ALAN AND SUE TURNER FROM JAYWICK SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN CLACTON-ON-SEA

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Alan Robert Turner, born around 1964, and his wife Sue Elizabeth Turner, born on March 23, 1961, both residents of Brooklands Gardens in Jaywick, Clacton-on-Sea, faced serious legal consequences after their involvement in the mistreatment of multiple animals was uncovered. The couple was found to have kept nine cats confined within cramped, filthy cages inside their home, a situation that prompted immediate concern from animal welfare authorities.

Authorities revealed that the cats were living in deplorable conditions, with the animals being crammed into small cages that were covered in feces, with little to no access to food or water. The cats were kept in a single room of the property, which was locked and poorly maintained. The conditions were so severe that the smell alone was overwhelming for the inspectors who entered the premises. In total, 14 animals, including the nine cats and several dogs, were found to be in the couple’s care.

Among the dogs was a terrier named Dudley, who was suffering from multiple untreated health issues. When RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones arrived at the property on January 17, 2020, he immediately noticed Dudley’s condition. The inspector described the dog’s fur loss over a significant portion of his back, with skin that resembled that of an elephant—thick, grey, wrinkled, and tough. Dudley was notably shy and hid under the sofa during the inspection, but the inspector observed that the dog’s skin problems had been ongoing for some time.

Veterinary examination confirmed that Dudley was underweight and suffering from several painful conditions, including halitosis, severe gingivitis, overgrown claws, hyper-keratinised skin, yellow discharge from his eyes, poor coat quality, alopecia on his legs and back, and fleas. The vet’s report indicated that Dudley’s dental disease, skin disease, and eye infection had likely caused him significant pain and discomfort over weeks or even months.

During the investigation, Sue Turner claimed to only have two cats, but inspectors found multiple cats in the property, piled high in the room, with overflowing litter trays and a pervasive, foul smell that made breathing difficult. Inspector Jones stated, “I was shocked to see cats piled high in the room. I entered the room and the smell was overwhelming and I struggled to breathe. There were seven cages approximately 3ft by 2ft containing nine cats. The litter trays were overflowing. There were 14 animals living in the property in total.”

Both Alan and Sue Turner pleaded guilty in Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court to several animal welfare offences. The court heard that the couple’s neglect extended beyond the cats, as the dogs, including Dudley, Spangle, and Amber, were not being kept in suitable environments. The couple cited personal difficulties, including disabilities and financial hardship, as mitigating factors for their actions.

In sentencing, Alan Turner received a 12-month community order, which includes 25 days of rehabilitation activities, along with costs and charges totaling £1,095. Sue Turner was also sentenced to a 12-month community order with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement, and the same financial penalties. Both individuals were banned from keeping any animals for a period of 15 years, a ban that cannot be appealed for at least five years.

This case highlights the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and neglect, and the importance of vigilant enforcement by authorities to protect vulnerable animals from suffering at the hands of their owners.