GLORCESTER OFFENDER DERRICK DAWKINS SENTENCED FOR ANIMAL NEGLECT DURING BEAST FROM EAST SNOWSTORM

Derrick Daniel Dawkins, born in 1962 and residing on Clement Street, Tredworth, Gloucester GL1 4JW, was convicted in 2019 for neglecting two dogs during the winter of 2018. He left his bull terriers, Dessa and Diesel, outside in a snow-covered yard without adequate shelter as temperatures fell well below freezing amid the 'Beast from East' snowstorm.

The RSPCA investigated after inspectors found both dogs in a yard blanketed in snow, with one tethered by a chain that had caused entanglement. Both animals exhibited untreated, painful lesions and sores on their legs and bodies. Investigating officer RSPCA Inspector Phil Mann remarked, “As temperatures dropped below zero and snow covered the country, Dessa and Diesel were outside day and night without appropriate shelter. When I saw them locked outside, I feared that if I didn’t help them straight away, there would have been two dead dogs the following morning.”

Inspector Mann emphasized the importance of proper care, stating, “Simply leaving pets outside to fend for themselves without shelter should never be seen as an option. Dogs must have constant access to a suitable shelter, and owners should ensure bedding and sleeping areas are warm, dry, and protected from drafts. It is shocking that Dawkins left these dogs outside during such horrendous conditions and even more heartbreaking to discover they had been left to suffer with painful, untreated sores.”

Thanks to the care at the Cotswold Dogs and Cats Home, both Dessa and Diesel have since recovered from their ordeal. While Diesel is being prepared for rehoming, the RSPCA reports that five-year-old Dessa is already seeking a caring person to give her a second chance. RSPCA spokesperson highlighted Dessa’s friendly nature, saying, “Dessa loves nothing more than spending time with people and playing with toys. She would be best suited to a home with no other animals or children and is looking for an experienced owner with time and patience. She hasn’t had much life experience and can find new environments overwhelming, but she’s slowly learning that it’s okay to snuggle on the sofa.”

Dawkins faced a sentence of 18 weeks in prison, suspended for two years, along with a £750 court cost. Additionally, he is banned from keeping any animals for ten years. The case garnered coverage from ITV News and Gloucestershire Live.