STACY HUMPHRYS AND MARIA LEE FROM IPSWICH SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ipswich, Suffolk, two individuals, Stacy Humphrys and Maria Lee, have been found guilty of severe animal cruelty involving the neglect and mistreatment of dozens of dogs and other animals. The case came to light following a large-scale police operation on March 20, 2021, which uncovered the appalling conditions in which these animals were kept at a traveller site in West Meadows, Ipswich, with a total of 84 dogs seized during the raid.

During the operation, officers spent approximately ten hours meticulously searching the premises, uncovering 67 dogs living in squalid, filthy conditions. The scene was described as heartbreaking, with puppies confined in dirty crates, deprived of basic necessities such as food and water. Suffolk Police released photographs of most of the seized animals in an effort to locate their rightful owners and to highlight the extent of the neglect.

Among the animals rescued was a cocker spaniel suffering from 'cherry eye,' a condition caused by inflammation of the tear duct, which had been left untreated for so long that the dog's eye had to be surgically removed. Another distressing sight was that of a German Shepherd, completely shaven, standing on rotten hay, visibly distressed and in poor health. The conditions of the animals found at the site prompted widespread concern and condemnation.

Stacy Humphrys, who was previously banned from keeping animals in September 2019 due to causing unnecessary suffering and neglect, was identified through photographs on his seized mobile phone, which showed him holding various dogs. Authorities confirmed that he had purchased three of the animals involved. Humphrys pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of breaching a disqualification from keeping animals and one count of failing to ensure the welfare of animals, specifically 67 dogs, chickens, parrots, a finch, and a cockatiel.

Maria Lee also faced serious charges, admitting to five counts of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals and one count of failing to ensure their welfare. The animals involved included the same 67 dogs, along with other birds. During the court proceedings, mitigation was presented on behalf of both defendants. Steven Dyble, representing Humphrys, argued that despite the police raid, there was no evidence that any of the dogs had been stolen, emphasizing that the operation was not a commercial enterprise but rather a situation where Humphrys was acting as a carer for his sick ex-partner, Maria Lee. Dyble stated that most of the dogs were kept in satisfactory conditions and only a few required veterinary attention.

Similarly, Frank O’Toole, representing Lee, expressed that she did not intend to harm the animals deliberately. He described her as a well-meaning but inexperienced carer who found it difficult to refuse additional dogs. O’Toole conveyed her remorse and deep shame for the suffering caused, emphasizing her genuine heartbreak over the loss of her animals.

Humphrys, who has a history of animal-related offenses, was previously jailed in 2019 and served 28 months in 2014 for causing a public nuisance by allowing his horses to stray onto the A14, which resulted in the death of a motorist, Thomas Allen, aged 23, from Soham near Newmarket, in 2012. The police investigation also revealed that four other individuals arrested alongside Humphrys and Lee would face no further action.

Following the court proceedings, arrangements were made for the rehoming of the animals. Sixty-six dogs found new homes, while 17 were returned to their original owners.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Nicky Wallace of Suffolk Police described the investigation as extremely challenging due to the number of animals involved and the difficulties in establishing ownership. She condemned the conditions in which the animals were found and stated that the sentences handed down reflect the severity of the neglect.

In sentencing, Stacy Humphrys received a 14-week prison term and was ordered to pay £233 in costs and charges. Additionally, he was banned from keeping dogs for life. Maria Lee was given a 12-week suspended sentence, also ordered to pay £233, and was banned from keeping dogs for five years, with the ban set to expire in September 2026.