EDWARD LEES FROM SELBY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN LINCOLNSHIRE
In a disturbing case of animal neglect, Edward Lees, a resident of Selby, was found guilty of leaving five dogs in deplorable conditions at his property in Lincolnshire.The case came to light after RSPCA Inspector Laura Jones conducted an investigation into reports of animal suffering at the address in Howdales, Louth, with the postcode LN11 7DJ, in January 2020.
Inspector Jones’s visit revealed a scene of utter neglect.
She initially observed two Jack Russell terriers peering out from a window, with the sounds of more dogs emanating from an outbuilding on the premises.
When she returned the following day, she found that no one had entered or exited the property for 24 hours, prompting her to involve the police to gain lawful access.
Upon entering the sitting room, the inspector was immediately overwhelmed by the foul stench of ammonia, which caused her eyes to water.
The environment was shocking: there was no food or water available for the dogs.
Instead, she saw three empty bowls scattered on the floor and two empty 10kg plastic sacks of dog biscuits placed beside a pile of excrement.
The floor was damp, likely from urine, and the room contained a red fluffy blanket, a sofa with exposed rusty springs, and a large accumulation of both dry and wet feces in the corner, indicating severe neglect.
Further inspection of the outbuilding uncovered three additional dogs living amidst a ground covered in impacted excrement.
The stench of urine and feces was pervasive.
The furniture inside was stained and torn, with more empty food packets strewn across the floor.
Three empty plastic bowls sat atop the filth, along with a yellow plastic container filled with a brown liquid and a red plastic bowl with a hole in its side, filled with water.
The dogs rescued from the property included Ewen, an 11-year-old black and white crossbreed male; Sam, an 11-year-old tan and white crossbreed male; Colin, a crossbreed male; Jessie, a 12-year-old female crossbreed; and Sheldon, another crossbreed dog.
All were taken into the care of veterinary professionals for assessment.
The vet reports painted a grim picture of the conditions these animals endured.
Sam, in particular, was found to be severely underweight, with rotting teeth, gingivitis, and signs of severe dehydration.
He was also infested with fleas and weighed approximately 4kg less than a healthy dog of his size.
The veterinarian concluded that Sam was suffering immensely, experiencing dental pain, open wounds, dehydration, and active infections.
His body condition was so poor that he was at risk of organ failure due to starvation.
Fortunately, with intensive care, Sam began to recover and has since been rehomed.
During the court proceedings, Lees explained that the dogs had originally belonged to a relative, and he had taken them in after their owner passed away.
He admitted to facing financial difficulties and emotional distress, which contributed to the neglectful situation spiraling out of control.
He also entered an early guilty plea to the charges.
All five dogs were surrendered to the RSPCA’s care.
While Sam, Colin, Ewen, and Jessie were successfully rehomed, Sheldon was euthanized on veterinary advice due to severe behavioral issues.
Lees was sentenced to a 12-month community order, which includes 140 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £395 in costs and charges.
Additionally, he received a ten-year ban from keeping all mammals, which will remain in effect until April 2031.
