KEVIN TURNER OF WALLSEND JAILED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG AFTER FAILING TO SEEK VET CARE

Kevin Turner, a man known for his involvement in drug dealing, backyard breeding, alleged dog fighting, and traveling lifestyles, has been convicted and sentenced for neglecting a severely injured bulldog named Babe. Turner, who previously resided on Collingwood Road in North Shields but now lives at 47 Coach Road, Wallsend NE28 6JA, was found guilty of failing to provide necessary veterinary treatment for Babe after she sustained serious injuries during a fight with another dog.

On April 13, 2023, RSPCA inspectors visited Turner’s former residence in North Shields and discovered Babe in a dire state. The two-year-old bulldog had a large, open wound on the right side of her face, including her ear and neck, with skin hanging loose. Her injuries extended to her legs and other parts of her body, and she was suffering from sore skin on her stomach and the pads of her feet. The severity of her wounds indicated that she had been left untreated for some time, leading to infection and significant pain.

Turner claimed that he was registered with the PDSA and had intended to take Babe to their veterinary services the following day. However, when the RSPCA checked with the PDSA, they found no record of Turner or any appointment scheduled for Babe. This discrepancy raised suspicions about his intentions and the level of care he was providing for his dog.

Following a prosecution by the RSPCA, Turner pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Babe by neglecting her injuries and failing to meet her basic needs. The court heard a statement from a veterinarian who explained that Babe’s ear might have been lost if she had not undergone surgery. During the procedure, her ear was reconstructed, and she has since shown remarkable signs of recovery. Babe was discharged into kennels the day after her operation, and her wounds, along with the skin infections, healed over the subsequent weeks. She remains under the care of the RSPCA and is expected to be rehomed soon.

Turner, who owns a waste management business, was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail, with additional costs of £360 and a victim surcharge of £154. The court also imposed a ten-year ban on him keeping any animals in the future.

RSPCA inspector Terri-Ann Fannon commented on Babe’s condition, stating, “Babe’s injuries were among some of the worst I’ve seen from a dog attack, and the infection she suffered was horrendous. But she has made a wonderful recovery at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre, where she has also made some new doggy friends.”

She added, “Initially, Babe was very anxious and nervous, but she has transformed into a lively, mischievous girl who loves treats and attention. She was so depressed when I first met her, but now she’s a different dog altogether.”