DANNY KING SR AND JR FROM DITTON SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY AND BADGER KILLING IN MAIDSTONE

In a significant case highlighting animal cruelty and illegal hunting activities, Danny King Sr and his son, Danny King Jr, both residents of 44 Nursery Road, Ditton, Maidstone ME20 6DZ, faced justice for their involvement in heinous acts against animals. The Kings, who are identified as gypsy travellers, had been scheduled to stand trial in November 2021 but failed to appear in court. Despite their absence, the proceedings continued in their absence, resulting in both being found guilty of multiple offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

The charges against them included causing unnecessary suffering to a black poodle and neglecting their duty of care towards eight dogs over the period from 2019 to 2020. Additionally, Danny King Jr was specifically charged with the killing of a badger in 2018, an act that further underscored the severity of their misconduct.

The investigation into their activities was initiated when RSPCA officers, in collaboration with Kent Police, executed a warrant at their property in March 2019. During the raid, authorities seized a mobile phone that contained evidence of illegal hunting activities. The device revealed a WhatsApp group involving multiple individuals, including Danny King, who was identified as a participant in the conversations. One disturbing video showed two dogs attacking a badger, accompanied by an audio message stating, “That’s what you call the all rounder… had a good bit of sport last night.”

Further audio recordings included references to a dog “running and killing” a badger and hares, as well as descriptions of injuries sustained by the animals involved. These recordings provided concrete evidence of illegal hunting and animal cruelty linked to the Kings.

In March 2019, RSPCA officers also discovered the dogs in deplorable conditions at their Ditton residence, situated near Aylesford. The inspection revealed eight dogs, including greyhounds, dachshunds, lurchers, spaniels, and a poodle-type, all kept in unacceptable circumstances. One dog was found to be severely underweight, with matted fur, fur loss, and dental issues. The animals were living in cold, filthy kennels, with only one kennel containing food or water, and none had appropriate bedding for comfort.

Inspector Jason Bowles from the RSPCA described the conditions as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the neglect and poor treatment the animals endured. The seized dogs were subsequently placed into care, and efforts were made to rehome them, ensuring they would no longer suffer under the Kings’ ownership.

Legal proceedings resulted in sentencing for both individuals. Danny King Sr received a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, along with orders to complete a rehabilitation activity requirement and perform 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £750 in costs and a £128 victim surcharge. Meanwhile, Danny King Jr was given a four-month suspended sentence, also for 18 months, with similar requirements for rehabilitation and unpaid work.

Both men faced long-term disqualifications from keeping animals—King Sr for 20 years and King Jr for 10 years. These bans aim to prevent any future abuse or neglect of animals under their care.

In a related case, a third individual, believed to be Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Harbour, a family matriarch, received a suspended two-month jail sentence in March 2021 after admitting to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act at Medway Magistrates’ Court. She was also ordered to complete an animal welfare rehabilitation programme and was disqualified from keeping dogs for 10 years. The case underscores the broader issues of animal cruelty within the community and highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to combat such offences.