SAMUEL LYAS AND VALENTINE BALDOCK FROM BUNTINGFORD CONVICTED OVER CRUELTY TO DOGS USED IN FOX AND BADGER FIGHTS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Buntingford, Samuel Lyas and Valentine Baldock, both residents of Brent Pelham, faced justice for their involvement in heinous animal cruelty crimes. The two men, born on 27 March 1990 and 26 May 1984 respectively, were found guilty of abandoning their injured dogs after forcing them to participate in brutal fights against foxes and badgers.

Lyas, who originally hails from Witham in Essex, was the subject of an extensive investigation by the RSPCA’s specialized operations unit. The inquiry was initiated after allegations surfaced that he was using his dogs to attack wild animals. In April 2015, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s rural operations team executed a warrant at Lyas’s residence in Brent Pelham, uncovering a disturbing scene that confirmed suspicions of animal cruelty.

Officers discovered six terriers at Lyas’s home, including a red male named Max and a long-haired black dog called Bronson. Both animals were found suffering from severe injuries requiring urgent veterinary treatment. Max, in particular, was suffering from ‘de-gloving’ injuries, a condition where the skin is ripped away from the lower jaw, exposing raw flesh. The evidence suggested these injuries were inflicted deliberately, likely during the dogs’ participation in violent activities.

Further investigation revealed a tethering post, which was used to tie up foxes for the dogs to practice attacking. Photos on Lyas’s phone depicted the tethering device, along with a homemade noose, indicating a disturbing level of premeditation and cruelty. These findings painted a clear picture of a systematic abuse of animals for entertainment and possibly for hunting purposes.

On the same day, authorities executed a separate warrant at Baldock’s residence, also in Brent Pelham. There, they found additional dogs, including black terriers named Gravel and Todd, both of whom exhibited injuries to their heads, faces, and jaws. Veterinary examinations revealed that these injuries had not been properly treated, with staples still visible in Gravel’s mouth, some of which had become partially detached. It was confirmed that Baldock had inserted these staples himself, further highlighting the neglect and cruelty involved.

Text message exchanges between Lyas and a friend provided further insight into the brutal activities. One message described Bronson’s involvement in a fight with a fox, stating: “Had hold of him from start to finish not a noise from him just grunted with his mouth full.” Such messages underscored the deliberate and violent nature of their actions.

During the court proceedings, prosecutor Lauren Bond condemned the defendants’ conduct, stating, “These people are not fit and proper to look after animals. They have shown a complete contempt for the safety of animals, not just the dogs but the foxes. These injuries are not accidental; they are the result of deliberate actions to place animals in harm’s way.”

It was also revealed that Lyas and Baldock lived in neighboring houses in Brent Pelham, which were provided by their employers. Both men had been employed by the Puckeridge Hunt, with Lyas working as a terrierman and Baldock serving as a kennel huntsman. The hunt reportedly paid their legal costs but severed ties with them just before their conviction, amid mounting negative publicity. A listing on the Puckeridge Hunt website confirmed Baldock’s role as a kennel huntsman.

Public outrage was palpable during the sentencing, especially when a dog found at Lyas’s home was seized. Friends and family of Lyas expressed their frustration, with one shouting, “How much more do you want to take away?” The incident also brought to light Lyas’s prior history of violence, as he was previously convicted in 2010 for assault as part of a gang.

In sentencing, Lyas received a 26-week custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years, along with a fine of £3,600 and a requirement to complete 280 hours of unpaid work. Baldock was sentenced to 225 hours of community service and fined £3,025. Both men were banned from keeping animals for life, a measure aimed at preventing further cruelty.

Additional details reveal that Samuel Lyas operates a landscaping business called SJL Exterior Improvements, with an active Facebook page. The case has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws in the region.