CONVICTED ANIMAL ABUSERS AMANDA MILES AND JONATHAN CHAMPION IN CORNWALL

Amanda Miles, born on 15 June 1973, and Jonathan Derek Champion, born on 27 August 1972, both residents of Higher Mill Lawn Stables, Golberdon, Callington PL17 7NQ, were convicted in 2019 for abusing a total of 104 animals kept in extremely poor conditions. Miles, a woman from Pensilva, has been banned for life from owning or caring for any animals.

The pair admitted to multiple offences related to animal welfare. It was revealed that one cat rescued from them had a severe untreated eye condition, and they failed to seek veterinary treatment for this and other animals. They also neglected to provide a proper environment for cats, dogs, and numerous poultry, as well as inadequate diets for the birds.

Champion and Miles were found to have breached an earlier ban imposed in April 2016, which prohibited them from keeping dogs, as they were caught in possession of dogs at that time.

The RSPCA was alerted in September 2018 by a member of the public concerned about animals in the couple’s care. Following a police warrant, authorities removed seven dogs, four cats, and 93 poultry and birds from their premises, discovering all animals in dirty cages and squalid surroundings.

Champion had prior convictions, including a 2011 case where he was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years after being convicted of cruelty to a pitbull. In April 2016, both Champion and Miles received lifetime bans from owning dogs following a horrific case involving 14 dogs found in a caravan near Cornwall, all of which were emaciated, diseased, flea-infested, and injured.

Further inspections in June and July 2014 uncovered mistreated and flea-infested dogs, including two with untreated wounds, on land at Scrawsdon. Among them was Flora, a greyhound with an untreated neck wound who was suffering from extreme emaciation, and O’Riley, also known as Flora, who was described by the Greyhound Rescue West of England as “one of the worst” cases they had seen.

Prosecutor Emmi Wilson stated that Champion attempted to treat fleas with Dettol, indicating the level of neglect.

Miles also pleaded guilty to five regulatory offences concerning cattle at the same location.

Regarding their recent convictions, Champion was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, while Miles received an eight-week suspended sentence. Both were fined £415 and each received a lifetime ban from owning or caring for animals. RSPCA inspector Claire Ryder commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of court disqualifications to prevent further harm, and urging the public to report any breaches of such bans, as they are vital for animal welfare.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations and courts to combat serious abuse, and the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals.