⚠️ Warning: Information is collected from public sources and is accurate to the best of our knowledge. Please do not take the law into your own hands. This website is intended to help keep your loved ones safe by raising awareness about dangerous abusers. For inquiries, contact us on our Facebook Page: Expose Them All - Red Rose UK .

Profile image of James Dove and Geoffrey Towell
James Dove and Geoffrey Towell additional image

JAMES DOVE AND GEOFFREY TOWELL FROM WYMONDHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC PIG CRUELTY AT EAST HARLING FARM

By  | 

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, James Dove, born around 1985 and residing on Arundel Road in Wymondham, along with Geoff.... Scroll down for more information.


Wymondham Animal Abuser

James Dove and Geoffrey Towell's Social Media Accounts

  • No phone numbers or social media accounts linked yet. Be the first to report one below.
  • Know a Social Media Account Linked to James Dove and Geoffrey Towell?

    Want to add information? Log in to your account to contribute accounts and phone numbers.

    JAMES DOVE AND GEOFFREY TOWELL FROM WYMONDHAM SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC PIG CRUELTY AT EAST HARLING FARM

    In a disturbing case of animal cruelty that has shocked the local community and animal welfare advocates alike, James Dove, born around 1985 and residing on Arundel Road in Wymondham, along with Geoffrey Towell, born circa 1958 of White Elm Cottage on Eccles Road in Norwich, have been convicted of multiple acts of brutality against pigs at a farm in East Harling.

    These two individuals, who worked as farmhands, were found guilty of engaging in repeated and sadistic acts of cruelty towards sows and piglets. The offences included hitting pigs with plastic pipes, with one sow being struck as many as 35 times, unlawfully killing three pigs by striking them on the head with a metal bar, and using unnecessary force when handling piglets. The cruelty extended to lifting pigs by their ears and dropping them from waist height, actions that caused pain and suffering.

    Specifically, Geoffrey Towell pleaded guilty to five counts of cruelty to pigs and piglets. His actions included hitting five sows with a plastic pipe and unlawfully killing three pigs through physical assault. He also admitted to a charge of failing to protect the animals from pain and suffering, which involved lifting pigs by their ears and dropping them from waist height. On the other hand, James Dove admitted to two charges of cruelty, which involved hitting sows with a plastic pipe and throwing pigs over barriers. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of neglect, including lifting pigs with excessive force, dropping them, and kicking them while moving them.

    The case came to light after undercover footage was obtained by an activist from Animal Equality between July and September 2011. The footage, recorded at Harling Farm near Thetford, revealed the shocking extent of the abuse, showing the men beating pigs and engaging in violent handling practices. The footage sparked outrage among animal welfare groups and the public.

    During the sentencing hearing, District Judge Peter Veits described the cruelty as among the worst he had seen. He stated that Towell had acted with “no care,” and although Dove’s role was considered lesser, his conduct was still “abysmal.” The judge emphasized the severity of the case, highlighting the cruelty inflicted on defenseless animals.

    In mitigation, defense representatives argued that Towell was under significant pressure while working at the farm. Jamieson Plummer, representing Towell, explained that his client was overwhelmed, especially after the farm owner, Stephen Brown—who later committed suicide in February 2012 following the revelations of cruelty—failed to provide adequate support. Towell was left to manage the farm alone, which contributed to his actions.

    Similarly, Ian Fisher, representing Dove, argued that the likelihood of his client re-offending was minimal. He pointed out that Dove was not in a position of control and was drawn into the situation due to systemic shortcomings. Fisher also noted that Dove’s involvement was unintentional and that public shaming alone was a form of punishment.

    Protests erupted outside Norwich Magistrates’ Court as the defendants arrived. Animal welfare protesters shouted slogans such as “shame, shame on you” as Dove entered and “scum” as Towell arrived. Representatives from groups like Essex Animal Defenders and Great Yarmouth Against Animal Cruelty voiced their concerns, calling for harsher sentences and emphasizing the importance of sending a strong message against farm animal cruelty.

    As for the sentences, Geoffrey Towell was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison and received a ten-year ban from working with animals, a ban that expired in August 2022. James Dove received an eight-week prison sentence, suspended for one year, along with an order to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay prosecution costs of £300. Dove’s ban from working with farm animals lasted five years, expiring in August 2017.

    This case has reignited debates about animal welfare standards on farms and the adequacy of current penalties for cruelty. The community and advocacy groups hope that these sentences will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider abusing farm animals in the future.

    Other Abusers in Wymondham

    3 CHILD SEXUAL ABUSERS IN WYMONDHAM, UK

    Red Rose UK currently has 3 Child Sexual Abusers mapped in the Wymondham, UK area

    About Red Rose

    Red Rose is the UK's biggest free-to-use public database of sexual abusers, animal abusers and domestic abusers. Our mission is to promote community safety and awareness.