ANDI KILGALLON'S HORRIFIC ANIMAL ABUSE IN BOURNE AND SWINDON REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Andi Kilgallon, a known offender with a long history of criminal activity, was found responsible for leaving his pet dog and her four puppies to suffer from severe starvation. The incident came to light after a concerned member of the public reported the situation, prompting the RSPCA to investigate the property located on Spindletree Court, Swindon, in August 2015.

Upon arrival, RSPCA inspectors discovered a heartbreaking scene: a nursing mother dog named Tia, who was visibly shaking and in a critically emaciated state, was surrounded by her four puppies, all of whom were also suffering from extreme malnutrition. Tia was so weak and malnourished that she could not be saved, and veterinary professionals later described her as the thinnest dog they had ever encountered. Despite efforts to save her, Tia, along with two of her puppies, had to be euthanized on veterinary advice due to their dire condition.

The remaining puppies were taken to a veterinary clinic, where the staff expressed shock at their emaciated condition. The veterinarian confirmed that the puppies were suffering from neglect and malnutrition, a direct result of the owner’s failure to provide adequate care. The case highlighted the severity of the neglect, which was attributed to Kilgallon's financial difficulties and personal struggles at the time. His lawyer explained to the court that Kilgallon lacked the funds to take the dogs to the vet and was experiencing depression following a breakup with the mother of his children. At the time, social services were also involved in the care of his six-month-old son and four-year-old daughter, adding to the complexity of his situation.

Andi Kilgallon, a career criminal with multiple prior convictions, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to his animals by neglecting their basic needs, particularly food and water. During the court proceedings, he was described as a man overwhelmed by personal issues, which contributed to his failure to care for his pets properly. His actions drew condemnation from animal welfare advocates and the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspector Steph Daly, who responded to the case, described the scene as profoundly distressing. She recounted finding Tia lying in a training cage in the front room, with no water available and only an old T-shirt for her to lie on. The inspector emphasized the heartbreaking nature of the scene, with Tia and her puppies suffering from starvation and neglect. Daly expressed her hope that the legal consequences would serve as a warning to others about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the criminality of neglecting animals.

As part of his sentencing, Kilgallon received a 12-month community order, which included 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £200 in costs to the RSPCA, a £60 victim surcharge, and £150 in court fees. Additionally, he was disqualified from owning any animals for a period of five years, a ban that expired in 2020. The case drew significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing issue of animal cruelty and the importance of enforcement to protect vulnerable animals in communities like Bourne and Swindon.