JOHN AND LAURAN WALKER FROM CLITHEROE INVOLVED IN ANIMAL ABUSE AT MUCKY PUPS DOG DAY CARE

John Walker, born around 1952, residing at 27 Greenhill, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7HW, and his daughter Lauran Walker, born circa 1992, of Darkwood Crescent, Chatburn, Clitheroe BB7 4AL, have been found guilty of serious animal welfare violations linked to their doggy day care facility, Mucky Pups, located in Rishton. Their convictions mark a significant chapter in the ongoing investigation into animal cruelty, resulting in a decade-long ban from holding any licenses related to animal activities.

These two individuals, father and daughter, faced legal action after pleading guilty to multiple charges concerning the maltreatment of dogs under their care. The case gained widespread attention following the emergence of disturbing videos shared on social media platforms in December 2019, which depicted John Walker engaging in violent and abusive behavior towards several dogs at Mucky Pups. The footage showed Walker violently grabbing a dog by the scruff of its neck, then beating it and forcefully throwing it across the floor, all while the animal’s distressed whimpering and crying could be heard. Such acts of cruelty shocked viewers and raised serious concerns about the welfare standards at the facility.

Additional videos captured Walker hitting a dog with a broom and physically smacking another with his hand so forcefully that the impact was audible. These images of abuse prompted immediate action from local authorities. Hyndburn Borough Council revoked Mucky Pups’ license in February 2020, and the RSPCA launched a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of cruelty and neglect. The investigation revealed that Walker, who was also a pet owner, had repeatedly subjected dogs to physical abuse, causing psychological trauma and risking severe physical injuries.

Following months of legal proceedings, the father and daughter appeared in court on Tuesday, 11 January 2022, to face sentencing after initially pleading guilty during an early hearing in August 2021. Evidence presented during the trial included text messages between Lauran Walker and her employees, which demonstrated her awareness of her father’s abusive behavior and her complicity in the neglect. Lauran Walker admitted to failing to take appropriate steps to meet the needs of the animals and to prevent her father’s inappropriate use of force. John Walker, on his part, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to seven dogs through physical abuse between September 10, 2019, and November 19, 2019, and to neglecting their basic needs from August 1, 2019, to December 18, 2019.

Sentencing terms included a community order for John Walker, which involved ten days of rehabilitation activities, a 26-week electronic curfew, and a fine of £290 to cover costs. Lauran Walker received a five-week curfew, 15 days of rehabilitation activities, and was also ordered to pay £290 in costs and fines. Both individuals were disqualified from holding any licenses related to working with animals for ten years, although they have the option to apply for a variation or early termination of this disqualification after five years.

The revelations about Mucky Pups caused outrage among local residents and dog owners. Several individuals shared their distress with the Lancashire Telegraph, recounting their experiences and concerns. Mucky Pups was permanently closed some months ago following the revocation of its license, a decision that was met with public anger and demands for accountability.

Vikki Martin and her daughter Bethany Banks, residents of Clitheroe, recounted their decision to remove their pugs, Dexter and Otis, from the facility after only a few weeks in September 2019. Ms. Martin explained that their behavior changed dramatically after their brief stay, becoming jumpy, cowering, and overly reactive to sudden noises or movements. She expressed uncertainty about whether her dogs had been directly abused but noted the significant behavioral changes that followed their time at Mucky Pups.

In another disturbing account, a woman from Accrington, who wished to remain anonymous, described her concern after seeing a video of a man, identified as John Walker, hitting a dog named Myrtle with a broom. Myrtle, a young puppy, had attended Mucky Pups regularly and appeared to enjoy her time there initially. However, she later became fearful and cowered when approached, especially around her owner’s family. The woman recognized her dog in the video and felt sickened by the apparent abuse.

Further reports came from Michael MacRae of Langho, who took his German Shepherd, Charlie, to Mucky Pups in September and October 2019. MacRae recounted that Charlie, who was three and a half years old, initially seemed to enjoy the socialization but soon showed signs of distress. After a visit, Charlie was found to be in pain, with inflamed and swollen internal organs, requiring over £2,000 in veterinary treatment. MacRae expressed his regret and concern over the treatment his dog received, emphasizing the lasting impact of the abuse and neglect at the facility.