JACKIE, ANN AND MALANG STEADMAN CONVICTED IN BRISTOL FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT

In 2022, Jackie Lillian Steadman, born around 1949, her daughter Ann Steadman, born circa 1975, and her grandson Malang Steadman, born approximately in 2001, all residing at 39 Throgmorton Road, Knowle, Bristol BS4 1HS, were found guilty of neglecting their five dogs by keeping them in unsanitary conditions.

The dogs involved were Babe, a Staffy cross; Thunder, a Rottweiler; Joey and Rosie, both German Shepherd crosses; and Dora, a Staffy cross. All five dogs were living in squalid and unhygienic circumstances.

The RSPCA became involved after Inspector Kimily Walters was called to investigate concerns about the dogs’ wellbeing and living environment. Upon examining the property, she found the floors covered in urine and faeces. Inspector Walters issued a warning notice and provided a voucher to take Dora to a veterinarian within 24 hours for treatment of a skin condition. She was later informed that the home had been cleaned.

Despite the cleanup, Inspector Walters remained concerned about Dora’s skin, which was later signed over into RSPCA custody for treatment. When she returned to check on the other dogs, she was refused entry by the family.

In her witness statement, Inspector Walters reported: “She agreed to show me ‘Babe’ outside and I noted her skin had improved. I advised that there was still a strong smell of ammonia coming from inside the house and flies. I reiterated that the dogs must have a clean environment to live.”

Following further reports, the inspector returned with a police officer in November 2021. She described the scene: “When I went through the front door into the hallway area there was an overpowering smell of ammonia and faeces. The ammonia smell made my eyes water, the floor was wet and sticky, covered in a mixture of trampled urine and faeces. The hallway was cluttered, dark, and poorly ventilated.”

She issued another warning regarding the dogs’ living conditions and returned again in December for a follow-up. Upon her visit, police seized the dogs, who were then placed in RSPCA care and examined by a vet.

The vet found Thunder had a large facial swelling, excessive drooling, and foul breath. He was given pain relief and antibiotics, with further tests revealing the swelling was likely cancerous and affecting his eating and quality of life. Due to his condition, the vet recommended humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Joey was found to have a 4cm by 1.5cm ulcerated soft mass, which was also treated with antibiotics and pain relief.

Ann Steadman pleaded guilty to three offences, while Jackie and Malang Steadman’s cases were proved in their absence, though they would have entered guilty pleas.

The court imposed the following penalties: Ann Steadman received fines, costs, and charges totaling £454. Jackie and Malang Steadman each faced fines, costs, and charges of £514. All three individuals were disqualified from owning any animals for ten years.