DALTON WILLS OF SOUTHAMPTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Dalton David Callum Wills, born around 1997 and residing on Harrison Road, Swaythling, Southampton SO14, was convicted in 2019 following a prosecution by the RSPCA for neglecting his dog, Chase. Wills pleaded guilty to an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 after leaving his German Shepherd, Chase, to suffer with chronic skin conditions for several months.

Evidence showed Chase experienced severe self-trauma and secondary skin infections. In August 2018, RSPCA officers responded to concerns about the dog and discovered Chase with significant hair loss over his rump and thighs, along with inflamed and scabbed skin. A veterinary examination later confirmed that Wills’s failure to provide necessary treatment, care, and attention caused Chase to endure unnecessary suffering for approximately two to three months. Sadly, due to the severity of his condition, Chase was euthanized.

RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward commented on the case, saying, “Chase was in horrendous condition and had been left without the care he needed and deserved for a significant period of time. Pets rely on their owners to meet their needs, and it’s never acceptable to ignore an animal when they are in pain and distress.” She added that Wills showed remorse but acknowledged his neglect, stating, “Wills did take responsibility and was remorseful and said it was never his intention to do nothing but he did. Chase was sadly put to sleep because he was suffering. He was given intensive treatment by a vet which did not alleviate his pain and discomfort.”

As a result of his actions, Wills was sentenced to a 12-week prison term, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 220 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he faced a total cost of £215 in charges and was disqualified from keeping animals for five years.

In December 2020, further court proceedings revealed that Wills, now living on Chettle Road, Southampton, had been jailed following multiple domestic violence incidents. Court documents detailed how he punched and kicked his female victim while she was on the ground on two occasions—April 18 and April 25, 2020, in Outer Circle, Southampton—causing “substantial bruising.” Wills pleaded guilty to three counts of assault by beating, breaching his previous suspended sentence for animal cruelty.

For these offences, Wills was sentenced to nine weeks in jail, was issued a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victim for two years, and was ordered to pay a £128 victim surcharge. The case underscores the serious consequences Wills faces for his actions, both towards his pet and in his personal conduct.