ARDAL RUSHTON-HALL FROM WHITBURN FACES CRUELTY CHARGES IN SUNDERLAND

Ardal Rushton-Hall, a resident of Whitburn, was recently brought to justice after a series of disturbing discoveries involving the neglect and mistreatment of multiple cats. Born on June 30, 1997, Rushton-Hall, who resides at Souter View in Whitburn, Sunderland SR6 7HU, was found to have kept a total of 14 cats in deplorable and unsanitary conditions, raising serious concerns about animal welfare and neglect.

His arrest followed the issuance of a warrant after he failed to appear at South Shields Magistrates’ Court for his scheduled trial. The court proceedings revealed that Rushton-Hall’s mother, Anne Louise Rushton, aged 52, was also involved in similar misconduct but was notably absent from her court appearance. Authorities have an outstanding warrant for her arrest as well.

Prosecutor John Elwood, representing the RSPCA, described Anne Rushton as a compulsive hoarder and abuser of animals. He explained that she has a pattern of obtaining rental accommodation, moving in with animals in breach of tenancy agreements, and subsequently neglecting them. This pattern has resulted in her leaving properties in shocking conditions, with animals suffering from injury and disease due to her failure to care for them properly.

It was also revealed that Rushton-Hall had assisted his mother in breaching her disqualification from keeping animals. As a consequence of his actions, he has now been banned from owning or caring for any animals for a period of five years, a ban that is set to expire in June 2024.

The court heard that the landlord, Aiden Dunville, had rented out two flats on Stockton Road—one to Rushton-Hall and another to his mother and her partner. Both tenants claimed to be homeless and in urgent need of accommodation. However, within just a day of moving in, Rushton-Hall was found to have brought in cats, and the flat was soon overwhelmed by a strong, foul smell.

Neighbours reported that the rent had gone unpaid and expressed concern over the persistent odor and the apparent absence of anyone frequently seen in the flat. An inspection uncovered a shocking scene: 14 cats living amidst rubbish and feces, with some cats showing signs of fur loss and flea infestations. It was determined that half of the cats belonged to Rushton-Hall, while the other half belonged to his mother.

During the investigation, a missing cat was discovered only after building work was undertaken to make the flats habitable again. The animal was found beneath the floorboards, highlighting the neglect and poor conditions in which the animals were kept. The court was informed that Rushton-Hall was aware of his mother’s disqualification from keeping animals but continued to assist her in her neglectful practices.

Rushton-Hall pleaded guilty to two charges of animal cruelty and one charge of aiding and abetting his mother in animal cruelty. His defense attorney, Neil Hodgson, argued that Rushton-Hall played a lesser role in the offenses, emphasizing that the primary instigator was his mother, who was not present in court. Hodgson also highlighted Rushton-Hall’s troubled background, including his involvement in the care system, and expressed hope that he would find stable accommodation soon.

In sentencing, Rushton-Hall received a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs amounting to £335. The court’s ruling also permanently bans him from keeping animals for five years, a period that will conclude in June 2024, in an effort to prevent further cruelty and neglect.