LEE HOWARD'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL CRUELTY IN KETTERING: LIFETIME BAN AND SUSPENDED SENTENCE

Lee Howard, also known as Lee Howard-Smith, has a long history of animal cruelty that culminated in a recent conviction in Kettering. Born on August 12, 1966, Howard was previously based in Middlesbrough but was residing at Scott Road, Kettering NN16 9JY, at the time of his latest legal troubles. His disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse spans over many years, with his most recent offenses involving the gross mistreatment of multiple animals in his care.

Howard’s history of animal cruelty is extensive. In 2006, he was banned for life from keeping animals after a horrific incident in Trimdon, County Durham. During that incident, he left 13 horses and ponies, 11 hens, four dogs, and a rabbit to die of thirst and starvation. The animals were confined within stables and left to suffer in deplorable conditions, with some succumbing to their injuries. Three dogs managed to survive by scavenging the remains of their deceased companions. The court sentenced Howard to six months in jail and imposed the lifetime ban on him keeping animals.

Despite this severe penalty, Howard’s pattern of neglect persisted. Just a few months after his initial conviction, authorities discovered him keeping 11 dogs and 16 birds at a residence on Delarden Road, Pallister Park, Middlesbrough. The animals were found living in squalid conditions, with the dogs running freely among piles of feces and pools of urine. Several of the dogs exhibited health issues, including paw problems and an ear infection. Howard was subsequently sentenced to an additional six months in jail for breaching his previous ban.

Howard’s latest conviction came after he was caught working as a paid pet-sitter, a role he held despite his history of animal cruelty. His work was brought to light when a licensed dog breeder, who had employed him, recognized his name and photograph on an animal cruelty website. This led to a report to the RSPCA, which initiated an investigation.

On January 6, 2023, police officers and an RSPCA inspector executed a search warrant at Howard’s home in Scott Road, Kettering. The inspection revealed yet more animals living in filthy, neglectful conditions, with no access to water. Among the animals found was Harriet, a Boston terrier, confined in the kitchen. Howard claimed he was caring for her on behalf of a friend. The kitchen floor was covered in feces, and there was no proper bedding or water available for Harriet.

In the lounge, cages housing various birds were discovered. One cage contained an Amazon green parrot named Jud, while another housed two cockatiels called Paxo and Stuffing. Both cages were filthy, filled with old food, feces, and lacking fresh water. Fish tanks with goldfish and tropical fish were also present, further illustrating the neglect.

Two female cats, Sooty and Blacky, were found in a bedroom described as “almost floor to ceiling” with clutter, old cages, and tanks. The floor was heavily soiled with feces, and both cats were flea-infested, indicating prolonged neglect. Police seized documents dating back to 2012, including breeding and pedigree certificates, animal course certificates, and a judging education certificate from The Kennel Club, all found in a frame.

Harriet, the Boston terrier, was later returned to her owner, who was unaware of any previous animal welfare issues involving Howard. The owner had been caring for her since 2017. The court heard that Howard, in his role as a pet-sitter for a breeder, had control over 15 dogs, four chickens, and numerous finch-like birds. He was paid £35 per day and looked after these animals on at least 15 occasions between August 2021 and August 2022, including overnight stays. Howard was also listed as a keyholder on the breeder’s council animal welfare license.

During the court proceedings, Howard pleaded guilty to failing to meet the animals’ needs and breaching his disqualification from keeping animals. His defense, presented by Sewli Kuddus, highlighted his physical and mental health issues, including problems with self-care. She explained that Howard has no family support and had recently been assigned a carer, emphasizing his vulnerability.

Following the case, RSPCA inspector Susan Haywood expressed her hope that Howard would learn from his punishment and refrain from acquiring animals he cannot properly care for. The court sentenced him to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activities. He was ordered to pay costs of £400 and a victim surcharge of £154. Additionally, Howard received a lifetime ban from keeping animals, which he cannot apply to lift for at least 10 years.

Howard’s case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of vigilant enforcement of animal welfare laws in Kettering and beyond.