DANNY KING SR OF DITTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND PUPPIES IN MAIDSTONE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Ditton, Maidstone, Danny King Sr, born around 1979 and residing at 44 Nursery Road, was found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving multiple dogs and puppies. The conviction, handed down in 2022, highlights the ongoing issues of animal neglect and abuse that have come to light through a detailed investigation by the RSPCA.

King Sr, a known traveller, had previously been banned from keeping animals due to prior offenses. Despite this, he was discovered to be mistreating animals on his puppy farm, where conditions were found to be deplorable. The investigation revealed that dogs were left in their own feces, deprived of access to clean water, and subjected to neglectful conditions that caused unnecessary suffering.

The court heard that King Sr pleaded guilty to charges related to the suffering of a male tan lurcher, a male apricot cavapoo puppy, and a white female setter. Specifically, he was convicted of failing to meet the basic needs of five dogs and three puppies between October 23 and November 20, 2021. Other charges, including causing suffering to additional animals and breaching a 20-year disqualification from keeping animals, were dismissed.

Evidence presented by the RSPCA included multiple videos depicting the appalling conditions at the property. One such video showed two kennels with metal bars at the front, attached to a shed, where dogs were kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions. An inspector, Will Rippon, described the smell as “very smelly” and noted a particular dog walking in circles, which he found “very concerning.”

Further footage revealed the interior of a shed where three puppies were confined without access to water. The inside was described as having a “foul smell” and a buildup of moldy feces. The wooden gate securing the puppies was drilled with nails, making it difficult to access the animals without tools. During the inspection, two metal tins were found on the ground—one chewed all around and a bottle of Drontal puppy worming liquid embedded in feces.

Authorities seized a total of eight dogs, including lurchers and cavapoos, from the property. Veterinary assessment of a male lurcher showed multiple lesions on his legs and paws, consistent with kennel sores. The dog also exhibited fur loss and sore gums, indicating possible chewing on harmful objects.

Defense lawyer Mr. Scott argued that the videos were “a snapshot in time” and suggested that King Sr was not intentionally neglectful but overwhelmed by life circumstances. He emphasized that King had voluntarily surrendered the dogs to the RSPCA and was the primary caregiver for his wife, who suffers from mental health issues, as well as his 15-year-old son. The court was told that King Sr, aged 43 at the time, had shown remorse and believed the conditions could have been better, though he claimed the neglect was unintentional.

Last year, King Sr and his son, Danny King Jr, were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to a black poodle and neglecting their responsibilities for eight dogs. King Jr was also charged with killing a badger in 2018. The chairman of the bench, Adrian Atmore, condemned King Sr’s attitude, stating he had “a total disregard for animals,” and remarked that he was fortunate not to face imprisonment.

The court sentenced King Sr to a 160-day prison term, suspended for two years. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, participate in rehabilitation activities, and pay costs and surcharges totaling £420. He was also banned from keeping animals for life, although he has the right to appeal after ten years. The judge emphasized that the sentence reflected the deplorable state of the animals’ environment, which was described as “dirty, soiled, and unsuitable,” with hazards such as broken glass and an open drain.

This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal cruelty in the region and highlights the importance of vigilant enforcement and community awareness to prevent such suffering in the future.