RICHARD ARMSTRONG FROM PLAISTOW SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN LONDON

Richard Anthony Armstrong, a self-employed security dog handler residing on Maybury Road in Plaistow, London E13 8RZ, was convicted in 2021 of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. The case centered around a tragic incident involving two dogs left in a vehicle on April 20, 2019, which resulted in the death of one dog and severe suffering of the other.

According to police reports and subsequent investigations, Armstrong was found guilty of leaving two dogs, Hector and Yardie, in the cramped confines of a car's boot in hot weather. The vehicle, a Vauxhall Astra estate, was parked with the dogs inside in crates, with the boot open and a fan running, as Armstrong explained to officers. Despite his claims that the car was equipped with an air conditioning system powered by a separate battery, the conditions proved fatal for the animals. He stated that he left the boot door open, but the dogs' movement and noise caused it to close, trapping them in the heat.

Armstrong admitted to having received complaints about the dogs barking at his home, which prompted him to leave them in the vehicle. The police contacted the RSPCA, which launched an investigation into the incident. During the inquiry, a police officer rushed Yardie to a veterinary clinic in Ilford for urgent treatment.

Inspector Kate Ford from the RSPCA described the condition of the dogs upon inspection. She noted that Yardie was in a critical state, with euthanasia likely to be recommended. The dogs had been left in the vehicle for over two hours in temperatures around 24°C. Inspector Ford recounted peering into the boot and seeing one cage empty with diarrhea near the back, while Hector was found dead in his cage. The kennel was just large enough for Hector to stand but not to move freely, and there was no water available in either crate.

Footage from the investigation showed Yardie being rushed to the vet, where she was administered oxygen and fluids in a desperate attempt to save her. She was suffering from hypothermia, muscle tremors, an irregular heartbeat, and a body temperature of 40.3°C. Despite receiving sedatives and pain relief, Yardie began to vomit and twitch. The veterinary team, after assessing her condition, sought permission from Armstrong to euthanize her, which was carried out to end her suffering.

In sentencing, Armstrong received a 12-month community order, which included 120 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay a total of £840 in costs and charges related to the case. Despite his conviction, Armstrong remains employed by Britannia K9 Security Limited and continues his activities as a DJ under the alias DJ Freckles at the digital radio station Centreforce 883. Currently, he resides on a campsite in Loughton, London.

Inspector Ford emphasized the severity of the neglect, highlighting that the dogs endured significant suffering due to Armstrong's actions, which ultimately led to Hector's death and Yardie's critical condition. The case underscores ongoing concerns about animal cruelty and the importance of responsible pet care in the London area, particularly in Plaistow and surrounding neighborhoods.