ELIZABETH, DOUGLAS AND ANNETTE WEEKS: BRIDGWATER ANIMAL CRUELTY SCANDAL REVEALED

In a disturbing case of animal neglect and cruelty, authorities uncovered a severe situation involving the Weeks family in Bridgwater. Elizabeth May Weeks, a known backyard breeder who has since passed away, along with her children Douglas and Annette Weeks, were found to have failed in their duty to care for a litter of Staffordshire bull terrier puppies. The incident came to light after an RSPCA investigation into the welfare of animals at their residence.

On January 30, 2020, RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel responded to a call concerning the welfare of dogs at a property located in Bridgwater. Upon arrival, she described entering a dimly lit living room with curtains drawn, where an overwhelming stench of stale urine and feces permeated the air. The room contained bare, heavily soiled floorboards, and within it, she found eight dogs—seven juveniles and one adult—living in deplorable conditions. Some of the dogs were visibly aggressive, barking, snapping, and growling at her, while others appeared submissive and subdued.

Inspector Daniel noted that many of the dogs were in poor physical health, with ribs, spines, and pelvises clearly visible through their thin frames. They also bore scars and scabs, particularly on their faces, indicative of fighting and injury. The environment was overcrowded, and there was no food or water available for the animals, further exacerbating their suffering. The puppies, all underweight and suffering from malnutrition, were immediately taken to a veterinarian for examination. The vet confirmed that their poor condition was due to inadequate diet and neglect, with hunger being a significant factor in their suffering.

One of the puppies, named Twiglet, was rescued and has since recovered. Twiglet, along with his siblings, has been rehomed, providing them with a fresh start away from the neglectful environment. The veterinary assessment also revealed evidence of injuries sustained from fighting among the dogs, which caused unnecessary pain and suffering. The overcrowded conditions prevented the animals from expressing their natural behaviors, further highlighting the neglect they endured.

In addition to the physical neglect, the adult dog found at the property was in comparatively better condition but was still not receiving proper care. The investigation revealed that Elizabeth Weeks had been in breach of an existing animal ban, which prohibited her from keeping animals. As a result, she was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay costs of £300 along with a victim surcharge of £122. She was also required to complete a 10-day rehabilitation program and was disqualified from keeping any animals for ten years, a ban that cannot be appealed for five years.

Her son, Douglas Weeks, received a 12-week suspended prison sentence, also for 18 months, with similar financial penalties of £300 costs and a £122 victim surcharge. He was mandated to complete 35 days of rehabilitation and disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, with no appeal possible for five years. Meanwhile, Annette Weeks was disqualified from keeping dogs for three years, with this ban non-appealable for two years. She was also fined £60 and ordered to pay £100 in costs plus a £32 victim surcharge.

All the dogs involved in this case have been cared for by the RSPCA and have successfully found new, loving homes. This case underscores the importance of animal welfare laws and the consequences faced by those who neglect their responsibilities as pet owners. The community of Bridgwater can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that these animals are safe and that justice has been served.