TIM SPRINGETT'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN RAMSGATE REVEALED
| Red Rose Database
Ramsgate Animal Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Ramsgate, Kent, local resident and convicted fraudster Tim Springett has been found guilty of severe animal neglect involving his pet Russian terrier, Barney. The incident came to light following an investigation by the RSPCA, which uncovered appalling conditions at Springett’s residence on Whinfell Avenue.
Barney was discovered in a deplorable state, wandering in the backyard of Springett’s home, which was littered with mess and lacked any form of shelter or dry area for the dog. The animal was visibly suffering from extreme neglect, with its fur matted and heavily soiled with dirt and faeces. The RSPCA inspectors reported that Barney’s coat was so heavily laden with hair that it accounted for approximately 21% of his total body weight. To put this into perspective, the staff at the RSPCA had to shave off 7.8 kilograms of tangled, filthy fur from the dog’s body.
According to the investigation, Barney had not been groomed for nearly two years, despite multiple attempts by the RSPCA to persuade Springett to care for his pet properly. The neglect was so severe that the dog’s mobility was significantly impaired, and the poor odour emanating from him made the RSPCA inspector Tina Nash feel ill during her visit. Nash described Barney as “extremely matted, with big clumps of fur hanging off of him that appeared to be full of dirt or faeces and tightly bound to areas around his back.” She further explained that the environment was “very untidy with lots of stuff everywhere and very dirty,” with no dry or sheltered areas for Barney to rest.
Veterinary professionals who examined Barney after the grooming confirmed the severity of the neglect. The vet stated, “The dog had been made to support a coat weighing approximately 21% of his body weight as he moved around. The weight of this coat would have risen considerably when the dog was wet. I am in no doubt that this would cause the animal physical stress as he moved.” The vet also emphasized that Springett had failed in his duty to provide Barney with a safe, hygienic environment and proper shelter, which is a clear breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
During court proceedings, Springett admitted to two animal welfare offences. In his defense, he claimed that he loved dogs and had experience working with them, attributing his neglect to his ill health. However, the court was not convinced, and Springett was sentenced to a 12-month community order. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on owning or caring for any animals, which will remain in effect until February 2029.
Barney has since been taken into private boarding care and is undergoing rehabilitation. The RSPCA has indicated that he will soon be available for rehoming, offering him a chance at a healthier, happier life after months of neglect.
It is worth noting that Springett’s history of animal-related offenses extends beyond this case. In 2015, he was involved in a scandal involving the illegal handling of malnourished dogs. Kimberley White, founder of The Retreat Animal Rescue, received a conditional discharge after admitting to receiving ten dogs from Springett, who was then jailed for tax fraud and money laundering. The dogs, including German and Belgian Shepherds and puppies, were microchipped to Springett and found in a state of severe malnutrition. White had spent over £5,000 caring for these animals, many of whom were close to death. The court heard that Springett had asked his estranged wife to care for the dogs while he was in custody, only to discover they had gone missing upon his release. Neighbors confirmed seeing a van with The Retreat’s logo, leading to police involvement.
Judge Heather Norton questioned whether prosecuting Kimberley White was in the public interest, given her conditional discharge. This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in Ramsgate and beyond.
Barney was discovered in a deplorable state, wandering in the backyard of Springett’s home, which was littered with mess and lacked any form of shelter or dry area for the dog. The animal was visibly suffering from extreme neglect, with its fur matted and heavily soiled with dirt and faeces. The RSPCA inspectors reported that Barney’s coat was so heavily laden with hair that it accounted for approximately 21% of his total body weight. To put this into perspective, the staff at the RSPCA had to shave off 7.8 kilograms of tangled, filthy fur from the dog’s body.
According to the investigation, Barney had not been groomed for nearly two years, despite multiple attempts by the RSPCA to persuade Springett to care for his pet properly. The neglect was so severe that the dog’s mobility was significantly impaired, and the poor odour emanating from him made the RSPCA inspector Tina Nash feel ill during her visit. Nash described Barney as “extremely matted, with big clumps of fur hanging off of him that appeared to be full of dirt or faeces and tightly bound to areas around his back.” She further explained that the environment was “very untidy with lots of stuff everywhere and very dirty,” with no dry or sheltered areas for Barney to rest.
Veterinary professionals who examined Barney after the grooming confirmed the severity of the neglect. The vet stated, “The dog had been made to support a coat weighing approximately 21% of his body weight as he moved around. The weight of this coat would have risen considerably when the dog was wet. I am in no doubt that this would cause the animal physical stress as he moved.” The vet also emphasized that Springett had failed in his duty to provide Barney with a safe, hygienic environment and proper shelter, which is a clear breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
During court proceedings, Springett admitted to two animal welfare offences. In his defense, he claimed that he loved dogs and had experience working with them, attributing his neglect to his ill health. However, the court was not convinced, and Springett was sentenced to a 12-month community order. Additionally, he received a five-year ban on owning or caring for any animals, which will remain in effect until February 2029.
Barney has since been taken into private boarding care and is undergoing rehabilitation. The RSPCA has indicated that he will soon be available for rehoming, offering him a chance at a healthier, happier life after months of neglect.
It is worth noting that Springett’s history of animal-related offenses extends beyond this case. In 2015, he was involved in a scandal involving the illegal handling of malnourished dogs. Kimberley White, founder of The Retreat Animal Rescue, received a conditional discharge after admitting to receiving ten dogs from Springett, who was then jailed for tax fraud and money laundering. The dogs, including German and Belgian Shepherds and puppies, were microchipped to Springett and found in a state of severe malnutrition. White had spent over £5,000 caring for these animals, many of whom were close to death. The court heard that Springett had asked his estranged wife to care for the dogs while he was in custody, only to discover they had gone missing upon his release. Neighbors confirmed seeing a van with The Retreat’s logo, leading to police involvement.
Judge Heather Norton questioned whether prosecuting Kimberley White was in the public interest, given her conditional discharge. This case underscores the ongoing issues of animal neglect and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws in Ramsgate and beyond.