JULIE PITTS AND MICHAEL SHORT FROM GILDERSOME FACING JUSTICE OVER ANIMAL CRUELTY IN LEEDS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Gildersome, Leeds, Julie Pitts, born on July 11, 1956, and her partner Michael Short, born around 1958, have been found guilty of neglecting and causing unnecessary suffering to multiple animals in their care at their residence on 57 Moorland Avenue. The case came to light after a visit from RSPCA Inspector Kris Walker on July 15, 2021, which uncovered a scene of neglect and squalor that was both heartbreaking and alarming.

During the inspection, Inspector Walker observed two collie dogs, named Toby and Cody, in a deplorable state. Both animals exhibited severe signs of malnutrition, with their ribs, hips, and spines clearly visible through their emaciated bodies. The inspector also noted that both dogs were suffering from flea infestations, further indicating a lack of proper care and hygiene. The conditions of the dogs pointed to a neglect that had persisted for an extended period.

In addition to the dogs, the inspector discovered two rats living in a filthy cage, both underweight and suffering from skin issues, with no access to food or water. Inside the house, a chicken was confined to a dirty pen located within the living room, with no clean water or food available to sustain it. A dove, confined within a hamster cage, was found to have suffered a broken leg and wing, indicating neglect and a lack of veterinary attention.

Inspector Walker’s report detailed the scene: “Miss Pitts advised me she had the collared dove for approximately four weeks… and she had not sought veterinary treatment. The whole house smelled strongly of ammonia, and there were dog faeces in the living room.” Recognizing the severity of the situation, the inspector arranged for the dogs, chicken, and dove to be taken to veterinary clinics. Sadly, the dove was euthanized to alleviate its suffering.

Veterinary surgeon Jill Atkin examined the animals and provided a professional assessment. She described Toby as “severely underweight” and Cody as “emaciated,” both suffering from a lack of adequate feeding and veterinary care for approximately three months. The dove’s suffering had lasted at least three to four weeks. The neglect was evident and deeply concerning.

Both Pitts and Short pleaded guilty to charges of causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to investigate and address the weight loss of the dogs and failing to meet the needs of the animals in their care. Pitts also admitted to causing unnecessary suffering by not seeking veterinary treatment for the dove. In her defense, Pitts claimed she had contacted a vet but was told they were only handling emergencies. She explained that she took the dove in from children in the neighborhood and could not bring herself to have the bird euthanized.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Michael Short was suffering from cancer at the time of the offences, which was said to have affected his ability to take responsibility for the animals. Despite their pleas, the court ordered that the two dogs be signed over to the RSPCA, and they have since been rehomed. The magistrates also issued deprivation orders for other animals in the defendants’ care, although Pitts and Short are appealing both the deprivation and their 10-year disqualification orders from keeping animals.

Sentencing details included a 12-month community order for Pitts, with 20 days of rehabilitation activities, and a similar 12-month community sentence for Short, who was also ordered to undertake a nine-month alcohol treatment program and 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Both were required to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and received a 10-year ban from keeping animals. The case has garnered significant attention from local media outlets, including the Yorkshire Evening Post and ITV News, highlighting the importance of animal welfare and accountability in the community.