KIMBERLEY GRANT FROM ROYSTON BUSTED FOR HORRIFIC DOG ABUSE IN BARNSELY

Kimberley Grant, born on May 1, 1991, and residing at Kingsland Court in Royston, Barnsley, has been convicted in 2024 of severe animal neglect involving her three dogs. The disturbing case revealed that Grant kept her dogs in deplorable conditions, surrounded by filth, piles of feces, and a pervasive stench that made it impossible for anyone to ignore the suffering of the animals.

On December 20, 2023, RSPCA inspector Vanessa Reid visited Grant’s flat after receiving reports raising concerns about the welfare of the dogs living there. As she ascended the stairs, she was met with an overwhelming smell of urine and feces, which intensified as she moved higher. The inspector described the scene as horrific, with multiple fresh piles of feces scattered across the landing and a carpet covered in dirt and excrement. Grant was seen immediately reaching for a carrier bag already filled with older feces, attempting to clean the area, which was described as utterly putrid.

The three dogs—two nine-month-old puppies named Toffee and Prince, and a four-year-old female called Mieshka—were found walking through animal waste. All the blinds in the flat were closed, and there was no ventilation or open windows, contributing to the suffocating environment. Mieshka exhibited signs of neglect, with a large patch of missing fur on her back and thinning hair near her rear and hind legs. While Toffee and Prince appeared to be in reasonable condition, all three dogs were constantly scratching, indicating a likely flea infestation.

Following her initial inspection, Grant was issued a warning notice, with authorities making it clear that her living conditions were unsuitable for her pets. An inspector returned two weeks later to check for improvements, but Grant refused entry. A subsequent visit two days afterward also went unanswered. An improvement notice was then affixed to her door, outlining necessary steps to improve the animals’ welfare. However, as the inspector was about to leave her van, Grant ran into her flat and locked the door behind her.

Inspector Reid recounted that the smell immediately after the door was opened was unbearable, confirming that conditions had not improved. Despite her efforts to communicate through the letterbox and warning that a warrant would be sought if she continued to ignore the authorities, Grant refused to open the door or respond.

On February 1, a warrant was executed with the assistance of the RSPCA, revealing that the flat remained in the same deplorable state. All three dogs were seized by police and taken into the care of the RSPCA, where they received veterinary treatment. The dogs appeared nervous and skittish, clearly unaccustomed to being on leads or outside, indicating prolonged neglect.

The veterinarian’s examination confirmed that Grant had failed to protect her dogs from pain, suffering, injury, or disease. Mieshka, in particular, suffered from a severe flea infestation that had caused intense itching and hair loss. The court heard that Grant’s mental health issues contributed to her inability to care for the animals properly. She claimed she could only cope with one dog, Mieshka, but had bred her, resulting in five puppies, two of whom she could not rehome. Magistrates were told she did not intend to harm the dogs deliberately but was overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Thanks to the efforts of the RSPCA’s branches in York, Harrogate & District, and Burton upon Trent & District, all three dogs made a good recovery. They are now available for rehoming following the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

In sentencing, Kimberley Grant received a nine-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to pay £400 in costs and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, she was handed a five-year ban on keeping animals, which will expire in November 2029.