KIERON ELLIS

Kieron Ellis, aged 35, and Jade Stringer, aged 32, residents of Askern Road, Bentley, entered guilty pleas to one charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

They appeared before Doncaster Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on August 22.

The court was informed that RSPCA Inspectors Kim Greaves and Vanessa Reid visited the couple’s residence on May 3, 2024, following reports that some dogs in their care were underweight.

During the investigation, inspectors discovered several dogs confined in five separate crates located in the dining room.

Among the animals was Ziggy, a young bull breed puppy, who was severely underweight with visible spine, ribs, and hip bones; his feet were stained and dirty.

A second puppy, Luna, a bulldog kept in a crate directly above Ziggy’s, also showed signs of extreme undernutrition.

The inspection also revealed Valka, an 18-month-old dogue de Bordeaux, who had ribs that could be seen through his coat.

None of the crates contained bedding or water, and the area around the crates was fouled with old feces.

In a statement read out in court, Inspector Greaves explained: “Ziggy, Luna, and Valka were not receiving enough or proper nutrition, which was starkly different from two other dogs on the property that appeared to be in healthy condition.” A South Yorkshire Police officer seized the three dogs from the property, and Stringer consented to surrender them to the RSPCA’s care.

Veterinary assessments confirmed that both puppies were emaciated, with Ziggy and Luna being very underweight and Valka having a body condition score of just three out of nine, whereas the ideal score is five.

The veterinarian further noted, “The dogs’ coats showed signs of urine and fecal staining, indicating poor hygiene.

The puppies also had pressure sores, and their extreme emaciation suggested they were suffering and not receiving adequate nutrition, which any owner should have noticed.” Despite showing photographs of efforts to improve the property for the other dogs, the court judge described the defendants’ conduct as “prolonged neglect” regarding Ziggy, Luna, and Valka.

As a result, both Ellis and Stringer received a two-year ban on keeping any animals.

They were also sentenced to 12-week prison terms, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay costs of £400 plus a victim surcharge of £154.

All three dogs—Luna, Ziggy, and Valka—gained weight and were rehoused after their care with the RSPCA.

Following the sentencing, Inspector Greaves commented on the case, emphasizing that the dogs’ poor conditions were evident, particularly considering the puppies’ emaciation, and that it was fortunate the authorities intervened at that time.