EDWARD STOKES FROM BEANHILL CONVICTED FOR CRUELTY TO SPANIEL IN MILTON KEYNES

In a recent court case that has drawn significant attention, Edward Stokes, a resident of Woodrush Close in the Beanhill area of Milton Keynes, has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a young dog, identified only as 'Puppy 2'.

Stokes, who is known to be a traveller, was convicted of neglecting the health and well-being of the spaniel, a liver and white breed, which was discovered in a severely neglected state in July 2023. The dog was found wandering in the vicinity of Stokes' residence and was subsequently taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent treatment due to her dire condition.

The veterinary assessment revealed that the dog was suffering from multiple open sores and wounds across her limbs, face, and body. These injuries would have caused her considerable pain and discomfort, with some wounds likely resulting from her scratching and biting at her itchy skin. The dog was also underweight and appeared to have recently given birth to puppies, indicating she had been in a state of neglect for some time. An expert veterinarian estimated that the dog had been allowed to suffer for at least a month before being rescued.

Further investigations linked the dog to Stokes, as she was microchipped to him and was found near his residence. Inspector Andy Eddy, who had previously conducted a welfare check at Stokes' address, confirmed seeing the same dog there. Despite this, Stokes initially denied ownership, claiming he had rehomed the dog and was not responsible for her condition. However, evidence including the microchip and prior welfare checks proved otherwise.

Stokes was charged and subsequently found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering by neglecting to provide the necessary veterinary care for her chronic skin condition, which was later diagnosed as mange. After receiving appropriate treatment, including medication for mange, the dog made a full recovery and was rehomed into a loving environment where she is now happy and healthy.

Following the case, RSPCA Inspector Andy Eddy commented on the importance of early intervention and proper veterinary care. He stated, “The vets stated that the prognosis for mange is good once treatment is started and it is a curable condition and relatively easy to treat if caught early – mite infestation is not only a curable disease but a preventable one – and the owner should have sought treatment for this condition.”

He added, “Thankfully with the right treatment the friendly spaniel recovered well and she has now been rehomed.”

In sentencing, the court imposed a 12-month community order, which includes 10 days of rehabilitation, along with a requirement for 12 months of mental health treatment. Stokes was also ordered to pay £300 in costs and received a lifetime disqualification from owning any animals, although he has the right to appeal this decision after five years.