BILLY WELCH AND WILLIAM CHATES FROM DARLINGTON SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC COCKFIGHTING CRIMES NEAR STOKESLEY

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates and law enforcement alike, Billy Welch and William Chates, both residents of Darlington, have been convicted of involvement in brutal cockfighting activities. The offences took place at a location near Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and involved scenes of extreme cruelty that prompted a strong response from authorities.

On January 13, 2018, North Yorkshire Police officers, acting on an anonymous tip-off received through their control room, responded swiftly to reports of illegal activity at a property in Skutterskelf, close to Stokesley. The police, accompanied by officers from the RSPCA, arrived at the scene to find a disturbing situation involving live birds and evidence of violent fighting. The officers conducted a thorough search of the premises, which included buildings and vehicles, and uncovered a total of 27 live birds. Many of these birds were found bleeding from fresh cuts on their bodies and heads, indicating recent injuries inflicted during fights.

Inside a stable block on the property, investigators discovered bird feathers scattered across the floor, along with dried and fresh bloodstains on the floor and carpet, painting a grim picture of the illegal activity that had taken place. The scene was described by police as one of the worst examples of animal cruelty they had encountered, with footage recorded on a mobile phone serving as stark evidence of the brutality involved.

Further investigation revealed that Billy Welch was present at multiple cockfights, with mobile phone footage confirming his participation on December 19, 2017, and January 4, 2018. The videos, which investigators described as “sickening,” depicted graphic scenes of violence and suffering inflicted upon the birds. The RSPCA provided expert testimony regarding the condition of the animals, highlighting their injuries and the inhumane treatment they endured. The organization also arranged for the rescued birds to be safely cared for and kept under ongoing supervision.

Welch, who was identified as being actively involved in the fights, pleaded guilty to several charges, including causing an animal fight to take place, keeping animals for fighting, and being present at an animal fight on three separate occasions. During the sentencing, magistrates condemned his actions, stating, “You put your own recreational needs before the welfare of your animals, in the most horrific and abhorrent circumstances.”

William Chates, also from Darlington, admitted to being present at the illegal fights but did not participate directly. He was sentenced to 120 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £170 in costs. Both Welch and Chates faced disqualification from keeping any animals for a period of 20 and 10 years, respectively.

In total, Welch received a 20-week jail sentence along with a fine of £2,000 and costs. The case has been widely regarded as a landmark in the fight against animal cruelty, highlighting the severity of illegal cockfighting and the importance of enforcement to protect vulnerable animals from such horrific abuse.