LIAM ARDITO, GARY CANNON, AND MARK SMITH INVOLVED IN CRUEL ANIMAL FIGHTS IN CLEETHORPES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cleethorpes and surrounding areas, three men—Liam Patrick Ardito, Gary Lee Cannon, and Mark Wesley Smith—have been found guilty of heinous acts involving the torture and killing of animals, including foxes, a badger, and dogs. Their activities, which spanned over two years, were uncovered during a series of police and RSPCA raids that targeted their illegal animal fighting operations.

Early one morning, authorities executed a coordinated operation, with officers raiding Smith’s residence on Broadway, Little Coates, and simultaneously conducting a search at Ardito’s home on Newbury Avenue. The raids revealed a shocking collection of illegal items, including an air rifle, a trap used for capturing wild birds, and a terrier-cross dog. The back gardens of these properties were found to be housing a variety of animals, such as birds of prey, ferrets, and dogs, all kept under suspicious circumstances. Notably, Smith’s property was heavily monitored, with seven security cameras installed to oversee the illicit activities.

During the investigation, officers discovered graphic evidence of animal cruelty, including videos recorded by the suspects themselves. These videos depicted the men dragging terrified foxes from their dens and then releasing them to be savaged by packs of dogs. The cruelty was not limited to foxes; the men also inflicted suffering on badgers and other animals, often causing them to fight each other or be attacked by dogs. The timeline of these brutal acts stretched from April 2010 to August 2012.

Further examination of Smith’s computer and storage devices uncovered thousands of images depicting dogs attacking animals, alongside numerous memory sticks filled with similar content. The men’s lawyer, Clive Rees of Clive Rees & Associates, admitted that there was “no justification” for his clients’ actions. He stated that the men had been attempting to wind down their activities, claiming they believed the situation was “getting too hot and too heavy.”

Prosecutor Nigel Burn, representing the RSPCA, described the defendants’ conduct as “intentionally cruel,” emphasizing that their actions amounted to “torture.” The court heard how the dogs involved in these attacks suffered severe facial injuries, highlighting the brutality of the crimes.

In court, Liam Ardito pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by forcing it to fight another animal, and jointly causing suffering to foxes and other animals through attacks by dogs. He also admitted to causing mental suffering to a caged fox and participating in illegal animal fights involving foxes, badgers, and birds. Ardito’s charges extended to keeping premises for the purpose of animal fighting and possessing wild birds such as sparrowhawks.

Gary Cannon also admitted to similar charges, including causing suffering to foxes and participating in fights involving dogs and badgers. His involvement was linked to causing unnecessary pain to animals through attacks by dogs and aiding in illegal fights.

Mark Smith’s admissions included being present at animal fights, aiding and abetting the others in causing suffering, and possessing traps used for capturing wild birds like curlews and rooks. He was also found in possession of a trap for wild bird trapping and was involved in causing suffering to terrier dogs and foxes. Smith’s actions included participating in fights between dogs and other animals, as well as aiding others in causing suffering to foxes and dogs.

All three men faced sentencing of four months in custody for each count, to run concurrently. Additionally, they were banned from keeping dogs and birds for at least ten years, with the bans set to expire in March 2023. The case drew further attention when the RSPCA released photographs of individuals believed to be associates of the defendants, although it remains unclear whether any of these individuals were ever identified or prosecuted.

Following the sentencing, the North West Hunt Saboteurs Association issued a statement condemning the cruelty and emphasizing the importance of animal protection laws. The case has left a lasting impact on the community of Cleethorpes, highlighting the ongoing fight against illegal animal fighting and cruelty.