Smirking man banned from keeping dogs after terriers found injured from suspected ‘badger baiting’

12th October 2019

A man has been banned from keeping dogs for two years after five of his dogs were found with serious injuries consistent with illegal fighting with badgers.

Anthony Oakes, 33, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates Court this week and admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to take the dogs to a vet.

Back in February this year, West Yorkshire Police and the RSPCA together executed two warrants in Dewsbury after intelligence was gathered about dogs being injured.

Five Patterdale terriers were found and seized from a property and all had serious injuries, mainly on their faces, consistent with badger baiting.

One of the dog’s had a severely infected eye and as a result of not getting any medical treatment, the eye had to be removed.

Oakes, of Edge Lane, Dewsbury, was subsequently charged with offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

He was disqualified from keeping dogs for two years, was fined £500 and ordered to do 200 hours of community service.

All five dogs were signed over to the RSPCA which is now looking to rehome them.

PC Caroline Newsome, Kirklees Wildlife Crime Officer, said: “We welcome the results from yesterday’s court hearing and would like to thank the RSPCA for their support and assistance on this case.

“I would also like to thank Dr Graham Codds, who was the vet who carried out the initial examination of the dogs after they had been seized for his help and assistance.

“I would also like to highlight the importance of the intelligence we receive from our local communities, this is an example of information given to the police which was acted upon and secured a conviction.

“I would continue to urge the public to contact us with any information, as you will be listened to and we will act on any intelligence given to us.”

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/smirking-man-banned-keeping-dogs-17071799