Stanwell man given prison sentence for animal welfare offences

A man from Stanwell has been sentenced to prison time after four dogs were seized from his care when officers found them living in filthy conditions in the garden.

Officers conducted a warrant at an address in Stanwell on 11 May 2023 and found four dogs kept in dilapidated wooden cages in the garden. The cages were full of rubbish and excrement and the dogs appeared neglected, malnourished and at least one appeared to need medical treatment.

The four dogs, two Lurchers, one Patterdale Terrier and a Jack Russell, were all seized under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act and straightaway taken to the vets for assessment.

Riley Leigh-Shaw, 22, born 16/04/2001, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing unnecessary suffering and four counts of keeping the dogs in unsuitable conditions.

At Staines Magistrates Court on Tuesday 13 February, Leigh-Shaw was sentenced to 75 days in prison and given a ten-year ban of owning animals.

Investigating Officer PC Duncan MacKenzie said; "This was a shocking case where the dogs were kept in appalling conditions. Fortunately, the dogs have all now been placed in loving homes and will be able to live as they should. If you think someone is mistreating or neglecting animals in their care, please make sure to report it to us."