JAMES ADAMSON'S HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN SPALDING REVEALED

James Adamson, a breeder and Kennel Club judge based in Spalding, has been found guilty of severe animal cruelty and neglect, leading to a decade-long ban on keeping dogs. Born around 1965 and residing at 2 Birch Grove, Adamson, who operates under the name Peterwell German Shepherds, was prosecuted by the RSPCA after a detailed investigation into the deplorable conditions in which his dogs were kept.

On July 15, 2021, RSPCA Inspector Andy Bostock, accompanied by police officers, visited Adamson’s property following reports of animal suffering. Inside a garage, the inspector discovered four German Shepherd dogs confined within two makeshift enclosures. The dogs exhibited signs of neglect, including matted coats and a pervasive smell of ammonia. Shockingly, none of these animals had access to food or water, raising immediate concerns about their welfare.

Further inspection revealed three additional German Shepherds housed in metal cages within the property. The inspector described the scene as distressing, noting that the dogs appeared subdued and showed varying degrees of skin conditions. The environment was filthy, with a strong stench of excrement and urine permeating the area. The kitchen floor was covered in waste, and the dogs were visibly dirty, with no provisions for their basic needs such as food or water.

Veterinary professionals were called to assess the situation. Footage of the dogs’ conditions was shown to the vet, who confirmed that the animals were suffering due to neglect. The dogs were subsequently seized by police and taken into RSPCA custody. Despite the neglect, the dogs have since been cared for and are reported to be thriving under the RSPCA’s supervision. A veterinary report noted that if Adamson had adhered to basic welfare guidelines and sought veterinary assistance earlier, the animals’ suffering could have been prevented.

Inspector Bostock emphasized the severity of the neglect, stating, “The vet’s professional opinion was that the owner failed in their duty of care by not providing a clean, ventilated environment. The conditions in the garage and the kitchen area were unacceptable for both humans and animals. Dogs are naturally clean animals and should be kept in environments where they can defecate and urinate away from their sleeping areas.”

He further explained that the stench emanating from the dogs’ coats was indicative of living in a fetid, inhumane environment. The poor condition of three of the dogs’ coats, contaminated with filth, underscored the neglect. Despite attempts by the RSPCA to work with Adamson and offer assistance, their advice was not heeded.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that Adamson was experiencing personal difficulties at the time of the offenses. Nonetheless, the court ordered a deprivation of ownership, transferring custody of the dogs to the RSPCA, which plans to rehome them. Adamson was fined £1,000, ordered to pay £300 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £100. Additionally, he received a 10-year ban from owning or keeping dogs.

This case is not isolated. In January 2020, two Afghan hounds named Ice and Peaches, both six years old, were seized from Adamson’s care. Witnesses described their conditions as neglectful and abusive, with the dogs being starved, matted, and covered in urine burn sores. The RSPCA intervened just in time to save them from death. Although Adamson faced no charges related to these dogs, public outcry led to a petition urging the Kennel Club to revoke his judging privileges.

Today, Ice and Peaches have recovered and found new homes, but the case continues to highlight the importance of animal welfare and the need for strict oversight of breeders and handlers in the region.