STEPH BOYD AND DANNY JORDAN FROM MARFLEET SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO AMERICAN BULLDOG PUPPIES IN HULL

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, Steph Boyd, born around 1981, and Danny Jordan, born approximately 1988, both residents of Uxbridge Grove in the Marfleet area of Hull, have been found guilty of leaving six American bulldog puppies to suffer from severe malnutrition and deformities. The incident has shocked the local community and prompted a thorough investigation by animal welfare authorities.

On December 28, 2022, the plight of these vulnerable puppies came to light when they were brought into a rescue centre by Danny Jordan himself. Jordan claimed that his child had discovered the puppies abandoned on a roadside, prompting him to seek help for them. The puppies, estimated to be around four months old, were in a dire state, with their bodies emaciated and their spines visibly deformed due to extreme malnutrition.

The RSPCA was immediately contacted, and an appeal for information was launched through the media by the independent rescue centre that had taken in the puppies. Tragically, two of the puppies were so critically ill that they died overnight, despite veterinary efforts. The remaining four puppies required urgent medical treatment to address their severe health issues. The distressing condition of the puppies drew public attention and led to further investigation.

Thanks to media coverage, a member of the public came forward, providing crucial information that identified Boyd and Jordan as the breeders responsible for the puppies. This tip prompted an inspection by RSPCA inspector Claire Mitchell, who visited the address on Uxbridge Grove. During her visit, she spoke with Boyd and Jordan about the puppies' origins. In her witness statement, inspector Mitchell recounted that Stephanie Boyd claimed the six puppies had been rehomed at the beginning of December to an unknown man, with no further details provided.

However, the inspector noted that the man who delivered the puppies to the rescue centre had left a contact number matching Danny Jordan’s phone number. This detail led inspector Mitchell to suspect that Jordan was directly involved in the puppies’ abandonment and that they had not been dumped but rather intentionally left with someone else. The investigation revealed that Boyd and Jordan had bred the puppies themselves, which contradicted their initial claims of abandonment.

Further examination by a veterinarian confirmed the severity of the puppies’ condition. The vet described the four surviving puppies—three males and one female—as being in a poor physical state. They exhibited no muscle mass, with bony prominences clearly visible under their skin. Each of the puppies was scored as a one out of nine on the body condition scale, indicating extreme emaciation. Their posture was hunched, and they displayed signs of curved spines, all consistent with prolonged malnutrition. Fleas were also observed in their coats, adding to their suffering.

The veterinarian explained that the puppies’ deformities and poor health were likely caused by malnutrition and limited physical activity over an extended period, possibly two months or more. She emphasized that a responsible owner would have provided appropriate nutrition, sought veterinary advice, and ensured proper care for puppies of this age. The prolonged suffering suggested neglect over a significant period.

Despite efforts to save them, one of the four puppies did not recover and was euthanized to prevent further suffering. The remaining three puppies responded well to treatment and have since been rehomed, giving them a chance at a healthier life.

Both Boyd and Jordan pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty in connection with this case. Their sentencing included a four-month prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months, along with a fine of £400 each. Additionally, they received a lifetime ban on keeping animals, a measure aimed at preventing any future neglect or abuse.

Inspector Claire Mitchell commented on the case after sentencing, stating, “They claimed the puppies had been found abandoned, but what actually happened was that Boyd and Jordan had bred them and then failed to provide the necessary nutrition and care, leading to their suffering. It is deeply sad that three of the puppies did not survive, but the remaining ones have now been given a second chance in life.”

The case highlights the importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting vulnerable animals. The cooperation of the public and the rescue centre was instrumental in bringing the offenders to justice. The authorities expressed their gratitude for the support that helped ensure these puppies received the care they desperately needed and that those responsible were held accountable.