DANIEL SIMPSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN MIDDLESBROUGH REVEALED
Daniel Simpson, a man previously residing on South Drive in Ormesby and currently living at 18 Sleights Crescent, Eston, Middlesbrough TS6 8HF, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect and cruelty involving his collection of Italian greyhounds.The investigation, led by the RSPCA and supported by police authorities, uncovered a disturbing scene of neglect at his property, where he kept a total of 38 dogs and puppies in deplorable conditions.
Simpson admitted to five charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including one count of breeding dogs without a license.
The case was brought to court after inspectors discovered the animals living in squalid environments, with evidence pointing to prolonged suffering and neglect.
The dogs, all of the same breed, ranged in age from just three weeks to 14 weeks old, and included several nursing females.
The discovery was made during a police raid on Simpson’s property in South Drive, Ormesby, where the police called in the RSPCA to assist.
The animals were found confined within the garage and conservatory, living amidst filth and neglect.
The nine wire pens housing the dogs were soaked in urine, with bedding that was dirty and soaked through, and most enclosures lacked water or food.
Only one of the nine puppy pens had access to water, while the rest had none, and some had no bowls at all.
The environment was overwhelmingly foul, with a strong smell of ammonia permeating the area.
Inspectors observed that the dogs were living in extremely unsanitary conditions, with faeces smeared across the bases of their enclosures.
The animals appeared underweight, with some fighting amongst themselves and eating their own faeces.
One particularly concerning sight was a small puppy that appeared lethargic and was suffering from malnutrition.
Several of the adult females had severe dental disease, and one dog was found with a broken front leg that had been untreated for some time.
The conditions were so dire that a veterinarian called to the scene confirmed that the dogs’ health was at serious risk if their circumstances did not improve.
During the investigation, Simpson signed over ownership of all 38 dogs to the RSPCA, which then arranged for their treatment, neutering, and rehoming.
The animals were subsequently cared for at various RSPCA branch centers across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, including York, Harrogate and District, Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, Derby, and Southport, Ormskirk & District.
Two of the dogs were fostered by veterinary staff before being adopted into new homes.
In court, the RSPCA presented evidence from Inspector Clare Wilson, who detailed the appalling conditions.
She described how the dogs were kept in small, dirty crates and pens, with most lacking water and food, and living in environments soaked with urine and faeces.
The inspector noted that many of the dogs showed signs of suffering, including dental disease, malnutrition, and untreated injuries.
The veterinarian who examined the animals confirmed that six puppies had been suffering for at least two weeks due to inadequate diet, and five adult females had endured months of pain from advanced dental issues.
One dog, named Daisy, had been suffering unnecessarily for at least three days because of an untreated broken leg.
The veterinarian concluded that Simpson had failed to meet the basic needs of the animals, neglecting their environment, diet, and ability to express natural behaviors.
The court heard that Simpson had previously been licensed to breed French Bulldogs but lost that license following a breakdown of a prior relationship.
During the proceedings, Simpson expressed remorse and admitted to feeling ashamed and embarrassed about the situation, also revealing struggles with alcohol dependency.
Sentencing resulted in an 18-month community order, including a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement and 25 days of rehabilitation.
He was also ordered to pay costs of £990 and a victim surcharge of £114.
Additionally, Simpson was disqualified from keeping, dealing in, or transporting animals for ten years, although he has the right to appeal after six years, with the disqualification set to expire in June 2034.
Inspector Wilson commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of the network of rescue centers and foster carers in rehabilitating and rehoming the dogs, and expressed satisfaction at seeing the animals thriving in their new homes.
