CHELMSFORD DOG ABUSERS MARK RANDALL AND DEMELZA KELLOW SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Chelmsford, two individuals, Mark Randall and Demelza Kellow, were found guilty of inflicting severe cruelty upon a defenseless dog named Prince. Both offenders, residents of New London Court, New London Road, Chelmsford, were recorded on mobile footage engaging in violent acts against the animal, which led to their conviction in court.

Mark Randall, born on September 28, 1977, and Demelza Jane Kellow, also known as Dee Hunter, born on July 23, 1988, admitted to causing unnecessary suffering to Prince, a crossbreed between a Staffy and Mastiff. The footage presented in court depicted Randall and Kellow physically assaulting the dog while he was restrained on a very short lead tied to a post. The images showed Prince visibly distressed, turning around and straining against the lead, clearly indicating his discomfort and fear.

In one of the videos, Randall is seen kicking Prince and then striking him with a plank of wood. The footage further revealed Randall hitting the dog on the head and back with the plank, actions that caused significant pain and distress. Another clip showed Kellow roughly dragging Prince by his collar and lead to secure him to the post. Throughout this ordeal, Prince remained cowering on the ground, showing no signs of aggression, merely trying to avoid further harm. Despite his submissive behavior, Kellow was seen kicking him after he was tethered.

The RSPCA, along with police officers, responded to the incident and took Prince into their care. A veterinarian who examined the footage confirmed that Prince exhibited signs of fear, distress, and pain, with injuries consistent with being hit and kicked. The investigation also revealed that Randall, who is known to breed dogs and has a Facebook profile displaying various animals, has an uncertain record regarding the fate of his other dogs.

RSPCA Inspector Adam Jones, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating, “The vet report stated that the body language of Prince throughout both videos is submissive and at no time did he react with any sort of aggression. Prince cowers and lays still not willing to move in fear of aggravating the defendants further.”

As a result of their actions, the court issued a deprivation order for Prince, who is now thriving under the care of the RSPCA. The sentencing for the offenders was as follows: Randall received a 12-month community order, which includes 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. He was also ordered to pay £395 in costs and charges, and was disqualified from owning any animals for ten years, with the possibility of appeal after five years. Kellow received a similar 12-month community order, along with a community sentence treatment requirement and 40 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, as well as fines totaling £435. She too was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, with an appeal option after five.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of animal welfare organizations and law enforcement to combat cruelty and ensure justice for vulnerable animals in Chelmsford and beyond.