PETER HAMILTON-SMITH'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN PETERLEE REVEALED

Peter Hamilton-Smith, a resident of Sledmere Close in Peterlee, has been found guilty of severe animal neglect and breach of a court-imposed ban on keeping animals. The conviction stems from a disturbing case where eight dogs were discovered living in deplorable conditions at his residence in Peterlee, highlighting a grave failure to meet their basic needs.

Authorities, including the RSPCA, responded to a call from police that led to an inspection of Hamilton-Smith’s property. During the visit, inspector Kaye Smith uncovered a distressing scene: five adult dogs and three puppies were found in a state of extreme filth and neglect. The adult dogs exhibited signs of ear mites, while the puppies were notably underweight and suffering from a high worm burden, indicating a severe lack of proper care and hygiene.

Inspector Smith recounted that she had previously visited the property days earlier after receiving a tip from a member of the public who had purchased a puppy from the address and was concerned about the living conditions. However, at that time, no one was home, and the situation remained unaddressed. The recent inspection revealed the full extent of the neglect, with the dogs living in squalid, unsanitary conditions that posed serious health risks.

Among the animals, the mother dog and her three puppies were particularly vulnerable. The animals were so unwell that they required overnight hospitalization at a veterinary clinic for observation and treatment. The conditions they endured were described as 'terrible' by the inspector, who emphasized the urgent need for intervention.

Further investigation revealed that the dogs did not belong to Hamilton-Smith personally; instead, they were owned by various other individuals. Despite this, Hamilton-Smith had been under a court order since May 2012, which banned him from keeping any animals for five years following a previous conviction for causing unnecessary suffering to a female Akita, which had to be euthanized. This previous conviction was the result of an RSPCA prosecution.

During the court proceedings, Hamilton-Smith denied all allegations, claiming that he did not own the animals found at his address. However, evidence showed that he had failed to meet the needs of the animals, neglecting their health and well-being, and was in breach of his legal restrictions.

Inspector Smith pointed out that the age of the puppies suggested the mother was pregnant at the time of the previous ban, indicating ongoing neglect and disregard for animal welfare. The court heard that Hamilton-Smith had falsely claimed to have rehomed all his other dogs, a statement contradicted by the evidence of the current animals' condition.

As a result of the findings, Hamilton-Smith was sentenced to six months in jail, fined £1,000, and received a lifetime ban on keeping animals. The case underscores the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of organizations like the RSPCA to protect vulnerable animals from cruelty and neglect in Peterlee and beyond.