WARD WAS CONVICTED OF A STRING OF ANIMAL WELFARE OFFENCES AFTER POLICE EXECUTED A SEARCH WARRANT AT HIS HOME IN SEACROFT EARLIER THIS YEAR.
Following a police search earlier this year at his Seacroft residence, Ward was found guilty of a series of animal welfare crimes.Four dogs were recovered from the property, all of whom were kept in atrocious conditions—covered with feces and bearing untreated injuries believed to be caused by animal fighting.
The dogs were promptly taken to veterinarians for care; one of them was infested with ticks and had fresh puncture wounds on its face, which was severely swollen and infected.
Ward was later interviewed and faced charges, ultimately admitting to three counts of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, one count of promoting animal fighting, and four counts of neglecting animal welfare.
He received a jail sentence of 26 weeks, suspended for a year, and was ordered to complete a five-day rehabilitation program.
Ward also was required to do 200 hours of unpaid community service and was issued a ten-year ban on owning or keeping animals.
Sergeant Andy Katkowski, who conducted the investigation, stated: “The conditions in which these dogs were kept were shockingly poor, and we believe the injuries to one dog resulted from participation in animal fighting, probably involving a badger.
Crimes involving badgers are particularly brutal, often leading to prolonged pain or death simply for entertainment.” He added: “This type of illegal activity is often linked to other forms of crime, and authorities along with partner agencies will keep targeting those involved in these bloodsports.
“We invite anyone observing suspicious activity in rural areas that might be connected to these crimes or with information about the individuals involved to contact us via 101 or online, citing Operation Molehill.”
