MARY-ELLEN COLLIS ABANDONS 99 DOGS IN THRAPSTON KENNELS NEAR KETTERING

In a case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, Mary-Ellen Collis, a former kennel owner from Thrapston, was found guilty of severe neglect and abandonment involving a large number of dogs at her kennels near Kettering. Born around 1958, Collis was the owner of Wardana breeding kennels located in Brigstock, close to Kettering, but her actions led to a tragic situation that drew the attention of the RSPCA and the local courts.

According to court records, Collis, who now resides in Treen Close, Thrapston, pleaded guilty to seven counts of causing unnecessary suffering to 85 dogs and one count of failing to meet the welfare needs of 14 additional dogs. The charges stemmed from an investigation initiated after a tip-off prompted RSPCA inspectors to visit her kennels. The inspection revealed a distressing scene: dogs living in filthy, unsanitary conditions with no access to clean water or adequate food.

It was established that a total of 99 dogs had been abandoned at the kennels. Among these, 85 were identified as suffering from various untreated medical conditions, including abscesses, ulcerated skin, eye infections, and ear problems. Many of the dogs were severely emaciated, with some puppies so thin that their ribs were clearly visible. One dog was found unable to stand, suffering from dehydration and open sores on her legs and feet caused by pressure and urine scalds. The situation was so dire that a veterinarian had to euthanize one dog on-site to prevent further suffering.

Tragically, another dog died overnight after suffering a heart attack at the veterinary surgery. This dog was found to be severely dehydrated, covered in feces, and in a state of extreme weakness. Additionally, a dog with severely ulcerated eyes, which had gone untreated, was rendered blind. In total, 16 dogs lost their lives due to neglect, while the remaining animals were rehomed following a campaign led by the RSPCA to find them new, caring homes.

Prosecutor Kevin McCole explained that the RSPCA’s intervention was prompted by concerns raised by a member of the public, David Nolan, who was worried about the welfare of his mother’s dog. Nolan’s repeated visits to the kennels found no one present, and when he contacted the police, they stated they could not act unless there was an immediate threat to a human. Frustrated, Nolan then reached out to the RSPCA for assistance.

When inspectors entered the abandoned kennels on November 29, 2008, they discovered dogs ranging in age from just nine weeks to eight years old. The animals were covered in urine and feces, with insufficient food and water available. The overall condition of the dogs was poor, indicating prolonged neglect.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Collis had left her premises and her dogs unattended while she went on holiday to Tenerife with her partner. She reportedly departed around November 24, and for several days thereafter, no one was present to care for the animals. Collis, who had been declared bankrupt in 2007, claimed she was struggling financially and had asked others to look after the dogs, though those individuals later denied any such agreement.

Prosecutor McCole emphasized that Collis provided no satisfactory explanation for her absence or her failure to ensure the welfare of her dogs during her time away. The court heard that the dogs had been boarded and treated by various veterinarians, with experts concluding that most had suffered neglect for weeks or even months prior to discovery.

Defense solicitor Ben Brown described Collis’s actions as out of character. He highlighted her long-standing reputation in the dog breeding community, noting that she had bred and exhibited St Bernards for over 30 years. Brown explained that Collis purchased the kennels in 2000, but her financial difficulties, culminating in her bankruptcy in May 2007, led to the current situation. He argued that her financial struggles and the subsequent chaos contributed to her neglect.

In sentencing, the court imposed an 18-week prison term on Collis. Additionally, she was disqualified from keeping animals for a period of 10 years, a ban that expired in 2019. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect by those entrusted with caring for animals in need.