ANIMAL ABUSER JULIAN BUXTON JAILED FOR ORGANISED COCKFIGHTING
Buxton pleaded guilty to 14 animal-related offences, including 10 relating to animal welfare and causing unnecessary suffering.It was found that Buxton kept a premises for use for animal fights, kept or trained an animal for use in connection with a fight, and caused or attempted to cause an animal fight to take place.
Video footage from Buxton’s phone and tablet showed two cockerels fighting.
The RSPCA and Humberside Police found 361 birds along with many other animals when they searched the property in September 2023.
The site was covered in rubbish and hazards such as wood, metal and wire.
Animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigeons and chickens were removed from the location and rehomed.
Vets identified a number of issues with the animals and examined them individually.
In mitigation, the court heard Buxton had suffered bereavement around the time he committed the offences.
Will Mitchell, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “This case sadly highlights that, despite being outlawed almost 200 years, cockfighting still takes place today.” Mr Mitchell added: “This case involved a large number of animals who needed our help along with a lot of evidence.
It is lovely that loving homes have been found for them, including the puppies and rabbits that were also born following the initial rescue.” Sgt Kieran Taylor, formerly of Humberside Police’s rural task force, said: “We will not tolerate the barbaric act of cockfighting, which causes unimaginable suffering to animals.
This is a serious organised crime, and we remain committed to identifying, disrupting and prosecuting those involved.” An order was made for all remaining animals in Buxton’s possession to be rehomed.
Sentencing was 20 months in prison; £156 victim surcharge.
Buxton is banned from keeping animals for 15 years (expires January 2041).
