day of the 2019 Appleby Horse Fair in the picturesque village of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria, June 06 2019.
People sit back on camping chairs as riders wade through the River Eden (Picture: SWNS)

Mr McCaren said the traffic this year hasn’t been half as bad as the ‘gridlock’ of previous years.

Some keen participants turned up in their traditional caravans yesterday and camped on the side of nearby roads waiting for the fair to begin.

Signs were put in place warning nearby drivers to slow down for carriages to avoid injuries to horses and motorists.

The fair drums up controversy every year with complaints of littering in the town, violent crime and animal cruelty.

Last year police logged 23 arrests, 17 crimes and 115 incidents at the fair.

The RSPCA have erected signs nearby to remind visitors selling ‘pets’ in a public place or market is illegal.

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Anger over video of horse being whipped and manhandled during Appleby Horse Fair

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Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

‘Heartbreaking’ footage of a horse being manhandled in the street and beaten during the Appleby Horse Fair has led to calls for the event to be cancelled.

A riding instructor has started a petition in response to an ‘overwhelming’ number of reports of animal mistreatment at Europe’s largest Traveller festival.

But members of the Traveller community say they shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush based on one video.

The RSPCA said the fair in Appleby was ‘a positive one’ overall with the number of people given advice and warnings about animal welfare falling significantly.

Appleby Horse Fair abuse GRABS TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION/EDITORIAL CALL
People have called the video ‘utterly horrifying’ and feel sorry for the ‘petrified’ horse

The video shows several men hopping off and on the horse, dragging it by the neck and nearly riding it into a wall.

People on social media described it as ‘disgusting’ and ‘utterly horrifying’ and expressed doubts that authorities would ‘lift a single finger’ in response.

Carol Wattel commented: ‘This is just a foal and is far too young to be backed.

‘As an equestrian this really breaks my heart as this baby is now traumatised for the rest of its life.’

Allison Metcalf said: ‘It’s a baby that’s so heartbreaking to see it’s petrified of them.’

Appleby Horse Fair abuse GRABS TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION/EDITORIAL CALL
The video shows several people hopping on and off the horse in quick succession

A Change.org petition calling on the fair to be cancelled fetched almost 2,000 signatures in a few days.

Riding instructor Pam Richardson, who started the petition, told Metro.co.uk: ‘It’s not just a one off thing. I’m sick of seeing, every year, reports of cruelty to animals. It’s just overwhelming.

‘The fact that Appleby has to have 34 RSPCA officers there is just unreasonable.’

The Norfolk based instructor for the British Horse Society said: ‘Everybody wants to wash their hands of it but the horses are suffering.’

If the petition reaches 2,500 signatures it’ll be sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who have responsibilities for animal welfare.

thumbnail for post ID 9969105Ian Wright taught his kids how to prepare for racism: 'Things need to be spoken about'

It isn’t a licensed event and is coordinated by a number of public sector bodies rather than one central organisation.

Cumbria Police said they are working with the RSPCA to trace the people in the video and asked people to report crime to them directly rather than over social media.

Around 10,000 Travellers and Gypsies meet to socialise and buy and sell horses at the annual event which has been running for at least 300 years.

Appleby Horse Fair abuse GRABS TAKEN WITHOUT PERMISSION/EDITORIAL CALL
The young horse is unsteady on its feet as it almost crashes into a wall

People who’ve attended the fair for years say claims of animal cruelty are overhyped.

Debi Bateson-Brown said: ‘I’ve been for the last 10 years and have not seen any [animal abuse].

‘Only well kept clean, washed, fed watered and exercised working horses enjoying what they do.

‘I too am a horse owner and seen worse cruelty on local yards and at local shows.

‘My gypsy friends are some of the nicest friendliest and definitely the most knowledgeable about horses.’

Dated: 07/06/2019 APPLEBY HORSE FAIR 2019 Travellers take their horses into the River Eden to be washed this morning (FRI) on day two of the Appleby Horse Fair, the biggest gathering of gypsies and travellers in Europe, which attracts tens of thousands of travellers and visitors to Cumbria each year. See accompanying time lapse video
Travellers take their horses into the River Eden to be washed (Picture: North News)

Stacey Morgan added: ‘You are letting a very small minority of people cloud your judgement.

‘Most Travellers look after their horses very well, they are their livelihood, some are extremely expensive.

‘Not all Travellers abuse their horses but obviously when you get a huge group of people together, thousands in fact, you may get the odd one.

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‘You can’t judge an entire community on the acts of one or two people.

‘I’ve seen other Travellers there turn on a young lad for how he was with his horse.’

The RSPCA said this year’s Appleby Horse Fair was ‘a positive one’ with fewer people being warned about mistreatment.

APPLEBY, ENGLAND - JUNE 06: A horse and trap is driven down the Flashing Lane on the first day of the Appleby Horse Fair on June 06, 2019 in Appleby, England. The fair is an annual gathering for Gypsy, Romany and travelling communities. The event has existed under the protection of a charter granted by James II since 1685 and it remains one of the key meeting points for these communities. Around 10,000 travellers are expected to attend the event who traditionally come to buy and sell horses and it offers an opportunity for the traveller community to come together to celebrate their heritage and culture. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
A horse and trap being ridden as the festival kicked off on Thursday (Picture: Getty Images)

They said 131 people were given animal welfare advice during the five day event, the lowest figure since 2010 and down 198 from last year.

The number of warnings at the fair, which finished on Monday, dropped from 14 to five.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Rob Melloy said: ‘There have been a couple of incidents posted on social media, which we’re aware of and have either dealt with or are dealing with, but on the whole this year’s fair has been a positive one.

‘We, and our partner animal welfare charities, have a significant presence at the fair, and this year’s team was the biggest yet, but we can’t be everywhere and inevitably, despite our best efforts, there will be things that we just don’t see.’

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Elderly couple held hostage by seagulls in their own home for six days

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Elderly couple held hostage by angry seagulls
Caption: Couple held hostage by seagulls in their own home for six days
SWNS

A pensioner ended up in hospital after he and his wife were held captive in their coastal home by a couple of angry seagulls.

Roy and Brenda Pickard were barricaded indoors for almost a week after two chicks slipped onto the canopy directly above their door.

The positioning of the baby gulls – just nine feet off the ground – meant that any time Roy, 77, attempted to leave his home in Knott End he was challenged by two squawking adult birds.

During one confrontation he was pecked so hard on the back of his head by one of the grown-ups he had to be taken to Lancaster Infirmary to clean up the bloodied wound.

‘If that bird had hit me in the face instead of the back of the head, I dread to think how seriously injured I would have been,’ Roy said.

Roy Pickard with his wife Brenda who are being terrorised by seagulls and kept prisoner in their own own. An elderly couple were held hostage in their seaside home by seagulls - for six DAYS. See SWNS story SWLEseagull. Roy and Brenda Pickard were unable to get out of their front door for almost a week after two seagull chicks slipped onto the canopy directly above the entrance to their house. The positioning of the baby gulls - just nine foot off the ground - meant any time Roy attempted to leave his home, he was confronted by a squawking seagull desperate to protect her chicks. At one point, 77-year-old Roy was hit so hard on the back of the head by the bird he had to be taken to hospital to treat the bloody wound.
Roy and wife Brenda have been terrorised by the seagulls (Picture: Blackpool Gazette/SWNS)

Describing the six-day siege, Roy said: ‘The whole thing has been terrible.

‘I’ve not been able to go out of the front door. If I try to get out of the door, the two adult birds are right there and I’ve got no chance. It’s genuinely frightening.’

He added: ‘My wife isn’t well or very mobile at the moment so we’re relying on me to get out.

‘Thankfully, we have an integrated garage and I can get into it from the kitchen, open the garage door and drive out to get our shopping, but I have to leave the garage door open, which isn’t ideal.’

The retired ambulance man said he couldn’t bear to think what might have happened had he been more seriously injured by the bird.

Roy Pickard talks with Graham Liver from BBC Radio Lancashire after he put up a gazebo to help him and his wife get out of the house - The gulls can be seen on the roof and the chicks in the guttering. An elderly couple were held hostage in their seaside home by seagulls - for six DAYS. See SWNS story SWLEseagull. Roy and Brenda Pickard were unable to get out of their front door for almost a week after two seagull chicks slipped onto the canopy directly above the entrance to their house. The positioning of the baby gulls - just nine foot off the ground - meant any time Roy attempted to leave his home, he was confronted by a squawking seagull desperate to protect her chicks. At one point, 77-year-old Roy was hit so hard on the back of the head by the bird he had to be taken to hospital to treat the bloody wound.
A gazebo has been put up to provide temporary shelter but the seagulls could remain camped out until July (Picture: Blackpool Gazette/SWNS)

Frustratingly for Roy, his hands were tied after Wyre Council confirmed the birds were Herring Gulls which are protected once nesting.

He said that neither the RSPCA nor the RSPB had been any help ‘whatsoever’, adding: ‘They seem to put the rights of these birds above those of people, which is ridiculous.’

The pensioner similarly criticised the council for offering an umbrella to shield the couple ‘but they don’t seem to be doing anything about the birds’ which could be there until July.

‘Why are seagulls protected? They are not an endangered species, they’re a flaming nuisance,’ Roy said.

Eventually BBC Radio Lancashire came out to the couple’s home and arranged for a gazebo to be set up to provide some temporary relief.

One of the seagulls that is terrorising Roy and Brenda Pickard at their home. An elderly couple were held hostage in their seaside home by seagulls - for six DAYS. See SWNS story SWLEseagull. Roy and Brenda Pickard were unable to get out of their front door for almost a week after two seagull chicks slipped onto the canopy directly above the entrance to their house. The positioning of the baby gulls - just nine foot off the ground - meant any time Roy attempted to leave his home, he was confronted by a squawking seagull desperate to protect her chicks. At one point, 77-year-old Roy was hit so hard on the back of the head by the bird he had to be taken to hospital to treat the bloody wound.
Roy’s hands were tied after it emerged the birds were Herring Gulls and thus protected once nesting (Picture: Blackpool Gazette/SWNS)

A Wyre Council spokesman said: ‘We sympathise with Mr Pickard’s situation, seagulls can be troublesome, particularly when nesting.

‘We have visited Mr Pickard to assess the situation and have given advice on how he can deal with the gulls.

‘For now, a solution is in place which will enable Mr Pickard to take his wife to her private appointment.

‘The gulls in question are Herring Gulls and they are protected once nesting and so there are limited solutions available.

‘We advise residents who have a problem with seagulls to bird proof their properties prior to the breeding season.’

‘We offer advice and support on our website on how you can bird proof you property at www.wyre.gov.uk/seagulls.’

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French bulldog tied to vehicle and dragged to her death

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French bulldog tied to vehicle and dragged to her death in Bootle
Skin missing on her legs suggests she tried to run until she was no longer able to (Picture: Liverpool Echo)

A French bulldog believed to have just given birth to puppies was apparently tied to a vehicle and dragged to her death in Merseyside.

A member of the public contacted the RSCPA after discovering the dog’s battered body in Brasenose Road, Bootle, on Monday June 17 at about 6.30am.

RSPCA officials found a piece of long wire that was still attached to the dog’s collar with a broken clip on the other end which is thought to have been attached to a car.

The dog is believed to have been aged about two and may have recently had puppies.

Skin was missing on the pet’s legs and she is believed to have tried to run before she was no longer able to.

The collar was up on her head, which suggests she had been pulled hard.

French bulldog tied to vehicle and dragged to her death in Bootle
The RSPCA have launched an inquiry (Picture: Liverpool Echo)
French bulldog tied to vehicle and dragged to her death in Bootle
The collar was up on her head, which suggests she had been dragged along (Picture: PA)

RSPCA inspector Joanne McDonald said: ‘I believe someone has tied the dog to a vehicle and then drove along dragging this poor pet to her death.

‘There is skin missing on her feet and it looks as though she has run along to try and keep up with the moving vehicle until she was no longer able to.

‘There are also wounds on her body which must have happened when she was unable to keep on her feet. The collar is also up on her head suggesting she has been pulled along.

‘This is a most barbaric and cruel act. This poor young dog must have been terrified and suffered horrendously during this horrific incident.

‘I really want to find who did this and am hoping the public may be able to help provide me with the information I need.’

The dog was micro-chipped but the details were not up to date, she added.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018.

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Mystery as cat staggers home impaled on wooden spike

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Kensi's shocked owners rushed her to a vet immediately where she underwent emergency life-saving surgery (Picture: Triangle News)
Kensi’s shocked owners rushed her to a vet immediately where she underwent emergency life-saving surgery (Picture: Triangle News)

The RSPCA has launched an investigation, after a cat returned to her home impaled with a wooden stick which narrowly missed vital organs.

The cat, called Kensi, staggered home to her owners in Cippenham Lane in Slough last Friday morning, managing to pull herself through the cat flap, run upstairs and jump on her owner’s bed, despite her severe injury.

The 30cm long and sharpened wooden stick, with string tied around it, had entered four-year-old Kensi’s body through her side above her liver, and could be seen almost protruding through the skin at her neck.

Her shocked owners rushed her to a vet immediately, where she underwent emergency life-saving surgery, which revealed the stick had punctured Kensi’s diaphragm and damaged her thorax.

Owner Kim Lawrence said: ‘Our whole family is just so shocked and upset by what has happened to Kensi, she’s the most affectionate, loving cat and she didn’t deserve this.

‘It is a miracle she is still alive.

- Picture of Kensi the tabby cat that was impaled with a spear. Police are hunting the attacker TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Andy Crick With pix COPS are hunting a sick attacker suspected of SPEARING a cat with a foot-long stick. Four-year-old Kensi miraculously survived after the wood - carved to a point - was left embedded in her body. The make-shift weapon - which had string attached to it - went in the Tabby?s abdomen and punctured her diaphragm and damaged her thorax.
Four-year-old Kensi miraculously survived after the wood – carved to a point – was left embedded in her body (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)

‘She’s brought up local orphaned kittens in the past and been a companion for our elderly blind dog who passed away recently.

‘She’s such a special girl and it is horrible to think somebody may have done this to her on purpose.’

RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Timberlake who is investigating said: ‘This is completely shocking and very disturbing, poor Kensi must have been in so much pain.

- Picture of Kensi the tabby cat that was impaled with a spear. Police are hunting the attacker TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Andy Crick With pix COPS are hunting a sick attacker suspected of SPEARING a cat with a foot-long stick. Four-year-old Kensi miraculously survived after the wood - carved to a point - was left embedded in her body. The make-shift weapon - which had string attached to it - went in the Tabby?s abdomen and punctured her diaphragm and damaged her thorax.
The make-shift weapon, which had string attached to it,  went in the Tabby’s abdomen and punctured her diaphragm and damaged her thorax (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)

‘Thank goodness she managed to get herself home where her owners were able to get her urgent vet treatment, which undoubtedly saved her life.

‘At the moment, we’re not sure how this happened, whether it was an accident and Kensi somehow fell onto the sharp stick, or if it was something more sinister.

‘There is the possibility this may have been done on purpose to harm her.

- Picture of Kensi the tabby cat at her home in Slough, Berks. Police are hunting the attacker TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Andy Crick With pix COPS are hunting a sick attacker suspected of SPEARING a cat with a foot-long stick. Four-year-old Kensi miraculously survived after the wood - carved to a point - was left embedded in her body. The make-shift weapon - which had string attached to it - went in the Tabby?s abdomen and punctured her diaphragm and damaged her thorax.
Kensi the tabby cat at her home in Slough, Berkshire (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)
- Picture of Kensi the tabby cat that was impaled with a spear. Police are hunting the attacker TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Andy Crick With pix COPS are hunting a sick attacker suspected of SPEARING a cat with a foot-long stick. Four-year-old Kensi miraculously survived after the wood - carved to a point - was left embedded in her body. The make-shift weapon - which had string attached to it - went in the Tabby?s abdomen and punctured her diaphragm and damaged her thorax.
The RSPCA is appealing for information following the incident (Picture: RSPCA/Triangle News)

‘Either way, we’re asking anyone with any information to get in touch with the Police, or the RSPCA in complete confidence by leaving a message for me on our inspector’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.’

Thankfully, Kensi is making good progress recovering in veterinary care, though she has required extensive treatment in order to save her life.

Veterinary surgeon Katie Haught of Alma Vets in Windsor who are treating Kensi said: ‘It’s difficult to say for sure how this happened to sweet Kensi, but we do know the stick appears to have been modified by someone, it resembles a spear-type shape with string wrapped around it, with one end appearing to be sharpened.

‘We are concerned that there may have been malicious intent in her injury.

‘The stick was very firmly wedged inside Kensi’s abdomen and chest, and she underwent major surgery, but luckily it missed all her vital organs.’

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Cat with diabetes is desperately looking for a loving home

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fonzy the cat with diabetes staying at the Essex RSPCA branch
Fonzy was returned to the shelter by his owners after he fell sick (Picture: RSPCA)

Could you give Fonzy the loving home he deserves?

Fonzy is an eight-year-old moggy who’s in need of a permanent home or foster carer to provide the care and affection he needs.

The cat has diabetes, which means he requires regular blood sugar checks and a special feeding schedule.

He originally arrived at the RSPCA Essex South branch seven months ago as a stray, then was rehomed after a few months. His new owners brought him back five months later as they weren’t able to look after the cat when he became sick. Poor Fonzy.

Now, he really needs a proper home where he can settle in and learn to trust again.

Despite his bad times recently, he’s a very sweet and friendly cat who just wants to be loved.

Fonzy the cat with diabetes
The cat was diagnosed with diabetes (Picture: RSPCA)

He’ll need to be an indoor cat (so don’t panic if you’re renting somewhere without a cat flap) but can happily live with another cat if needed.

All that’s required from his owners is understanding and a commitment to caring for a cat with diabetes – which RSPCA vets will help with.

Oh, and he loves naps. We just wanted to mention that as a relatable selling point.

Bonnie Boddie, trustee and animal coordinator at the branch, said: ‘We’re urgently looking for a foster or permanent home for Fonzy.

fonzy the cat with diabetes
He’s now looking for a home with a family who will take good care of him (Picture: RSPCA)

‘He is a delightful little chap who was returned to us as he had become unwell with diabetes.

‘He will need a special home as he requires his bloods measuring regularly whilst we get his insulin levels correct and feeding at appropriate times for a diabetic cat.

‘Our vets can advise and support with this and they report that Fonzy is so sweet and does not make a fuss about his blood checks or insulin injections.’

If you could adopt Fonzy and give him the care he deserves, email dogs@rspcaessxsouth.org.uk (yes, dogs. We checked. No, Fonzy is not a dog) or call 07749175023 and leave a message with your name and contact details.

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Latitude Festival’s bright pink sheep slammed as ‘abuse’ by animal rights activists

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Latitude festival has upset social media users and animal rights activists with their flock of neon pink sheep.

The Suffolk based event, held in Henham Park, began sharing photos of the brightly coloured animals ahead of their opening on July 18.

But while some people expressed their excitement for the festival, others dismissed dyeing the animals as ‘disgusting’ and ‘totally unnecessary’.

One person said: ‘Shame on you Latitude. Sheep dip is for veterinary purposes only, not a compulsory or routine measure and must be carried out by certified persons.

‘HSE advice “never dip sheep for cosmetic purposes”.’

Alamy Live News. W41TPT Henham Park, Suffolk, 18 July 2019. The famous dyed sheep - The 2019 Latitude Festival. Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Social media users are unhappy about the pink sheep (Picture: Alamy Live News)

Another added: ‘Having dyed sheep at a loud festival that will scare already nervous animals, this is unacceptable.’

A third then vented: ‘This is disgusting! Animals are not here for us to use how we please. They are not toys or objects! They are living beings!’

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Several others described the images and video footage as ‘animal abuse’.

Peta director Mimi Bekhechi said the sheep would have had their heads ‘held down with a crook’ while the dye was placed all over their bodies.

She continued: said: ‘The abuse didn’t stop there. These gentle prey animals are easily stressed and would have been terrified of the loud music and rowdy, drunk festival goers.

Alamy Live News. W40FMD Henham Park, Suffolk, 18 July 2019. The famous dyed sheep - The 2019 Latitude Festival. Credit: Guy Bell/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
The animals were dyed from head to toe (Picture: Alamy Live News)

‘In 2019, only ignorant or cruel people still use animals as living toys, props, and photo ops.

‘We’ve learned enough about animals to know to respect and admire them for their ability to live in a world we’re fast destroying.

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‘The Health and Safety Executive advises that sheep should never be dyed for cosmetic purposes.

‘Latitude needs to listen to the outrage on social media and stick to willing, human entertainers.’

A spokesperson for RSPCA confirmed that they would be writing to the organisers of Latitude festival about the pink sheep.

Pink sheep at Latitude
Festival-goers can buy merchandise featuring the sheep (Picture: @National_Merch)

They said: ‘We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.’

Latitude Festival have been known to release dyed sheep almost every year.

The painted sheep have become synonymous with the event and festival-goers can even buy merchandise emblazoned with the animals.

A spokesperson for Latitude said: ‘The sheep are dip dyed using natural, water based dye. They are used to dip dyeing as part of their normal farm life.’

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Man behind worst dog abuse RSPCA rescuers had ever seen is spared jail

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Staffordshire bull terrier’s fur fell out and its skin
Daisy suffering from a chronic skin condition but her owner failed to bring her to the vet (Picture: SWNS)

A dog owner of a pet who lost her fur in one of the worst cases of animal neglect the RSPCA has ever seen has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Daniel Tomlinson, 49, didn’t treat his dog Daisy for her skin condition and left the animal in agony for months.

The condition got so bad most of the Staffordshire bull terrier’s fur fell out and its skin was covered in blood from where she had scratched herself.

The RSPCA raided Tomlinson’s home in Stoke-on-Trent following a tip-off from police who attended his address on an unrelated matter.

Tomlinson admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the dog between January 6 and March 21 when he appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday.

He was handed a 14-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work and pay £515 in costs and charges.

Daisy the dog after being treated by the RSPCA, wth a bandage
Daisy the dog after being treated by the RSPCA, with a bandage (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS)
Daisy the dog after she was bathed by the RSPCA.
He has been banned from keeping animals for 10 years (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS)

Tomlinson was also banned from keeping animals for 10 years.

The court heard Tomlinson left Daisy suffering from a chronic skin condition and failed to get her veterinary treatment for almost three months.

Insp Charlotte Melvin said: ‘Poor Daisy was covered in blood on her skin where she had been constantly scratching to try and relieve her itchy skin complaint.

‘Her skin was sore and inflamed and she had very little fur.

‘It was the worst skin complaint I have seen on a dog during my six years as an RSPCA inspector.

‘It was obvious she was in a suffering state and had been for months.

Daisy the dog recovering from her skin condition A man has been banned from keeoping animals for 10 years after failing to treat his dog?s chronic skin condition for several months. See SWNS story SWMDdog. A man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after his dog was left with an untreated skin condition which left her suffering for months and caused her to lose most of her fur. Daniel Tomlinson, 49, of Lowther Street, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to an offence of causing unnecessary suffering his Staffordshire bull terrier called Daisy when he appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. The court heard how Tomlinson had left Daisy suffering from a chronic skin condition and failed to get her veterinary treatment for months. The RSPCA were called to investigate by police who had attended the address on an unrelated matter.
She is still recovering from her skin condition (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS)
Daisy the dog recovering from her skin condition A man has been banned from keeoping animals for 10 years after failing to treat his dog?s chronic skin condition for several months. See SWNS story SWMDdog. A man has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after his dog was left with an untreated skin condition which left her suffering for months and caused her to lose most of her fur. Daniel Tomlinson, 49, of Lowther Street, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to an offence of causing unnecessary suffering his Staffordshire bull terrier called Daisy when he appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. The court heard how Tomlinson had left Daisy suffering from a chronic skin condition and failed to get her veterinary treatment for months. The RSPCA were called to investigate by police who had attended the address on an unrelated matter.
She will soon be available for re-homing (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS)

‘Tomlinson said he had taken her for veterinary treatment previously but never went back for a follow-up appointment with the PDSA so she was left in this awful condition.

‘When I first saw her she was miserable and quiet but am pleased to say in our care she is doing really well.

‘Her fur has grown back and she looks like a different dog – she looks so happy and healthy.’

She added: ‘There is never any excuse not to seek veterinary care for a pet and there a number of animal charities who will offer help and advice to anyone in need.’

Daisy has been recovering well from her ordeal in RSPCA care and will be available for re-homing soon.

Tomlinson told the court he failed to have Daisy treated because he was struggling financially.

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RSPCA asks people to keep an eye on their tortoises

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The giant Sulcata tortoise.
The giant Sulcata tortoise (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS.COM)

The RSPCA is warning people to keep a careful eye on all their pets because they keep being called out to rescue tortoises that have made a getaway.

The charity rescued almost 1,000 tortoises last year, including one giant tortoise who wandered miles from home.

A member of the public found a giant tortoise walking through a field so tried to rescue him – by pushing him home in a wheelbarrow.

RSPCA animal collection officer Kate Wright was called to help after the giant Sulcata tortoise was found wandering around a field near Hemel Hempstead on 16 July.

Kate said: ‘The woman was out walking her dog across the fields when she came across this rather large tortoise strolling down the side of a farmer’s crop field.

‘He was obviously a long way from home.

RSPCA animal collection officer Kate Wright with the rescued giant Sulcata tortoise.
RSPCA animal collection officer Kate Wright with the rescued giant Sulcata tortoise (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS.COM)

‘He is very heavy so she had to go home to get a wheelbarrow and ask her son to lift him into it before wheeling him back home.’

She added: ‘We’d always encourage tortoise owners to get their pets microchipped and to ensure they are kept in a secure enclosure.

‘While many people think of tortoises as being slow they’re actually quite active and can move at quite a pace when they want to.

‘Tortoises also climb, dig and can push their way through barriers so can be good escape artists.

‘We receive almost 1,000 calls every year about tortoises, many of which have escaped from their homes and gone on the run.’

The giant tortoise
The giant tortoise was taken home in a wheelbarrow (Picture: RSPCA /SWNS.COM)

The Sulcata tortoise – which can grow to be up to 80cm long and weigh more than 100kg – was finally reunited with his owner who was advised to get him microchipped.

RSPCA senior scientific officer Dr Stephanie Jayson said: ‘We hear stories like these all too often and our officers are regularly called to collect stray tortoises and escaped pets.

‘Tortoise owners often let their pets out in the garden during the summer weather and tortoises can become very active in the warm temperatures and sunshine.

‘It’s really important that owners keep a close eye on their pets when outside or have a secure run to keep them in to keep them safe from other animals, and to ensure they can’t escape.’

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Defenceless puppy dies after being ‘repeatedly kicked in the head’ by thugs

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Joanna Tufts (left) who tried to save puppy Asher, who died after being 'kicked in the head' by two youths outside a Co-Op in Ordsall, Nottinghamshire
Joanna Tufts made a makeshift bed for Asher after finding him serious injured outside a Co-Op (Picture: Triangle News)

A 16-week-old puppy has died after allegedly being kicked in the head by a group of youths outside a supermarket.

Joanna Tufts, 26, rushed to help the puppy after some children found him bloodied and barely able to move outside the Co-Op store.

She made a bed out of blankets inside a trolley and cared for the dog until she managed to get hold of a vet.

Despite vets’ best efforts to save him over the weekend, they had no choice but to put him down on Monday.

Recalling when she first saw the dog, who she later named Asher, Joanna said: ‘He looked so limp and helpless.

‘He was still alive but you could tell he was in a lot of pain. His eyes weren’t really responding.

‘His tongue was hanging out the side of his mouth and his jaw wasn’t moving.

‘He had blood coming out of his nose.’

- Picture of Asher a Springer Spaniel, Jack Russell cross who died after being attacked TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Ralph Blackburn With pix A DEFENCELESS puppy has died after allegedly being kicked in the head by youths during a brutal attack. Joanna Tufts rescued the 16-week-old pooch after some children found him bloodied outside a Co-Op supermarket. She made a bed out of blankets in a trolley and cared for the poor pup until she managed to contact the vet.
The dog appeared to be recovering over the weekend but took a turn for the worse on Monday (Picture: Triangle News)

Joanna, who has worked in America rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, said the injuries were consistent with an attack.

She added: ‘Based on his injuries all the trauma was to his head.

‘If he had been hit by a car or something else you would expect to see evidence of that in skin abrasions.’

The RSPCA confirmed it was investigating the attack in the village of Ordsall, Nottinghamshire, where the dog was ‘allegedly repeatedly kicked’.

Joanna named the dog Asher – which means fortune – and rushed him to Portland House Veterinary Surgery, in Retford, Nottinghamshire on Friday evening.

Staff thought Asher – a cross between a Springer Spaniel and a Jack Russell – was improving over the weekend.

- Picture of Joanna Tufts who rescued Asher a Springer Spaniel, Jack Russell cross who latervdied after being attacked TRIANGLE NEWS 0203 176 5581 // contact@trianglenews.co.uk By Ralph Blackburn With pix A DEFENCELESS puppy has died after allegedly being kicked in the head by youths during a brutal attack. Joanna Tufts rescued the 16-week-old pooch after some children found him bloodied outside a Co-Op supermarket. She made a bed out of blankets in a trolley and cared for the poor pup until she managed to contact the vet.
Dog lover Joanna was in floods of tears when she heard the news (Picture: Triangle News)

But all hope was lost after he went into critical condition on Monday, forcing vets to put him to sleep.

Joanna, who owns the Happy Hounds Dog Spa in Retford, Nottinghamshire, was left in tears when she heard the news.

She said: ‘I was absolutely heartbroken.

‘I was setting up for our annual charity dog show for at the time I got the news.

‘I just turned to my mum and into her arms.

‘Every day that he survived we got more hope that he would pull through, so to get that phone call was absolutely devastating.’

Joanna has since set up a Gofundme page to pay for the vet bill and a memorial for Asher, raising more than £3,000 so far.

She added: ‘No decision has yet been made for the rest of the money, as we are all too upset right now.

‘It will hopefully go towards helping dogs like Asher – whether that is by setting up a fund or trying to pass a law.

‘If we have enough it would be great to help lots of causes, so as much good can come from this as possible.’

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: ‘This was a horrendous and upsetting attack on a defenceless puppy and we are urging anyone with information about who is responsible to contact us on 0300 123 8018.’

Portland House Veterinary Surgery said it was with ‘great sadness’ that they had put the puppy down.

It added: ‘His condition deteriorated significantly overnight to the point that our veterinary team had to make the difficult decision. Unfortunately his injuries proved too severe.

‘We would like to thank everyone for their care, compassion and support over the last few days.’

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Heartbreak as dog dies after eating chewing gum with artificial sweetener

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Amelia with Winston
Four-year-old Amelia keeps asking why her ‘brother’ went to ‘heaven’ (Picture: Deadline News)

A family has opened up about the horror of losing their dog after he ate a chewing gum containing an artificial sweetener.

Kirsty, 31, and Dave Lanyon, 36, said their three-year-old dog Winston ate a piece of gum that had not been put in the bin, which contained the sweetener xylitol.

The golden retriever and German shepherd cross continued behaving normally and went on to chase a football around a playpark.

But after returning home 30 minutes later he became lethargic, started vomiting and died a few days later.

Winston, Amelia and dad Dave
Dad Dave and Amelia walking Winston before he was killed by a chewing gum (Picture: Deadline News)

An emergency vet confirmed Winston had xylitol poisoning and put him on a glucose drip because he could no longer manage his blood sugar levels.

After two days, Winston was taken off the treatment but was still unable to manage the amount of sugar in his body.

With a heavy heart, it was agreed there was no alternative but to put down.

Kirsty and Dave, along with their four-year-old daughter Amelia, from Littleborough, Greater Manchester, were devastated by his death.

As her daughter keeps asking why Winston had to go to ‘heaven’, Kirsty is now trying to spread awareness of the dangers of Xylitol, and posted about the death on Facebook.

She wrote: ‘All dog owners need to be aware of the dangers of xylitol and how it’s in so many items just lying about your houses.

‘Those brownies/cupcakes you made from a packet mix? Full of it.

‘That pizza you got from the takeaway? Full of it. Your toothpaste, pasta, peanut butter, anything that says sugar free, it’s probably in there too. But it won’t be labelled xylitol, it’s labelled “sugar alcohol”.’

Referring to Amelia, she added: ‘His 4-year-old sister doesn’t quite understand, hearing her ask over and over why Winston had to go heaven is horrendous in ways you couldn’t imagine.

‘In memory of our beloved Winston, check your cupboards, check everything you give your dog. And keep as close an eye on them as possible when out walking.

Dog killed by chewing gum Picture: NO CREDIT METROGRAB
Owner Kirsty put out a post to raise awareness about the danger of the sweetener

‘We’d never heard of it, so when our boy started vomiting and then collapsed within 30 mins of getting home from his last ever walk, our last ever walk as a family of 4, we were clueless.

‘If that happens get them to an emergency vet as soon as possible as even then, like for Winston and us, it may already be too late.’

Speaking on Wednesday, Kirsty said: ‘Words actually can’t describe what it’s been like to lose him. But if we can raise awareness of the dangers of xylitol, it’s a small consolation.’

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: ‘This sounds like a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to Winston’s owner, if you suspect your dog may have been poisoned please ring your vet straight away.’

Xylitol is a low calorie sweetener and it is used as an alternative to sugar. It is also known as E967 and can be commonly used in baking. It is also regularly found in sugar-free chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamin supplements and in a small handful of peanut butter brands.

A dog’s pancreas will confuse Xylitol with real sugar and it will release more insulin, which removes the real sugar in a dog’s body, causing hypoglycemia.

Symptoms can be rapid or delayed for up to 12 hours so do not wait for symptoms to appear before going to the vet.

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Jilted boyfriend kills ex’s fish by pouring fabric conditioner in tank

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Fish killer Benjamin Avill and tanks of fish
Fish killer  Benjamin Avill (36) grabbed a nearby bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner and emptied it into the large tank (Picture:BNPS)

A crazed ex-boyfriend who laughed as he poisoned 50 of his ex girlfriend’s tropical fish has been spared jail.

Benjamin Avill, 36, flew into a ‘fit of rage’ after his partner of 12 years Jenny Daniels told him it was over.

The angered carpenter from Bournemouth, Dorset, grabbed a bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner and emptied it into the large tank killing all but one of her fish.

Survivor Bob, a bristlenose pleco fish now lives with Miss Daniels in a much smaller tank.

Avil pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal at Poole Magistrates’ Court after a prosecution was brought against him for animal cruelty by the RSPCA.

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: BNPS Fish killer - Benjamin Avill (36) A man who killed his girlfriend's tropical fish by pouring fabric conditioner into their tank in retaliation at being dumped has been spared jail. Benjamin Avill went into a 'fit of rage' when Jenny Daniels told him their 12 year relationship was over. He grabbed a nearby bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner and emptied it into the large tank that contained 50 fish. Avill, 36, was said to have laughed as the fish were poisoned.
Avill laughed as the fish were poisoned (Picture: BNPS)

He was handed a 14 week prison term, suspended for 12 months, banned from owning animals for 10 years, and ordered to pay costs of £400.

He will also have to undertake 200 hours unpaid work and attend 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Matthew Knight, prosecuting, said: ‘In the eyes of the general public, if he had done this to 49 dogs the outcry would be significant.

‘However, the act does not differentiate between protected animals.

‘The RSPCA would suggest this is a case for disqualification (of owning animals) given that the attack was unprovoked.’

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: BNPS The tank after the attack with Lenor conditioner. A man who killed his girlfriend's tropical fish by pouring fabric conditioner into their tank in retaliation at being dumped has been spared jail. Benjamin Avill went into a 'fit of rage' when Jenny Daniels told him their 12 year relationship was over. He grabbed a nearby bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner and emptied it into the large tank that contained 50 fish. Avill, 36, was said to have laughed as the fish were poisoned.
Blue lagoon (Picture: BNPS)

He added the fish would have suffered greatly as they were poisoned.

He said: ‘The fish were jointly owned by the defendant and Ms Daniels. They were arguing and in a fit of rage he poured a three litre bottle into the tank.

‘An expert has since said they would have died an acute and unnecessary death. Fish can and do suffer and the defendant has shown very little remorse for his actions which caused the death of a lot of fish.’

The incident on May 8 was the culmination of ‘several years of tough times’ in the couple’s relationship.

Leah Dillon, defending, said: ‘The relationship between Miss Daniels and the defendant was volatile. This incident was the culmination of several years of tough times.

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833) Pic: BNPS Sole survivor - 'Bob' the Bristle nosed plecko. A man who killed his girlfriend's tropical fish by pouring fabric conditioner into their tank in retaliation at being dumped has been spared jail. Benjamin Avill went into a 'fit of rage' when Jenny Daniels told him their 12 year relationship was over. He grabbed a nearby bottle of Comfort fabric conditioner and emptied it into the large tank that contained 50 fish. Avill, 36, was said to have laughed as the fish were poisoned.
The sole survivor (Picture: BNPS)

‘He describes himself as like a bottle of champagne which his partner was shaking and waiting for the cork to pop.

‘He says it was completely out of character for him and he has shown genuine remorse.’

Afterwards a spokesperson for the RSPCA said: ‘It’s shocking that these fish were killed in such a way.

‘They would have suffered needlessly because fabric conditioner poured into their tank.

‘There is never an excuse for such heartless and unpleasant behaviour, or for showing such a lack of empathy towards any animal by behaving in this way.’

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Couple spared jail for risking return of rabies in puppy-smuggling scandal

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A couple who risked spreading rabies in Britain by importing thousands of potentially sick street dogs to sell as pets have been spared jail.

Kennel owners Jodie Fairbrother, 40, and husband Paul, 50, took in 4,600 street dogs – many of which had not undergone the necessary medical checks – from Romania.

Shocking footage taken as part of an undercover RSPCA probe into their business 4Paws showed scores of animals being kept in cramped, filthy kennels and cages with no access to food or water.

All the animals had to be quarantined and tested for numerous serious diseases while others needed medical treatment for untreated conditions and problems.

The couple were each handed suspended prison sentences and banned from keeping or trading in animals for five years at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court.

Jodie Fairbrother
Jodie Fairbrother was handed a suspended sentence and banned from keeping or trading in animals for five years (Picture: Grimsby Telegraph/MEN Media)
The former owner of a kennel raided by the RSPCA over animal welfare concerns has been banned from acting as a company director for seven years. Jodie Annabel Fairbrother, 40, of Immingham, is the former owner of the 4Paws kennels in South Killinghome. Caption: RSPCA and police raid 4Paws.
RSPCA officers raid the 4Paws kennels in South Killinghome (Picture: Grimsby Telegraph/MEN Media)
The former owner of a kennel raided by the RSPCA over animal welfare concerns has been banned from acting as a company director for seven years. Jodie Annabel Fairbrother, 40, of Immingham, is the former owner of the 4Paws kennels in South Killinghome. Caption: RSPCA and police raid 4Paws.
Officers removed 160 dogs and cats, many of which had untreated medical conditions (Picture: Grimsby Telegraph/MEN Media)

They were charged with a string of cruelty offences after RSPCA officers removed 160 animals from their rescue centre and veterinary clinic in Lincolnshire.

In one of the largest ever operations by the RSPCA, more than 60 staff from multiple agencies worked throughout the day to take away 144 dogs and 16 cats.

RSPCA Special Operations Unit Chief Inspector Ian Briggs said: ‘The kennel blocks were seriously overcrowded.

thumbnail for post ID 10740551Cara Delevingne says relationship with Ashley Benson makes her a ‘better' person

‘Runs which, at an RSPCA site, would be home to one dog had been split into two with two or three dogs in one half, inside, and another two or three dogs in the other half, outside.

‘One dog – a large Romanian shepherd called Bear – was in such a small kennel that he could barely lie down.

‘He was extremely distressed and we had to sedate him to remove him from the site. We understand that he’d been there, in those conditions, for three years – and had only been out of his kennel three times.

‘Other dogs were found living in crates which were too small, stacked on top of each other and lying in their own filth.

‘One dog, who couldn’t even stand up in his crate as it was so small, was so thirsty that when our officers gave him water he drank continuously for several minutes.’

The woman at the centre of the big 4 Paws animal cruelty case has been spared prison amid angry scenes and a torrent of abuse outside court. They walked free to the disgust of enraged protesters after a long-running case stretching back to a high-profile RSPCA raid on the premises in March last year. Caption: Squalid conditions at 4 Paws.
Many animals remained housed in their own filth (Picture: MEN Media)

Officers found one dog had died at the clinic after contracting lethal viral disease distemper.

The same animal could be seen trembling in its cage in one of the undercover clips after staff failed to let it out or give it any food or water for three days.

Three more had to be put down – two had Brucella canis, a serious contagious disease that can be passed onto humans, while the third also had distemper.

In another video, a cat is seen being dropped off at the clinic by their owner with a leg wound, only to be left untreated in its carrier with no food or water for two days.

thumbnail for post ID 10740443Charity worker who heckled PM says 'Boris thinks we are stupid'

Many of the dogs had untreated health conditions – such as respiratory problems or ear infections – or untreated wounds.

All the animals had to be quarantined and tested for numerous serious diseases.

Jodie Fairbrother admitted six offences of causing unnecessary suffering and four of failing to meet the needs of animals in their care.

She was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and banned from keeping or trading in animals for five years.

Her husband admitted one cruelty offence and two of failing to meet the animals’ needs and was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, and similarly banned from keeping or trading in animals for five years.

Both were ordered to pay £500 costs each and a £115 surcharge.

Picture: RSPCA Kennel owners Jodie Fairbrother, 40, and husband Paul, 50. Were both givensuspended jail sentences for importing 4,600 dogs from overseas in 15 months.
Some dogs lived in crates that were too small or stacked on top of each other (Picture: RSPCA)
Picture: RSPCA Kennel owners Jodie Fairbrother, 40, and husband Paul, 50. Were both givensuspended jail sentences for importing 4,600 dogs from overseas in 15 months.
Runs built for one dog would also be split up to house up to six (Picture: RSPCA)

Grainne Casey, head of the SOU, said: ‘Importing street dogs from abroad to rehome here in the UK brings about many challenges, many of which were evident from this operation.

‘Many of these dogs had not had the necessary legal checks they needed to enter the country, meaning they had the potential to be carrying serious diseases such as rabies.

‘In fact, two of the dogs removed from the site had to be put to sleep as they tested positive for a severe, zoonotic disease called Brucella canis, which can be passed on to humans, while a third was suffering from distemper.

‘As well as the major health risks these dogs posed to the general public and wider dog population, many of the animals in 4Paws’ care were not having their basic needs met while under their care.

‘It was an extremely upsetting situation to see these dogs – who’d all already been through so much in their lives – living in such squalor.’

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‘Hoarder’ who left 100 dogs to suffer in squalid home fined £50,000

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Dogs and Lynn Stoker, 62,
Lynn Stoker acted ‘evasively’ towards RSPCA investigators (Picture: RSPCA/SWNS)

A woman who left more than 100 dogs to suffer in crowded cages and no fresh drinking water has been ordered to pay £50,000.

Lynn Stoker, 62, was breeding dogs but struggled to sell them on and ended up with a house full of animals.

She initially asked for help re-homing the pets but began behaving ‘evasively’ and ‘aggressively’ so a search warrant was issued in May 2018.

RSPCA inspectors found the dogs were found in shocking conditions at he home in Byrness Village, Northumberland.

During her trial, the court heard how two dogs had fractured jaws and many had obvious disease symptoms and were being kept in crowded cages.

The animals didn’t have fresh drinking water and some animals were in such a bad state they needed to be put down.

Shocking footage show dogs locked up and horrific condition. See SWNS story SWLEcruelty; Woman has been jailed and fined a staggering ?50,000 after being convicted of cruelty charges against more than 100 animals. Lynn Stoker (62) of Raw House Farm, Byrness, was sentenced at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court in Bedlington on Thursday. Stoker had denied 11 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, four counts of failing to ensure an animal?s welfare needs were met and one application for animals to be given to the RSPCA. However, she was found guilty following a four-day trial last month. The RSPCA made an application for more than ?290,000 in costs to be handed over by Stoker. The figure consisted of court costs, housing the animals and veterinary bills. Stoker was ordered to pay ?50,000 costs, as well as a victim surcharge of ?115, to be paid within 12 months.
The dogs were kept in squalid and cramped cages (Picture: RSPCA/SWNS)
Shocking footage show dogs locked up and horrific condition. See SWNS story SWLEcruelty; Woman has been jailed and fined a staggering ?50,000 after being convicted of cruelty charges against more than 100 animals. Lynn Stoker (62) of Raw House Farm, Byrness, was sentenced at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court in Bedlington on Thursday. Stoker had denied 11 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, four counts of failing to ensure an animal?s welfare needs were met and one application for animals to be given to the RSPCA. However, she was found guilty following a four-day trial last month. The RSPCA made an application for more than ?290,000 in costs to be handed over by Stoker. The figure consisted of court costs, housing the animals and veterinary bills. Stoker was ordered to pay ?50,000 costs, as well as a victim surcharge of ?115, to be paid within 12 months.
Stoker had bred loads of dogs but struggled to sell them on afterwards (Picture: RSPCA/SWNS)

Many of the dogs hadn’t had veterinary treatment in years and some were ‘at an advanced stage of suffering’, the court heard.

Stewart Haywood, prosecuting, told South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court Stoker had refused to co-operate with the RSPCA.

She accused them of a ‘conspiracy’ to remove the dogs in order to make a profit for themselves.

Paul Blanchard, defending, said: ‘It’s fair to say circumstances had got beyond my client.

‘She has the traits of a hoarder, which is a personality disorder. This wasn’t a deliberate act, it’s a reckless act.

A woman has denied causing suffering to 107 dogs and six puppies that were found at her home. Lynn Stoker was charged with 16 offences after RSPCA officers became concerned about the welfare of the animals she kept at Raw House Farm, Byrness Village, Northumberland. Lynn Stoker of Byrness, Northumberland, leaves Bedlington Magistrates Court
She was jailed for 21 weeks and told to pay £50,000 (Picture: ncjMedia  Ltd)
Shocking footage show dogs locked up and horrific condition. See SWNS story SWLEcruelty; Woman has been jailed and fined a staggering ?50,000 after being convicted of cruelty charges against more than 100 animals. Lynn Stoker (62) of Raw House Farm, Byrness, was sentenced at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court in Bedlington on Thursday. Stoker had denied 11 charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, four counts of failing to ensure an animal?s welfare needs were met and one application for animals to be given to the RSPCA. However, she was found guilty following a four-day trial last month. The RSPCA made an application for more than ?290,000 in costs to be handed over by Stoker. The figure consisted of court costs, housing the animals and veterinary bills. Stoker was ordered to pay ?50,000 costs, as well as a victim surcharge of ?115, to be paid within 12 months.
The dogs had no fresh drinking water and many of them were disease ridden (Picture: RSPCA/SWNS)

‘She was not dealing with matters as she could have done, she closed her eyes to the reality of the situation.’

Sentencing, District Judge Bernard Begley said Stoker had ‘not a shred of remorse’ and repeatedly denied any fault.

He added: ‘I really can’t find any redeeming features in your case.’

Stoker was led away in handcuffs after being handed a 21-week prison sentence.

She was also disqualified from keeping or breeding animals for at least 15 years.

The judge ordered her to pay £50,000 in costs after an initial application from the RSPCA asking for her to pay more than £290,000.

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Six foot Python found dumped in Tesco carpark

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The RSPCA belive the snake may be a newly-purchased pet that was abandoned by its owner (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)
The RSPCA belive the snake may be a newly-purchased pet that was abandoned by its owner (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)

A shocked shopper dialled 999 after finding a six-foot Burmese Python dumped in Tesco carpark.

The enormous snake was found on the lower level of the Tesco store in Burnley at 12.30pm last Friday.

Police rushed to the scene and found it inside a plastic container labelled ‘Brazilian Rainbow Boa £170’.

RSPCA officials, who also attended, believe the constrictor is ‘lucky to survive’ and is now being cared for at a specialist centre.

A spokesman said that many owners dump reptiles after realising how difficult they are to care for and urged people to ‘do their research’ before buying the animals as pets.

Figures show the animal charity rescued more than 700 snakes over the past year.

An RSPCA officer said: ‘This poor snake was abandoned in a Tesco car park and left in a plastic box in temperatures not suitable for an ectothermic animal.

A shocked shopper dialled 999 after discovering a six-foot BURMESE PYTHON dumped in a supermarket car park. See SWNS story SWLEsnake; The enormous snake was found on the lower level of a Tesco store in Burnley, Lancs, at 12.30pm on Friday (27/9). Police rushed to the scene and found it inside a plastic container labelled 'Brazilian Rainbow Boa ?170'. RSPCA officials, who also attended, believe the constrictor may have been a newly-purchased pet. The charity said it was "lucky to survive" and is now being cared for at a specialist centre. A spokesman added many owners dump reptiles after realising how difficult they are to care for and urged people to "do their research" before buying the animals as pets.
The Burmese Python was found inside a plastic container labelled ‘Brazilian Rainbow Boa £170’ (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)

‘Snakes aren’t able to produce their own body heat, so they rely on their environment to maintain their body temperature.

‘If they become too cold, they may be unable to feed or move normally, and their immune system will not work properly to fight disease, meaning the animal can become very ill.

‘Luckily, on this occasion the python appeared to be in a healthy condition.’

A shocked shopper dialled 999 after discovering a six-foot BURMESE PYTHON dumped in a supermarket car park. See SWNS story SWLEsnake; The enormous snake was found on the lower level of a Tesco store in Burnley, Lancs, at 12.30pm on Friday (27/9). Police rushed to the scene and found it inside a plastic container labelled 'Brazilian Rainbow Boa ?170'. RSPCA officials, who also attended, believe the constrictor may have been a newly-purchased pet. The charity said it was "lucky to survive" and is now being cared for at a specialist centre. A spokesman added many owners dump reptiles after realising how difficult they are to care for and urged people to "do their research" before buying the animals as pets.
The snake was found on the lower level of a Tesco store in Burnley, last Friday at 12.30pm (Picture: RSPCA / SWNS)

The charity believes that the snake may have been a newly purchased pet and the victim of another careless owner who was unaware of just ‘how much commitment’ the animal required.

The spokesperson added: ‘The needs of reptiles can be challenging to meet by members of the public, because they are just the same as they would be in the wild and are fundamentally linked to certain behaviours, diets or environmental conditions that can be difficult to replicate in a home.

‘However, there is never an excuse to abandon an animal like this as there are always other options available to you.’

The python is now being cared for at a specialist reptile centre.

RSPCA officials urge anyone with information about how it came to be abandoned to contact the appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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Second dead whale found in Thames in a month

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Whale washed up in Gravesend and being removed
The dead whale was seen near Gravesend today and removed from the water at about 10am the Port of London Authority said (Picture: The Liquid Highway)

A second dead whale has been found in the Thames today just weeks after a humpback was found washed up in the London river.

The giant mammal died by Town Pier in Gravesend at about 10am today – less than five miles from where a humpback whale was pulled from the water in Greenhithe on October 9.

At this stage the Port of London Authority is still assessing reports of this morning’s findings as it seeks to determine the size and species of the animal but a spokesman said finding two dead whales in the Thames in such a short space of time was ‘quite bizarre’.

On October 7, a 9.5 metre humpback whale was spotted swimming in the River Thames but died shortly after, likely from starvation although it also displayed ‘ship strike’ injuries.

The first time a humpback had ever been found in the Thames was in 2009 while in 2006, a northern bottlenose was spotted in the river in central London.

@liquid_highway1 ? 36m Further photos of the whale being lifted out at Denton wharf today @LondonPortAuth @OfficialZSL @BDMLR
The whale was lifted out of the River Thames at Town Pier in Gravesend (Picture: The Liquid Highway)
@liquid_highway1 ? 39m A photo sent this to me that I am told was taken this morning at Denton , Gravesend of another whale that has died. Unsure if it has been recovered by @LondonPortAuth as of yet but no reports online to confirm @BDMLR @OfficialZSL
The whale was recovered at about 10am although it is too early to establish a cause of death. It is the second whale found dead in the Thames this month (Picture: The Liquid Highway)
@liquid_highway1 ? 36m Further photos of the whale being lifted out at Denton wharf today @LondonPortAuth @OfficialZSL @BDMLR
The whale will be taken away and examined to determine cause of death and to help further our understanding of the creatures (Picture: The Liquid Highway)

Whale, dolphin and porpoise deaths are investigated by the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP), which was formed in 1990 and funded by Defra.

The group documents individual strandings and establishes a cause of death.

In 2009 Rob Deaville, CSIP project manager said there had only been 12 strandings of humpback whales in the UK in the last 20 years, calling it ‘an incredibly unusual event’.

While sad to see, post-mortem examinations of dead whales do give scientists a rare opportunity to examine ‘a truly extraordinary animal’ at close quarters.

Information gathered helps further understanding and helps contribute to improving their conservation status.

It is believed that the whale, nicknamed Hessy, may have made a 'navigational error' (Picture:BDMLR//SWNS)
The humpback whale spotted in the Thames early this month (Picture:  Richard Banner/Twitter/PA Wire)
Ferrari Press Agency. The body of humpback whale found in the Thames. Image shows injury caused by ship strike. Experts examin the carcass. Picture taken by Zoological Society London.
Experts examine the carcass of the humpback’s whale body, which showed injuries caused by ship strike although it has yet to be determined if this lead to its death (Picture: Zoological Society London/ Rob Deaville)

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CCTV captures moment man tied up dog and abandoned him

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Panda was dumped by the roadside
Panda was dumped by the roadside (Picture: PA)

Video footage captured the heartrending moment a dog looks around for his owner after he was tied to a post and left behind.

The Staffordshire terrier cross terrier was abandoned outside a care home, where staff found him around two hours later.

They checked CCTV and saw the man, wearing a hood, walk up to a gate and then leave without the animal.

The frightened dog can be seen looking from side to side on the video.

It happened just after 5am outside Parklands Care Home in Seaham, County Durham, on October 10.

The RSPCA is now investigating who is responsible.

Undated handout photo issued by RSPCA of three-year-old Staffordshire cross nicknamed Panda who was dumped outside the Parklands Care Home in Seaham, County Durham on October 10. PA Photo. Issue date: Wednesday October 23, 2019. See PA story ANIMALS Care. Photo credit should read: RSPCA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
The three-year-old Staffordshire cross nicknamed Panda (Picture: PA)

They have nicknamed the three-year-old Panda due to his distinctive black and white markings.

Inspector Cathy Maddison, who is investigating, said: ‘It was dark when he was abandoned but you can see a tall man with his hood up with Panda before he’s abandoned.

‘Panda was taken to the vet where staff found he was microchipped but his chip wasn’t registered.’

The inspector suspected the owner gave him up because he could no longer look after him.

Handout CCTV image dated 10/10/2019 issued by RSPCA of the moment a three-year-old Staffordshire cross nicknamed Panda was dumped outside the Parklands Care Home in Seaham, County Durham. PA Photo. Issue date: Wednesday October 23, 2019. See PA story ANIMALS Care. Photo credit should read: RSPCA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
CCTV captured the dog being abandoned (Picture: PA)
Undated handout photo issued by RSPCA of three-year-old Staffordshire cross nicknamed Panda who was dumped outside the Parklands Care Home in Seaham, County Durham on October 10. PA Photo. Issue date: Wednesday October 23, 2019. See PA story ANIMALS Care. Photo credit should read: RSPCA/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Panda was left outside Parklands Care Home in Durham (Picture: PA)

She said: ‘Unfortunately we respond to thousands of calls every year where an animal has been abandoned because their owner simply can’t take care of them anymore.

‘Pets are a huge commitment and responsibility, and they can be expensive, so we find many dogs, cats, horses and other pets are abandoned every year.’

The RSPCA is trying to track down the owner.

The inspector said: ‘Panda is a lovely boy but he’s obviously really confused and is absolutely terrified.

‘It’s so sad.’

Anyone with information is asked to call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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Owner of farm branded ‘total animal welfare disaster’ is jailed

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Owner of farm branded 'total animal welfare disaster' is jailed
Susan Smith was convicted of 27 charges including animal cruelty (Pictures: PA/RSPCA)

The owner of a ‘hell farm’ where dozens of animals died in squalor has been jailed.

Susan Smith, 61, oversaw what a vet described as a ‘total animal welfare disaster’ at Ingst Manor Farm in Olveston, South Gloucestershire.

RSPCA investigators who visited the farm in March 2015 found livestock riddled with parasites and other animals starved to death having been left no food or water, Bristol Crown Court heard.

Surviving animals lived alongside the dead or dying and some were seen to be eating the carcasses.

Smith was eventually convicted of 27 charges involving cruelty, neglect and failing to dispose of animal carcasses and jailed for 18 months.

Judge Euan Ambrose also banned her from keeping animals for life.

Sentencing for woman on 35 animal cruelty charges
Starving animals lived alongside dead or dying ones (Picture: RSPCA)
Sentencing for woman on 35 animal cruelty charges
Sheep, goats and cattle waded in the main barn knee-deep in mud and faeces (Picture: RSPCA)

She was originally found guilty of 37 offences before 10 were quashed on appeal.

South Gloucestershire Council and the RSPCA are now seeking £50,806.61 and £389,911.33 in costs respectively and those applications will be considered at a later date.

Part of Smith’s appeal focused on her claim that she had been bed-bound with pneumonia for a number of weeks in February 2015 and had left the care of the farm in the hands of her 50-year-old husband Mark Downs.

He was convicted of 22 similar charges.

She also claimed one of the tractors wasn’t working.

Prosecutor Hazel Stevens said the investigation was launched after concerned members of the public alerted authorities about fleeing and dead animals.

During an inspection on 14 March 2015 officers found sheep, goats and cattle inside the main barn wading knee-deep in mud and faeces.

There were also dozens of dead animals inside, with lethargic sheep laying on top of and underneath dead ones.

Others had open wounds, scabs and visible bones and a young calf was spotted lying next to a dead cow on its side.

The animals had been left no food or water, and eight pigs were found eating the carcass of another.

So bad were conditions that vet Dr David Martin, brought in as an expert consultant, described conditions at the farm as a ‘total animal welfare disaster’.

Susan Smith arrives at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing after being convicted of animal cruelty. The 65-year-old was convicted of 35 animal welfare and cruelty charges after animals were discovered dead and dying at Manor Farm in Ingst, Almondsbury. PA Photo. Picture date: Monday November 4, 2019. See PA story COURTS Animals. Photo credit should read: Ben Birchall/PA Wire
Smith put some of the failures down to pneumonia, which left her bed-bound, and a tractor that stopped working (Picture: PA)

Smith said issues arose at the farm due to her ill-health and a tractor not working.

Despite being issued with improvement notices, the RSPCA and local authority inspectors found she repeatedly failed to heed them, the court heard.

Sara-Lise Howe, defending, said a ‘perfect storm’ of problems hit her in 2015, including illness and machine failure, as well as the recent death of her father and her mother’s cancer diagnosis.

She added that conditions at the farm had improved since 2015.

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Horse impaled itself on a fence after being ‘spooked by fireworks’

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It tooks hours for his owner and a vet to free him with the help of two RSPCA officers
It tooks hours for his owner and a vet to free him with the help of two RSPCA officers (Picture: Mercury Press)

A horse became so frightened by rockets going off that it skewered itself with a fence post trying to escape, the RSPCA believe.

The six-year-old horse, called Harry, was stuck on the fence all night until someone realised what had happened.

It tooks hours for his owner and a vet to free him with the help of two RSPCA officers on Saturday.

Fireworks had been set off nearby in Holywell, north Wales, and it is believed this is what spooked the animal.

Lily Roberts, the owner of the stables where Harry was kept, said she had ‘never seen anything like’ it after finding Harry.

She said: ‘He had crushed the hedge and we had to cut the hedge around him. It was just horrible.

**WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT** MERCURY PRESS. Holywell, UK. 5.11.19. (Pictured: Injured horse, Harry) A horse which bolted in terror after two rocket fireworks were set off over its field was nearly killed when he became impaled on a fence. Lily Roberts, who owns a livery yard in Holywell, North Wales, found shaking and petrified horse Harry on Saturday morning [NOV 2] with the fence post buried ten inches into his back left thigh - just missing his femoral artery. Despite leaving the lights on in the stables with a radio playing until 11.30pm to mitigate the terrifying effect of any fireworks on the horses, the the land owner claims two fireworks so loud that they shook the house went off at around midnight. SEE MERCURY COPY
Harry being treated at the scene (Picture: Mercury Press)
**WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT** MERCURY PRESS. Holywell, UK. 5.11.19. (Pictured: Injured horse, Harry) A horse which bolted in terror after two rocket fireworks were set off over its field was nearly killed when he became impaled on a fence. Lily Roberts, who owns a livery yard in Holywell, North Wales, found shaking and petrified horse Harry on Saturday morning [NOV 2] with the fence post buried ten inches into his back left thigh - just missing his femoral artery. Despite leaving the lights on in the stables with a radio playing until 11.30pm to mitigate the terrifying effect of any fireworks on the horses, the the land owner claims two fireworks so loud that they shook the house went off at around midnight. SEE MERCURY COPY
Harry being treated after impaling himself (Picture: Mercury Press)
‘He was shaking and petrified I was going to leave him. I phoned 999 as I didn’t know what to do.

‘I was walking around on the phone and when I stopped talking Harry would lift his head to see if I was still there and neighed.

‘I didn’t want to phone his owner, Laura, as I wanted to get him out the ditch and up first – I didn’t want her to see him like that.’

They had to call in the help of local farmer, Sean Williams, who used his tractor and ropes to bring the horse to safety.

Lily said: ‘After cutting away the remainder of the hedge we then could see the extent of Harry’s injuries but I had never seen anything like it, not even in a horror film.

‘It will probably take him at least two months to recover, and I don’t think he will ever be able to ride again but we will keep him as a petting pony at the yard.’

MERCURY PRESS. Holywell, UK. 5.11.19. (Pictured: Injured horse, Harry) A horse which bolted in terror after two rocket fireworks were set off over its field was nearly killed when he became impaled on a fence. Lily Roberts, who owns a livery yard in Holywell, North Wales, found shaking and petrified horse Harry on Saturday morning [NOV 2] with the fence post buried ten inches into his back left thigh - just missing his femoral artery. Despite leaving the lights on in the stables with a radio playing until 11.30pm to mitigate the terrifying effect of any fireworks on the horses, the the land owner claims two fireworks so loud that they shook the house went off at around midnight. SEE MERCURY COPY
Six-year-old Harry lives in Holywell, Wales (Picture: Mercury Press)
RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: ‘It took us until 1pm to get him out, get him up and get him on a wagon for the vets to attempt surgery on his very serious wounds, caused by impaling himself on the hedge and fencing.

‘We of course don’t know for definite, but it seems pretty likely that Harry was frightened by nearby fireworks that were set off.’

Harry is only the latest pet to be affected by fireworks this year.

Yesterday, Molly the terrier was revealed to have died from a heart attack believed to be brought on by fireworks.

Another pet, Archie the rabbit, also went into shock from the noise of pyrotechnics and was found dead.

The RSPCA said it received 400 calls about animals affected by fireworks in England and Wales last year, and has launched a campaign, Bang Out Of Order, to campaign on the issue.

Among the measures it wants to see implemented are noise restrictions on publicly available fireworks, and restrictions which see their sale limited to the time around Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Ms Anderton added: ‘We really hope Harry recovers – it is just so sad to think how frightened he must have been and then in so much distress while he was impaled.

‘This incident really does show what the effects of fireworks can be and we urge people to be mindful of the animals around them when setting fireworks off.’

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Man filmed urging his dog to maul cat to death

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This is the horrifying moment a dog owner appears to deliberately set his pet on a cat before fleeing as it’s mauled to death.

The video shows the man, wearing a cap and hooded jacket, approaching a home in Walsall with his lurcher-type dog on October 23.

Calmly puffing on a cigarette, he can be seen following his dog up the pathway before opening up the gate after spotting the cat, named Cleo, perched up on top of a wall.

When the dog bounds through, the man pulls his hood up over his cap and yanks his animal back, positioning it right in front of the cat as he shines a light in her face.

The subsequent ‘extremely disturbing’ and brutal attack resulted in Cleo’s death.

CCTV footage which captures a man appearing to deliberately encourage his dog to attack a pet cat. See SWNS story SWMDcat. The man, who is wearing a cap and hooded jacket in the video, can be seen approaching the home in Woodlands Crescent, Walsall, with his lurcher-type dog. He then points a large light toward the defenceless cat, who is sat on a wall, to encourage his dog to carry out the brutal attack resulting in the cat?s death. Homeowner Gary Truefitt discovered the footage when his cat Cleo, who he had owned for eight years, didn?t come home the following day. Gary said: ?I noticed my gate was left open which was suspicious so I decided to check the CCTV and was completely shocked by what I found. I was very upset, I went to my neighbours house as I didn?t know what to do. ?Cleo will be very much missed, she was a daft cat in lots of ways and would lie along the driveway even when there were cars about but she was a companion to me. It?s just awful to think of her being attacked in this way.? The RSPCA has now launched and appeal to track down the culprit.
He then appears to point a large light toward the cat, who is sat on a wall, to encourage the attack (Picture: SWNS)
CCTV footage which captures a man appearing to deliberately encourage his dog to attack a pet cat. See SWNS story SWMDcat. The man, who is wearing a cap and hooded jacket in the video, can be seen approaching the home in Woodlands Crescent, Walsall, with his lurcher-type dog. He then points a large light toward the defenceless cat, who is sat on a wall, to encourage his dog to carry out the brutal attack resulting in the cat?s death. Homeowner Gary Truefitt discovered the footage when his cat Cleo, who he had owned for eight years, didn?t come home the following day. Gary said: ?I noticed my gate was left open which was suspicious so I decided to check the CCTV and was completely shocked by what I found. I was very upset, I went to my neighbours house as I didn?t know what to do. ?Cleo will be very much missed, she was a daft cat in lots of ways and would lie along the driveway even when there were cars about but she was a companion to me. It?s just awful to think of her being attacked in this way.? The RSPCA has now launched and appeal to track down the culprit.
Cleo’s distraught owner only checked the footage when she failed to return home the following day (Picture: SWNS)

Cleo’s distraught owner, Gary Truefitt, said he checked the footage after his pet, which he’d owned for eight years, failed to return home the following day.

‘I noticed my gate was left open, which was suspicious, so I decided to check the CCTV and was completely shocked by what I found,’ he said.

‘I was very upset, I went to my neighbour’s house as I didn’t know what to do.

‘Cleo will be very much missed. She was a daft cat in lots of ways and would lie along the driveway even when there were cars about, but she was a companion to me.

‘It’s just awful to think of her being attacked in this way.’

RSPCA trainee inspector Fiona Howell said: ‘This is an extremely disturbing incident and we’d like to find out who this individual is as soon as possible.

‘We believe there may also be offences of ‘lamping’ shown here and are also liaising with the police.’

Anyone who recognises the individual in the footage should call the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

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