RILEY LEIGH-SHAW'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN STANWELL LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Riley Leigh-Shaw, a known wildlife persecutor and backyard breeder from the Stanwell area, was found guilty of neglecting and mistreating multiple dogs. Born on April 16, 2001, Leigh-Shaw resides at Southern Cottages on Horton Road, near Stanwell, within the Staines-upon-Thames district, with the postal code TW19 6AG.

On May 11, 2023, Surrey Police officers executed a warrant at Leigh-Shaw’s residence in Stanwell. During the search, they discovered four dogs living in deplorable conditions. The animals included two lurchers, a Patterdale terrier, and a Jack Russell. All four dogs exhibited signs of severe neglect and malnutrition, and they were confined within dilapidated wooden cages that were filthy, full of rubbish, and covered in excrement. The cages were situated in the garden of the property, which appeared to be in a state of disrepair.

The police seized the dogs under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act. The animals were immediately taken to a veterinary clinic for assessment and treatment. It was confirmed that at least one of the dogs required urgent medical intervention due to the neglect they had suffered.

Leigh-Shaw faced the court and pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and four counts of keeping the dogs in unsuitable conditions. The case drew significant attention due to the shocking nature of the neglect and the conditions in which the animals were kept.

Investigating Officer PC Duncan MacKenzie commented on the case, stating, “This was a shocking case where the dogs were kept in appalling conditions. Fortunately, the dogs have all now been placed in loving homes and will be able to live as they should.” He also urged the public to remain vigilant, saying, “If you think someone is mistreating or neglecting animals in their care, please make sure to report it to us.”

As a result of his guilty plea, Leigh-Shaw was sentenced to 75 days in prison. Additionally, he received a ten-year ban on owning or keeping any animals, a measure aimed at preventing further abuse. The case underscores the importance of animal welfare enforcement and the ongoing efforts by Surrey Police to combat cruelty in the region.