TOM LLOYD, JAY JONES, AND STEVEN DIXON: HORRIFIC WILDLIFE CRUELTY IN LANCASTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike, three men from Lancaster have been convicted of heinous wildlife crimes involving the torture and killing of deer and a badger. The offenders, identified as Tom Lloyd, Jay Stuart Jones, and Steven Dixon, were found guilty of multiple charges related to sadistic cruelty inflicted upon defenseless animals in the rural areas surrounding Lancaster.

Tom Lloyd, born on December 28, 1986, and residing on Slaidburn Drive, Lancaster (postcode LA1 4QX), emerged as the ringleader of this brutal group. He pleaded guilty to four separate offences that caused unnecessary suffering to deer and a badger. Evidence presented in court included graphic videos showing Lloyd standing on a deer's neck to facilitate dog attacks, as well as footage of him repeatedly slashing the animal's throat with a knife. The court heard that Lloyd's actions were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of cruelty. As a result, he was sentenced to 33 months in prison, and the court also disqualified him from keeping dogs for life.

Jay Jones, born on March 5, 1987, of Barley Cop Lane, Lancaster (postcode LA1 2PP), also pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a deer. Specifically, he was convicted of restraining a deer to allow dogs to attack it, a barbaric act captured in video footage. Jones received a prison sentence of 12 months and was disqualified from owning dogs for six years. The investigation revealed that Jones was involved in setting dogs upon wildlife, including deer and a badger, in a manner that inflicted severe pain and suffering.

Steven Dixon, born on November 9, 1983, of 63 Keswick Road, Lancaster (postcode LA1 3LF), admitted to causing suffering to a deer by repeatedly cutting its throat. His sentence was 17 months in prison, but it was suspended for 12 months, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offences within that period. Additionally, Dixon was ordered to undertake 20 days of rehabilitation, participate in a six-month mental health program, and complete 100 hours of unpaid community service.

Further investigations uncovered disturbing footage captured during the crimes. One video showed a man slashing a terrified deer’s throat, while others depicted dogs attacking both deer and a badger. The police seized a mobile phone from Jay Jones in February 2022, which contained videos of these offences. The RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) collaborated with Lancashire Police to execute warrants at the homes of all three defendants in May 2022.

During the searches, authorities seized four dogs, two of which belonged to Lloyd and Jones. The dogs included Hector, a black lurcher, and Chanelle, a tan and white lurcher from Lloyd, both of which were pregnant at the time. From Jones, officers recovered Blaze, a dark brindle lurcher, and Dixie, a grey merle lurcher. Both Dixie and Chanelle were found to be pregnant and have since been placed in the care of the RSPCA, along with their puppies. The seized footage and evidence detailed the cruelty inflicted on wildlife, with expert reports describing the attacks as barbaric and inhumane.

One particularly graphic video showed Lloyd filming as a man, presumably himself, announced, “Here we are lads, got a stag,” before the animal was attacked by dogs. Later, the same individual was seen holding the deer's head while slashing its throat with a knife. The RSPCA’s SOU officer Jason Bowles commented after sentencing, emphasizing the brutality of these acts. “The videos in this case are yet another example of the barbaric torture that we regularly see being inflicted upon wildlife we should all be trying to protect and help,” he said. Bowles also expressed concern about the ongoing prevalence of such offences across the picturesque countryside of England and Wales, vowing that the RSPCA would continue to pursue justice.

Sergeant James Pinder, who led the police investigations, praised the thoroughness of the two-year-long inquiry conducted by the RSPCA and Lancashire Police’s West Division Rural Task Force. He highlighted the shocking nature of the videos recovered and stressed the importance of reporting wildlife crimes. Pinder encouraged the public to contact authorities via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

As a result of the convictions, the animals involved are now in the care of the RSPCA. Dixie and Chanelle, along with their nine and seven puppies respectively, are available for rehoming. Hector, the black lurcher, remains in RSPCA custody pending further legal proceedings regarding his ownership. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against wildlife cruelty and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable animals in the Lancaster area.