DANNY AND KYLE GREEN AND MARTIN SKINNER BRUTAL ANIMAL ABUSERS CAUGHT IN ROTHERHAM AND DONCASTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Rotherham and Doncaster, three individuals—brothers Danny Green and Kyle Green, along with Martin Robert Skinner—were involved in heinous acts of animal cruelty, including the persecution of badgers and other wildlife. The trio's actions also extended to inflicting injuries on dogs, which suffered facial wounds and puncture injuries, raising serious concerns about animal welfare in the region.

Police officers, conducting routine surveillance, observed a 4x4 vehicle in the early hours of a day near Darley Dale, a remote area in the county. Their suspicions were confirmed when they followed the vehicle to a stop outside Matlock police station. The vehicle was found to be covered in blood, and the occupants' behavior further aroused suspicion. Kyle Green, one of the defendants, was seen with blood on his hands, and blood spatters were visible on the exterior of the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed two dogs in injured states, with injuries that suggested involvement in illegal activities.

Prosecutor Rod Chapman explained that the police suspected the trio of participating in animal fighting and badger-baiting. Kyle Green attempted to justify their actions by claiming they had been off-road driving—green-laning—and that the dogs had been distressed after hitting a bump, leading to fighting among the animals. However, evidence collected contradicted this explanation.

Blood-stained shoes belonging to the defendants were seized during the investigation. Veterinary experts examined the injured dogs, which included a cross-bred lurcher and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier-cross-mastiff. Both dogs exhibited facial lacerations, puncture wounds, and bite injuries that did not align with fighting each other. Notably, a black badger hair was embedded in the gum of the cross-bred bull terrier, indicating a direct link to badger-baiting activities.

Initially, the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges of wilfully killing a badger, causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs, and possessing equipment used for animal fighting, all related to incidents in May 2015. However, during their trial on April 4, 2016, they changed their plea and admitted to injuring a badger and causing suffering to the dogs. The other charges were subsequently dismissed.

Sentencing saw each of the three individuals sentenced to 12 weeks in prison. They were also ordered to pay fines totaling £520 and were banned from keeping dogs for five years, a ban that expired in April 2021. The confiscated dogs were rehomed to prevent further cruelty.

Further details about Danny Green's criminal record reveal a more extensive history of violence and theft. In a subsequent case, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of aggravated burglary, kidnapping, false imprisonment, grievous bodily harm, theft, and assault. An application under Proceeds of Crime legislation was also made to recover approximately £6,000 found at his residence, highlighting the severity of his criminal activities.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty and illegal fighting activities in the Rotherham and Doncaster areas, prompting calls for increased vigilance and stronger enforcement of animal protection laws.