CHAD KEMP FROM NEWTON AYCLIFFE SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN SQUALID FLAT

Chad Kemp, also known by the alias Joe Lawler and born in April 1995, residing at Gilpin Court in Newton Aycliffe DL5 5EN, has been convicted of animal cruelty after neglecting his two dogs, Poppy and Marley. The case highlights a disturbing pattern of neglect and disregard for animal welfare, despite repeated warnings from the RSPCA.

On May 3, 2023, RSPCA Inspectors Gemma Lynch and John Lawson responded to reports that Kemp’s two wolfhounds had been left unattended in a deplorable living environment at his ground floor flat in Gilpin Court. When they arrived, they found the property in a state of extreme disarray, with rubbish and faeces strewn across the floors and a strong ammonia smell permeating the air. The flat was described by Inspector Lawson as ‘hazardous,’ with medication within reach of the dogs on a coffee table, indicating a dangerous environment for the animals.

Prior to this visit, tape had been placed over the door lock during a previous inspection to monitor entry, and the tape was still intact when the inspectors returned. Inspector Lynch’s written statement to the court detailed that Kemp had not been seen for some time, prompting the inspectors to return with police. When Kemp was located, he was advised strongly not to leave the dogs unattended and was instructed to ensure they remained in a suitable environment. Kemp agreed to this and assured the inspectors he would take the dogs to a friend’s house until the flat was cleaned and the living conditions improved.

However, subsequent visits revealed ongoing issues. Inspector Lynch returned three days later and spoke with someone at the flat who knew Kemp. This individual reported that Kemp had not been back for days and was sitting outside because the smell of urine inside the flat was causing him breathing difficulties. When inspectors entered the property again, they found it still in a poor state, with dog faeces stuck to the floors and the environment unsuitable for animals.

Despite these conditions, Kemp failed to take adequate action. The dogs, described as being in a ‘lean’ condition, were seized by police and taken to a veterinary clinic for assessment. They were subsequently transferred to a private boarding facility managed by the RSPCA for their care. The court granted a deprivation order, and both Poppy and Marley are now in the charity’s care, awaiting rehoming.

Further attempts to contact Kemp were unsuccessful. A visit on May 25 found him at home, and he was advised that an investigation was ongoing. He expressed willingness to consider surrendering the dogs into RSPCA care, but this did not materialize. The flat’s condition had improved somewhat, with the passageway and bathroom cleaned, but dog faeces remained on the floors, and the living room was still cluttered with rubbish, making it unfit for animals.

Kemp admitted to failing in his responsibilities to provide a proper environment for his pets. During the court proceedings, it was acknowledged that he had been suffering from poor mental health at the time of the neglect. Despite this, the court handed down a sentence that included a three-year ban on keeping animals, with the exception of cockatiels, which expires in March 2027. Additionally, a deprivation order was issued for Poppy and Marley, ensuring they will be cared for and rehomed through the RSPCA.

This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the ongoing efforts of authorities and charities to protect vulnerable animals from neglect and abuse, especially in cases where owners fail to meet their basic responsibilities.