ANDREW GARTH BRADFORD ANIMAL ABUSER SENTENCED TO PRISON AND BANNED FROM KEEPING ANIMALS
Andrew Garth, a former pet shop owner from Bradford, has been convicted of severe animal cruelty charges following a disturbing investigation into his treatment of animals at his property on Silwood Drive.Born in March 1983, Garth’s case has garnered significant attention due to the shocking conditions in which he kept numerous animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and mice.
In January 2020, environmental health officers conducted a thorough inspection of Garth’s premises, uncovering appalling conditions that revealed a blatant disregard for animal welfare.
The officers found animals living in squalid, overcrowded enclosures with no proper provision of food or water.
Many of these animals had already succumbed to neglect, with their corpses discovered stored in bins and a freezer, highlighting the extent of the cruelty inflicted.
Photographs taken during the inspection depict dead mice stored in a bread bag, a stark illustration of the neglect.
The inspection also revealed that guinea pigs and rabbits were housed together without any separation of males and females, and no records were maintained regarding feeding schedules or health checks.
The conditions were so dire that a veterinarian confirmed that many animals had suffered or died due to starvation and dehydration.
Adding to the gravity of the case, it was revealed that Garth was providing college students with practical experience working with animals at his pet shops, Allpets and The Bradford Birdman.
This fact raised serious concerns about the potential for widespread animal suffering under his supervision.
The investigation uncovered that Garth’s wife, Sara Turner, also has a history of animal cruelty; she was banned from keeping equines for ten years in November 2020 following her own conviction for cruelty.
Garth pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, which included guinea pigs, rabbits, and mice.
During the court proceedings, magistrates noted that he showed no remorse for his actions, which they described as prolonged and severe.
The chairman of the bench, A Coward, emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating, “This was the prolonged ill treatment of several animals.
It caused death, serious injury, and harm to animals.
There was a high level of suffering, and we haven’t seen any remorse from you.” He further added, “The surviving animals were found in squalid conditions.
All this while you were supervising college students to learn on work experience.
The bench feels that this matter is so serious only custody will suffice.” While the court acknowledged Garth’s previous good character and his guilty plea, they also considered his health issues as limited mitigation.
Garth’s legal representatives announced their intention to appeal the sentence, which has resulted in a temporary delay in his detention.
As a result of the court’s decision, Garth was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and fined £128.
Additionally, he received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, although he has the right to appeal this restriction after five years.
The case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect and cruelty, especially when such actions occur under the guise of providing educational experience.
