JOHN AND KATIE DRURY'S CRUELTY IN KIRKBY: ILLEGAL TAIL DOCKING AND ABANDONMENT OF DOGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Kirkby, Liverpool, John and Katie Drury, both residents of 56 Quarryside Drive, were found guilty of engaging in illegal and inhumane treatment of dogs under their care. The couple, known locally as backyard breeders operating under the name Johnny Doberbulls, were involved in a series of cruel practices that caused immense suffering to multiple animals.

Authorities uncovered a total of 22 dogs at the Drury residence, with five puppies among them that had undergone illegal tail docking procedures. These puppies were discovered confined in a box within the living room, their tails forcibly shortened through a process that involved tying string around their tails and waiting for the tissue to die from lack of blood flow. One of these puppies was found in a state of severe distress, unable to stand or walk, highlighting the extent of their suffering. Additionally, two other puppies had infected and necrotic tails, indicating the severity of the injuries inflicted.

Among the animals found was a puppy that was completely paralyzed, with its legs tied together by the Drurys. The couple had mistakenly believed, based on internet research, that this puppy was suffering from swimmer syndrome—a misconception that led them to tie its legs in an attempt to cure what they thought was a genetic condition. Unfortunately, the puppy was suffering from a different, incurable genetic disorder, which ultimately necessitated its euthanasia. The RSPCA inspector involved in the case expressed outrage over the couple’s failure to seek proper veterinary care, noting that this neglect had caused the puppy to endure suffering for approximately three weeks.

Prosecutor Peter Mitchell emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The failure to investigate that matter by seeking veterinary attention had caused the puppy to suffer for approximately three weeks.” During police interviews, John Drury admitted to docking the tails of five puppies in a cruel manner, tying string around their tails and waiting for the tissue to die. He also acknowledged that he failed to seek veterinary treatment for the animals. However, he denied knowing that tail docking for non-medical reasons was illegal, although Mitchell pointed out that Drury had admitted during police questioning that he was aware it was against the law. It was also revealed that John Drury had been operating as an unlicensed breeder.

Defense attorney Brian O’Connor described the Drurys as “dog lovers” who had started their breeding activities two years prior. He claimed that the couple cared deeply for their animals and suggested that their focus on breeding had diminished over time. O’Connor requested that they not be disqualified from owning or caring for dogs, asserting that they had learned from their mistakes and had paid a price, including being separated from their dogs for a year.

Despite these pleas, District Judge Andrew Shaw ordered the confiscation of all 22 dogs and disqualified the Drurys from owning or keeping dogs for a period of 12 months. The judge acknowledged that the couple’s actions did not stem from cruelty but emphasized that their initial decisions were fundamentally wrong. He stated, “Having appreciated there was a problem you had an obligation to take them to the vet.”

Sentencing details included a 10-week curfew for John Drury and 40 hours of unpaid community service for Katie Drury. Both were ordered to pay £500 each towards prosecution costs and an additional victim surcharge of £85. Their ban from owning dogs was set to last for one year, which expired in October 2021, marking the conclusion of their legal restrictions. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Kirkby, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and the dangers of unregulated breeding practices.