KYLE ASHMAN HORSE TRADER AND BLOODSPORT ENTHUSIAST FROM HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING STARVES LURCHER AND PUPPIES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, Kyle Ashman, a man with a notorious reputation as a backyard breeder, horse trader, and bloodsports enthusiast, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a vulnerable dog and her puppies. Born on January 15, 1990, Ashman, who resides on Swaledale Close in Hetton-le-Hole, was convicted after it was revealed that he had deliberately starved a nursing lurcher bitch, known as Coco, along with her litter of seven puppies.

Prosecutors detailed how Ashman, who is a father of two, was left overwhelmed by personal circumstances at the time of the neglect. Following the departure of the children's mother, Ashman was left to care for his children and nine animals, including Coco and her puppies. During this period, he lost his job and reportedly struggled to cope with the mounting responsibilities and emotional stress.

The court heard that at the time of the animal seizure, Coco was in a critically malnourished state, weighing only 9.88 kilograms. The RSPCA inspectors, acting on a tip-off, visited Ashman's residence and discovered the dire condition of the animals. Coco was found to be emaciated, with her ribs and bones clearly visible, a clear sign of prolonged neglect. Her seven puppies were also underweight, with most suffering from insufficient nourishment, as Coco was unable to produce enough milk to feed them properly. Among the litter, the smallest and most fragile puppy was in an especially poor condition, highlighting the severity of the neglect.

John Ellwood, representing the RSPCA, explained that the neglect was either a result of prolonged starvation or inadequate feeding over an extended period. He emphasized that Coco's suffering was extreme, whether caused by a short-term period of starvation or a longer duration of minimal feeding. The inspectors confirmed that all the animals had since been taken into care and had begun to recover from their ordeal.

In court, Ashman pleaded guilty to the charges of causing unnecessary suffering. The judge sentenced him to 12 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay £500 in costs. Additionally, Ashman was disqualified from owning a dog for five years, a ban that expired in November 2020. The case has raised concerns about animal welfare and the responsibilities of pet owners in the Houghton-le-Spring area, highlighting the importance of vigilance and enforcement against animal cruelty.