DARREN TILLOTSON FROM BILLINGTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN CLITHEROE AND WATERFOOT

Darren Tillotson, a sheepdog trainer residing at Hacking Caravan Park on Elker Lane in Billington, was found guilty in 2023 of inflicting unnecessary suffering on a small dog, specifically a Jack Russell terrier. The incident, which drew significant attention from animal welfare authorities, took place in the vicinity of Waterfoot and Gaghills Mill, located on Gaghills Road.

According to reports, the cruelty occurred on October 6, 2022, and was captured on CCTV footage that was later reviewed by the RSPCA. The footage showed a man, later identified as Tillotson, stopping his vehicle near Gaghills Mill, getting out, and approaching the rear of the vehicle where an internal kennel was located. The footage revealed a disturbing scene: Tillotson violently grabbing a small dog by the neck and delivering approximately ten forceful blows to the dog’s head with his hand or fist. After the assault, he took a small tan and white Jack Russell-type dog from the vehicle and handed it over to a passenger in the front seat.

Witnesses and investigators described Tillotson as appearing angry and aggressive during the incident. The vehicle was traced back to him, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest. When police and RSPCA inspectors arrived at the farm where Tillotson worked, he was interviewed and claimed that the dog belonged to his partner. He explained that prior to the incident, the dog had been fighting with another dog in the vehicle, and he had stopped the car to address the situation, believing the dogs were 'in the wrong.'

An expert veterinarian who reviewed the CCTV footage provided a statement to the court, asserting that the dog had suffered due to physical abuse. The vet explained that the dog would have experienced pain, fear, and distress for at least several seconds, likely longer, as a result of the blows.

Following the court proceedings, Inspector Vicki McDonald expressed gratitude to the public for their assistance in reporting the incident. She emphasized that aggressive behavior and violence towards dogs would not be tolerated by authorities. The dog involved was returned to Tillotson’s partner, with the understanding that they were no longer in a relationship and that he would have no further responsibility for their care.

In April 2023, Tillotson pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The court sentenced him to a 12-month community order, which includes 100 hours of unpaid work, along with a victim surcharge of £114. The case has garnered coverage from the Lancaster Telegraph and LancsLive, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of cruelty.