AVOIDED JAIL TIME AFTER AUTHORITIES FOUND OVER 30 DOGS CONFINED WITHIN A DARK METAL SHED
A mother from Poulton along with her two sons narrowly avoided jail time after authorities found over 30 dogs confined within a dark metal shed at their home in Mains Lane.Michelle Wilding, along with her sons Jack and Christopher, received animal cruelty convictions but avoided immediate imprisonment when they appeared before Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 22.
The dogs had been kept in a shed for many years, with a neighbor describing the relentless barking as extremely disruptive.
The neighbor stated that the council had previously monitored noise levels before a warrant was issued.
The neighbor also mentioned that the RSPCA initially anticipated finding 14 dogs, but eventually discovered more than 30.
Following a police raid in November 2023, over twenty-five dogs were rescued and taken into RSPCA custody.
The rescue came after reports of alleged cruelty at the Wildings’ residence, prompting authorities to obtain a warrant.
Welfare officers were reportedly shocked by the deplorable state in which the dogs were kept, including prolonged exposure to darkness with floors stained with urine and rotting feces.
Michelle Wilding and her son Christopher faced prison sentences, but these were suspended for two years.
The court also imposed a ban on owning animals—15 years for Michelle and Christopher, and 10 years for Jack—along with fines.
Michelle was disqualified from owning animals for 15 years and could apply to lift the ban after a decade, while Jack received a 10-year disqualification with eligibility to lift after seven years.
The RSPCA was granted possession of any animals not already in their care.
Michelle was sentenced to 27 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, and required to complete a 20-day rehabilitation program.
Christopher’s ban on owning animals was set for 15 years, with the possibility of lifting after ten.
He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, with the RSPCA taking hold of the remaining animals.
Additionally, Jack was ordered to pay a fine of £270 alongside his disqualification from owning animals for ten years.
All three individuals will be able to apply to have their bans lifted after the specified periods, depending on their compliance with court orders.
