SHAUN AND DAPHNE FAIRCLOUGH OF GATESHEAD CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO PET GOAT AND CHICKENS

In January 2010, a tragic case of animal cruelty unfolded in Gateshead, where Daphne and Shaun Fairclough, residents of 117 Lanchester Avenue, were found responsible for neglecting their pet goat to the point of starvation. The incident occurred during the harsh winter, which was noted as the coldest Britain had experienced in three decades, intensifying the suffering of the animal.

On that cold winter day, the goat was left without adequate food or water at West Farm, situated along Whickham Highway in Gateshead. The dire condition of the animal drew the attention of a woman who was visiting her horse in a nearby field. Hearing the distressed cries of the dying goat, she promptly contacted the RSPCA for assistance. Despite her swift action, it was too late to save the animal, which was found in a state of severe emaciation and had to be euthanized to end its suffering.

Subsequent investigations revealed the heartbreaking details of the neglect. The goat was discovered collapsed on a urine-soaked concrete floor within a stable, with her bones visibly protruding through her skin. An examination by veterinary experts indicated that she had been starved for at least a week, though evidence suggested the neglect had persisted for over a month. An RSPCA inspector described the living conditions as utterly unacceptable, emphasizing the severity of the cruelty inflicted upon the animal.

Shaun Fairclough, who was the owner of the goat, admitted to the charges of animal cruelty. He explained that he had asked his mother, Daphne Fairclough, to check on the animal, acknowledging that he did not properly care for her himself. During court proceedings, the prosecution, represented by Clive McKeag, highlighted the neglect and the animal’s suffering.

Defending the Faircloughs, solicitor Tom Iceton expressed remorse on their behalf. He stated that both mother and son deeply regretted the incident. Mrs. Fairclough was described as distressed and remorseful, with her son, Shaun, accepting that it was his responsibility to ensure proper care. The defense also pointed out that Shaun’s work shifts had contributed to the neglect, and that his mother had tried to do her best under difficult circumstances.

Sentencing in this case resulted in both Daphne and Shaun Fairclough receiving a 12-month supervised community order. Daphne was mandated to complete 40 hours of unpaid work and was banned from keeping any animals except cats and dogs until 2015. Shaun was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work, pay £250 in costs, and was disqualified from owning or caring for any animals for ten years, a ban that expired in October 2020.

Further troubling developments emerged in November 2020, when Shaun Fairclough was convicted of additional animal cruelty offenses. This time, the allegations involved chickens kept at an allotment in Haltwhistle. The RSPCA had been alerted in September 2019 about the welfare of the birds, leading to an inspection where the bodies of five dead chickens were discovered among the pens, left to rot. Inspector Kirsty Keogh-Laws reported that Shaun Fairclough was found to be in breach of a previous disqualification order, which he mistakenly believed had ended.

It was revealed that Fairclough was keeping 20 chickens and six ducks, including five silkie-type chickens, despite his disqualification. He claimed that friends were helping him care for the birds, but this did not absolve him of responsibility. The court sentenced him to an 18-month community order, including 26 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £85, which was to be deducted at source. A disqualification order was also issued, banning him from owning or caring for any animals for five years.

This series of convictions highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in Gateshead, with authorities emphasizing the importance of proper care and oversight to prevent such tragic neglect and cruelty.