KRIS KESSON BEXLEYHEATH HORROR: ANIMAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT LEADS TO COURT SENTENCE

On the afternoon of February 28, 2024, a team of RSPCA officers, accompanied by police personnel, conducted a thorough inspection of the residence belonging to Kris Kesson in Bexleyheath, a suburb in South-East London. The visit was prompted by concerns over the welfare of the animals living at the property, and what they uncovered was deeply troubling.

Inside the premises, the officers found four dogs in a state of severe neglect. Three of these animals were Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and the fourth was a Dalmatian. All four dogs exhibited clear signs of extreme emaciation, with their ribs and hip bones prominently visible, indicating a prolonged period of malnutrition and neglect. The situation was dire, and the officers also discovered the tragic remains of two puppies and an adult Rhodesian Ridgeback that had died, adding to the gravity of the case.

Prosecutor Joel Wootten reported that Kesson explained to the officers that the deceased dog had passed away a few days earlier. He claimed he was waiting for rigor mortis to pass before burying the animal. Regarding the puppies, Kesson stated they had died several weeks prior. When questioned about the severe emaciation of the surviving dogs, Kesson attributed the condition to his physical health issues, specifically citing a bad knee that prevented him from exercising the animals properly. He further claimed that this limitation led him to reduce their food intake, which contributed to their suffering.

The four dogs that survived—named Ozzy, Max, Alice, and Harry—were taken into the custody of the RSPCA for veterinary assessment and care. Veterinary examinations confirmed that all the deceased animals had been suffering for at least three weeks before their deaths and were critically underweight. Sadly, despite efforts to save them, Ozzy and Max succumbed while in the care of the RSPCA. However, Harry and Alice responded well to treatment and showed signs of recovery.

Further investigations revealed that, despite being released on bail with a strict ban on pet ownership, Kesson’s home contained an additional ten dogs and several fish, raising concerns about ongoing neglect and potential future abuse. The authorities took these findings seriously, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding animals from such conditions.

Kesson ultimately pleaded guilty to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. His legal representative explained that Kesson had been involved in dog-raising for over 30 years and was deeply attached to his animals. However, his health problems had contributed significantly to the neglect, leading to the tragic circumstances.

In sentencing, the court handed down a 30-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for one year, meaning Kesson would not serve time unless he committed further offenses within that period. Additionally, a ten-year ban on keeping dogs was imposed, set to expire in April 2035, effectively preventing him from owning or caring for any dogs during that time.

Beyond this case, Kesson’s criminal record includes a 17-month driving ban issued in October 2024 after he was convicted of exceeding the legal alcohol limit while driving. Furthermore, in 2022, he had previously received a community resolution order following an incident where his dog attacked other animals and people. Despite his recent conviction and the ongoing ban, Kesson has expressed a desire to acquire a service dog in the future, although current restrictions prohibit him from owning any pets for the next decade.