ANDREW RIPLEY FROM RIPON SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO HIS PET COLLIE IN RIPON

In a disturbing case of animal cruelty, Andrew Ripley, a resident of Gallows Hill Drive in Ripon, was recorded on camera subjecting his pet collie, Bex, to a distressing ordeal in his own garden. The footage, which surfaced publicly, depicted Ripley with his hands around Bex’s neck, face, and muzzle, exhibiting aggressive and abusive behavior towards the dog.

Throughout the recording, Ripley was seen shaking Bex and twisting her skin while speaking to her in a low, menacing tone. The terrified dog was visibly distressed, crying out and attempting to lick her owner in what appeared to be a desperate plea for mercy. The scene was deeply upsetting to viewers and highlighted the severity of the abuse inflicted upon the animal.

RSPCA inspector Carol Neale, who reviewed the footage, expressed her concern and condemnation of Ripley's actions. She stated, “This poor dog was absolutely terrorised by Ripley. It’s clear to anyone that she is extremely frightened during the incident captured in the footage on 29 May 2017. She even tries to lick Ripley’s face in what seems to be an appeal for him to stop hurting her. It’s very upsetting to watch.”

Following the incident, staff at the RSPCA York & District Branch took immediate steps to care for Bex, who was profoundly traumatised by her experience. They enlisted the help of a specialist dog behaviourist to aid in her recovery. Inspector Neale described her emotional state, saying, “I’ve never seen a more emotionally scarred dog, she was so traumatised.”

In November, Bex was officially signed over to the RSPCA during a court hearing. The following day, inspector Neale personally conducted a home check on her potential new owners. Fortunately, Bex, now renamed Jess, has been living with her new family for nearly a month. She has adjusted well to her new environment, including her feline housemates, and has received the best Christmas gift possible—a fresh start and a loving home.

Regarding Ripley's sentencing, he was given a 12-month community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. Additionally, he was ordered to pay costs and charges amounting to £535. Importantly, Ripley is now subject to a lifetime ban on keeping animals, with the exception of bovines, effectively preventing him from owning pets in the future.