LEE WILSON AND FAYE CLAYTON FROM CLIFTON BUSTED FOR SEVERELY MALNOURISHED PUPPIES AND POORLY KEPT DOGS

In a disturbing case that has shocked animal welfare advocates, Lee Wilson and Faye Clayton, both residents of Clifton, Nottingham, were found guilty of severe animal neglect involving multiple dogs kept in deplorable conditions. The incident came to light after a concerned woman, who had agreed to pay the pair £400 for a young cross-bred Akita puppy, raised alarms about the welfare of the animals.

Authorities from the RSPCA responded swiftly, seizing four dogs from the flat above a shop on Southchurch Drive, where Wilson and Clayton resided. The investigation revealed that the puppies were being kept in a cluttered kitchen area, which was stained with urine and faeces, creating an unsanitary environment. The conditions were so poor that there was no dry space for the dogs to rest, and the living space was described as severely neglected.

Inspectors found two adult dogs used for breeding purposes—a husky and an Akita—living in a poorly maintained outhouse on the property. Both animals were in a state of severe undernourishment, with their bones and spines clearly visible, indicating a lack of proper care and nutrition. The husky, in particular, was noted to have yellow gums, a sign of poor health and nutritional deficiency.

During the inspection, the RSPCA officers discovered the puppies in a kitchen that was cluttered and unhygienic. The puppies were suffering from diarrhoea, which had caused them to lose significant weight. Veterinary assessments confirmed that the puppies' health was critically compromised, and without immediate treatment, their chances of survival would have been slim. Blood tests on the husky revealed a liver disorder caused by malnutrition, further emphasizing the severity of neglect.

Paul Wright, prosecuting, explained that the animals were handed over to the RSPCA, and all four have since recovered well and been rehomed. The court heard that the conditions the animals endured could have led to their death if intervention had not occurred in time.

In sentencing, Lee Wilson was ordered to pay £425 in costs, fines, and charges, while Faye Clayton received a financial penalty of only £170. Both individuals were banned from keeping any animals for a period of five years, a ban that expired in April 2021. Despite the legal restrictions, Wilson remains in the Clifton area, living on Manesty Crescent with a new partner, while Clayton has reportedly moved to a different part of Nottingham. Clayton, known for her history as a pet peddler, was notorious for buying and selling dogs, cats, rats, and guinea pigs via Facebook, often engaging in backyard breeding and animal trading.

As of December 2021, Lee Wilson's current address is listed as Manesty Crescent, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 9DT, indicating he continues to reside in the area. The case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the importance of vigilant enforcement to prevent such neglect from recurring.