HANNAH WILKINSON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL NEGLECT IN FERRYHILL AND COUNTY DURHAM

Hannah Olivia Wilkinson, born on December 29, 2000, and residing at Kitchener Terrace in Ferryhill, became the focus of a serious animal cruelty case that uncovered shocking neglect and mistreatment of numerous creatures. The case, which was brought before Teesside Magistrates’ Court in Middlesbrough, revealed that Wilkinson, along with her late girlfriend, Rio-Anne Dickinson, failed to provide proper care for a wide variety of animals while leasing land at Bog Hall Farm, located in Mordon near Sedgefield, County Durham.

According to court proceedings, Wilkinson and Dickinson kept a diverse collection of animals including hens, chickens, quails, ducks, guinea fowl, as well as two sheep, two hamsters, four guinea pigs, two budgerigars, a goat, and a rabbit. The farm was operated without the necessary licenses or veterinary support, raising serious concerns about the welfare of the animals involved.

The prosecution, led by Alex Bousfield, detailed how the neglect was uncovered after customers raised alarms about animals they had purchased from the farm, many of which were found to be infested with lice. The farm’s operator, who leased the land to Wilkinson and Dickinson, conducted three spot checks over a two-week period and subsequently contacted the RSPCA. These inspections revealed appalling conditions: animals without access to food or water, some of which were found in plastic bags prepared for disposal, despite the fact that such disposal methods are illegal.

In total, 121 animals were identified as being in a state of neglect, many of which were suffering from starvation, illness, and injury. The court heard that numerous animals were so emaciated that euthanasia was necessary. Among those euthanized were a chicken with a plastic ring embedded in its leg and a guinea pig with overgrown teeth. The inspection also uncovered quails and chickens suffering feather loss, damage from feather plucking, and signs of severe malnutrition due to prolonged starvation.

It was established that Wilkinson and Dickinson had failed to care for the animals for at least 48 hours prior to the RSPCA’s intervention. The defendants attempted to shift blame onto their landlord, but court evidence showed that an agreement clearly placed responsibility for animal care on Wilkinson and Dickinson themselves. The prosecutor emphasized the severity of the suffering inflicted, noting that many of the affected animals, particularly the birds, had died as a result of neglect.

Disturbing photographs presented in court depicted the filthy, neglected farm environment where the animals endured suffering. The RSPCA’s investigation also revealed that Dickinson, who had previously been spoken to about managing more animals than she could handle, admitted to selling approximately 500 birds in a single week. There was also evidence suggesting plans to expand the operation, including potential development of a mini animal park.

During the hearing, Wilkinson was visibly distressed, sobbing as the court considered her case. The prosecution requested that she be disqualified from keeping all animals, citing concerns over her access to a dog, which social media suggested she might have. Wilkinson and Dickinson had previously pleaded guilty in June 2021 to five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to various animals, including hens, quails, a guinea fowl, a duck, and a Bantam hen, along with a charge related to failing to meet the animals’ needs.

In her defense, Wilkinson’s lawyer, Paul Watson, explained that Dickinson was the sole proprietor of the farm and the primary decision-maker. He emphasized that Wilkinson, then 20 years old, was largely influenced by Dickinson and was still learning about animal care. Watson highlighted Wilkinson’s previous good character, noting she had no prior convictions or cautions.

Sentencing included a 15-week detention in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 18 months, along with 100 hours of unpaid community service and a fine of £428. Wilkinson was also banned from keeping all animals except dogs for six years, with the ban set to expire in July 2027. The court’s ruling underscored the seriousness of the neglect and the need to prevent such cruelty from recurring in the future.