BRIAN EDWARDS OF WEST BOWLING CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO STAFFY IN BRADFORD AND SHIPLEY

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Brian Edwards, a resident of West Bowling, Bradford, was found guilty in 2021 of subjecting a defenseless Staffordshire Bull Terrier, known as Seven, to severe neglect and suffering. The case came to light after authorities uncovered the deplorable conditions in which the dog was kept, revealing a pattern of neglect that spanned several months.

According to court records and investigations, Edwards kept Seven confined within a small, filthy cage that was both smelly and unclean. The dog was severely undernourished, suffering from starvation, and was found in a state of extreme emaciation. The condition of the animal was so dire that she was immediately taken into the care of the RSPCA following the intervention. The investigation was initiated after police contacted the charity to attend a property located on Poplar Road in Shipley, where the dog was being held.

RSPCA Inspector Dave Holgate recounted the scene: “I was called to attend a flat in Shipley by the police who were at the location. There I met two police officers and was shown a tan-colored Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog which was being kept in a cage. The dog was very thin and sitting in her own mess. She was dirty and smelly. The dog was then seized by police and removed from the flat and placed into RSPCA care.”

Following her rescue, Seven was taken to a veterinary clinic for a thorough examination. The vet’s report revealed that she was suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and an untreated fracture to her left leg. The injury was old, with evidence of improper healing and deformity, indicating it had been neglected for a significant period. The report detailed extensive muscle wastage, conjunctivitis, ulceration, and fur loss on her forehead and cheeks. The veterinarian explained that the fracture of her femur was likely untreated for at least two to three months, causing her considerable pain and suffering.

Veterinary experts concluded that Seven had endured prolonged suffering due to Edwards’ neglect. The report emphasized that her condition could have been prevented if proper care had been provided. Despite the evidence, Edwards maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and denying any wrongdoing. However, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by failing to provide adequate nutrition, neglecting to seek veterinary treatment, denying access to water, and keeping her in an unclean environment.

Furthermore, Edwards was found to have breached a previous ban imposed in June 2017, which had already disqualified him from keeping any animals for ten years. This breach was part of the reason for his sentencing.

In sentencing, magistrates decided that a custodial sentence or community order with rehabilitation activities was appropriate. Edwards was given a one-year community order, which includes up to 20 days of rehabilitation activity. He was also fined £180, ordered to pay £750 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £95. Additionally, he was disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years, although he has the right to appeal after just one year.

Since her rescue, Seven has been re-homed and is now in a safe and caring environment, free from the neglect she endured at Edwards’ hands.