SIMON HALLGARTH AND PAUL WALKER FROM BELTON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS AND GOATS IN DONCASTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Simon Hallgarth, born around 1971, and his partner Paul Walker, born approximately in 1976, both residents of Holland Close Villas in Woodhouse, Belton, Doncaster, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty. The pair faced multiple charges related to the neglect and mistreatment of a total of 52 dogs and three goats, leading to their conviction under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Authorities were alerted to the dire situation after receiving a call to the RSPCA cruelty line, reporting three goats abandoned in deplorable conditions. The goats were discovered living in a neglected environment with no access to water, raising immediate concerns about their welfare. This initial report prompted an inspection that uncovered a far more extensive pattern of neglect involving numerous animals on the property.

RSPCA Inspector Tamsin Drysdale responded to the scene and approached the property, where she could hear barking from inside a nearby garage. Upon opening the garage door, she was met with an overwhelming stench of feces and urine. Inside, she found four makeshift pens housing various breeds of dogs, all living in squalid conditions. The food and water bowls in these pens were filthy and empty, and the dogs' coats were heavily matted, indicating neglect and poor hygiene.

Among the dogs in the garage, three were in such a poor state that their breed was difficult to identify. Two of these dogs were moving slowly, but the third, a Bichon Frise named Peggy, appeared to be dead. Inspector Drysdale gently shook Peggy, who responded slightly, prompting immediate concern. Peggy was taken to a veterinarian, where she was found to be severely underweight, suffering from respiratory distress, hypothermia, and extensive matting that required cutting away. She had a fractured wrist and infected wounds on her back legs, so severe that the damage was beyond repair. Peggy was humanely euthanized to prevent further suffering.

Further investigations revealed that many dogs were also kept inside the house, where conditions, although somewhat better than those in the garage, were still substandard. Several animals were suffering from various health issues, including severe dental disease, ear infections, eye infections, and overgrown nails that had penetrated their paw pads. Veterinary assessments led to the humane euthanasia of three more dogs, including Daisy, a 17-year-old Shih Tzu in severe respiratory distress with discharging eyes and ears. Another dog, Cookie, required a leg amputation due to injury.

In total, authorities removed 52 dogs and three goats from the property. Many of these animals were found to be in poor health, with thirteen dogs suffering from severe dental problems, four with ear infections, two with eye infections, and one with nails so overgrown that they had penetrated the paw pads. Thirteen animals, including the goats, did not receive proper care or access to clean drinking water, highlighting the neglect they endured.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Hallgarth had purchased the dogs as a means of coping following the death of his mother in 2013. The property and the animals had been part of his life for many years, and he expressed remorse for the suffering caused. Walker’s involvement was explained as stemming from concern and care for his husband, which contributed to the circumstances of the neglect. Both defendants admitted to the charges at the earliest opportunity and were described as previously of good character.

Sentencing for the pair resulted in 14 weeks of imprisonment, with post-sentence supervision orders lasting 12 months, less the time already served. Additionally, they received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, ensuring they will not be able to own or care for animals in the future. The case has brought to light the importance of animal welfare and the consequences of neglect, serving as a stark reminder to the community of the responsibilities involved in caring for living creatures.