JAMES AWDY'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BREAM AND COLEFORD REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, James Awdry, a resident of Bream, has been found guilty of keeping dogs in deplorable conditions. Born on April 25, 1981, Awdry previously lived at Jubilee Villa on Lydney Road in Bream but is now residing at Hill View on Bicknor Street, Coleford, with the postcode GL16 7PH.

His case came to light following a detailed inspection carried out by the Forest of Dean District Council in January 2020. The investigation was initiated after authorities received concerns about the welfare of animals kept at his residence, which he shares with his father. The council’s team, including the Street Warden Unit, the Counter Fraud Unit, and legal representatives, conducted a thorough examination of the property.

During the inspection, council officials discovered a distressing scene: a Labrador and several spaniels were confined in an old chiller unit located at the rear of an open garage. The environment was found to be in a state of extreme filth and neglect, characterized by a lack of natural light and poor ventilation, creating an uninhabitable space for the animals. Additionally, three other spaniels were found crammed into small cages positioned at the front of the property, further highlighting the neglect.

James Awdry had initially pleaded not guilty during a hearing in September 2020, facing charges of failing to meet the basic needs of his animals and causing unnecessary suffering. However, he later changed his plea to guilty. As a result, he was ordered to pay fines and costs totaling £3,866. The prosecution was led by the Forest of Dean District Council’s Street Warden Team, with assistance from the Counter Fraud Unit and the council’s legal department.

According to the investigation, the conditions in which the animals were kept were appalling. The two dogs found in the chiller unit—a spaniel and a black Labrador—were living in an environment that was both filthy and unhygienic. The chiller was devoid of natural light and had poor airflow, exacerbating the suffering of the animals. The spaniel in the chiller was found to be infested with biting lice, suffering from a fungal infection in her ears, and had a raw patch of skin on her chest, all of which contributed to her unnecessary pain and discomfort.

The authorities concluded that Awdry had failed in his duty to provide a suitable environment for his dogs, neglecting their basic needs and exposing them to suffering and disease. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts by local authorities to combat cruelty and neglect in the community of Bream and the surrounding areas.