ROBERT AND JACK MILLS FROM ELHAM SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND FOX HUNTING IN CANTERBURY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Robert Mills, born around 1956, and his son Jack Mills, born circa 2001, both residents of Little Orchard in Exted, Elham, near Canterbury, have been convicted of severe animal cruelty and illegal fox hunting activities. The case unfolded after authorities uncovered evidence of their involvement in inflicting injuries on dogs used in hunting pursuits, with both men facing multiple charges related to the suffering of animals under their care.

The investigation was initiated following a police raid at their family home in Elham on January 18, 2023, as part of Operation Aurora, conducted by the RSPCA. During the search, officers discovered two dogs, a Patterdale terrier named Fudge and a lurcher called Rose, both suffering from grievous injuries. The animals had been left untreated, with visible scars, missing body parts, and signs of recent trauma. Rose, in particular, exhibited extensive facial scars, a significant portion of her tongue missing, and a weeping nailbed on one of her paws. Fudge had suffered facial injuries, was missing several front teeth, and had a degloved lip that had been crudely patched with superglue.

Examinations by veterinary experts revealed that the injuries were consistent with violent encounters, likely involving large mammals such as foxes, badgers, or other dogs. The veterinarian noted that Rose’s lower jaw had a deep tear, and she had lost a substantial part of her tongue, indicating a traumatic incident. Additionally, Rose’s left paw was missing a nail and was oozing fluid, causing her pain. Fudge’s injuries included facial trauma and dental loss, with evidence suggesting tissue had been cut away and attempts to repair the damage with superglue, without any pain relief administered.

Further investigation uncovered incriminating messages on their mobile phones. These included a photograph of Jack Mills smiling alongside a dead fox, and messages discussing the use of glue to repair injuries sustained during hunts. One message explicitly referenced Fudge being involved in a fight with a fox or similar mammal in November 2021, with the use of the term “hangin’” implying a degloving injury to the jaw. Another message indicated that Fudge had killed a fox, with the words “Went out this morning, Fudge killed it.”

During police interviews, Robert claimed that the injuries to the dogs resulted from encounters with a badger and a rabbit in their garden, but Jack contradicted this, stating that neither dog had ever come across a badger. The evidence pointed to the dogs being used in hunting activities, specifically fox hunting, which is illegal. The prosecution highlighted that both men, who are bricklayers by trade, had shown a blatant disregard for animal welfare, deliberately placing their dogs in dangerous situations for the purpose of hunting.

Sentencing was delivered by magistrates, with the chairwoman, Patricia Light, condemning their actions. She emphasized that the case had crossed the threshold for custodial sentences due to the multiple instances of deliberate suffering inflicted on the animals. The court noted that despite having access to veterinary care and financial means, the defendants chose not to seek treatment for their injured dogs, demonstrating a clear neglect of animal welfare.

As part of the sentence, both Robert and Jack Mills received a five-year ban from owning, keeping, or controlling any animals, with no appeal allowed for the first two years. The court also ordered the seizure of their remaining dogs, including three others, and the rehoming of Rose and Fudge, who have been in RSPCA custody since January 2023. Additionally, a deprivation order was issued for the other animals, including chickens and ferrets, which must be rehomed within two weeks.

The Mills family was also subjected to a custodial sentence of 23 weeks, suspended for two years, along with 150 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £500, and a surcharge of £154. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of their offenses and the need to protect animals from such cruelty in the future.