HORDLE HORROR: ROBERT ATTFIELD AND CHERYL DONAGHUE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO GREYHOUNDS

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty originating from the quiet village of Hordle, Robert William Attfield, born on November 24, 1953, and Cheryl Donaghue, born on May 27, 1958, faced justice for their neglectful treatment of two greyhounds, Glynn and Kayla. Both individuals, residents of Sky End Lane in Hordle, Lymington SO41 0HG, pleaded guilty to charges related to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals, highlighting a grave failure in their responsibilities as pet owners.

Glynn, one of the greyhounds, was found in a state of extreme neglect. His condition had deteriorated to such an extent that he was ultimately euthanized due to the severity of his suffering. The neglect was so severe that the dog was emaciated, suffering from open sores, fleas, and two large holes in his mouth extending to his nasal cavity. The other dog, Kayla, was also found in a deplorable state but survived after receiving treatment from the RSPCA. Kayla had 23 missing teeth, with the remaining 19 held in place only by calculus, and a hole from her mouth to her nasal cavity, causing her significant discomfort.

The case came to light thanks to a vigilant member of the public who managed to track down the offenders after one of the starving dogs managed to escape from their property. The woman, who reported the incident, heard loud shouting outside her home and saw Glynn in her garden. Horrified by his emaciated condition and inability to stand, she attempted to coax him towards her. During this encounter, Robert Attfield appeared and quickly placed Glynn into a car before driving away. The woman managed to note the vehicle’s registration number and subsequently searched for the car, asking neighbors if they recognized it.

Her efforts paid off when she located the vehicle outside the offenders’ address. She promptly reported her findings to both the police and the RSPCA, leading to a police investigation. When RSPCA Inspector Tina Ward arrived at the residence, she was confronted with a scene of utter neglect. Glynn was unable to stand, his fur was infested with fleas, and he had open sores down to the bone. The condition of Kayla was equally distressing, with her suffering from dental neglect and a severe wound connecting her mouth to her nasal cavity.

Inspector Ward described the scene as “just horrendous,” emphasizing the severity of the animals’ suffering. Glynn’s condition was so dire that euthanasia was deemed necessary, and he was put to sleep. Kayla, however, was taken into the care of the RSPCA, where she began a slow but hopeful recovery. She underwent surgery to remove her remaining teeth and to repair the hole in her mouth, and she is gradually gaining weight and strength.

During questioning, Robert Attfield initially denied any responsibility for the dogs’ condition, claiming ignorance despite being responsible for their care two or three days each week. Cheryl Donaghue admitted that she had not sought veterinary treatment for the animals and believed they did not need to see a vet, a stance that further underscored her neglect.

In court, both offenders faced sentencing. Cheryl Donaghue received a 12-week custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Robert Attfield was fined £250, and both were required to pay court costs of £120 each. Additionally, they were banned from owning or keeping animals for a period of ten years, a measure aimed at preventing future neglect and cruelty.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder that animals deserve proper care and compassion, not suffering and abandonment.