GARY BELL OF KEIGHLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOG IN 2020

Gary David Bell, born on September 9, 1969, and residing at 54 Coronation Way, Keighley BD22 6HH, was convicted in 2020 of horrific animal cruelty charges. Bell forcefully subjected his nine-year-old American bulldog, Smiler, to a brutal assault that included forcing her into a bath filled with bleach, rubbing the chemical into her eyes, and repeatedly beating her over the head. RSPCA inspectors were alerted to concerns about Smiler’s welfare and responded to Bell’s home, where they could hear heavy breathing coming from the ground-floor bathroom window.

Inspector Sarah Bagley described the scene: "I was horrified to see Smiler in the bath with a bloodied tea towel on her head. A friend of Bell’s let us into the property, and we found Smiler barely conscious. She and the bath were wet, with a bottle of human shampoo and household cleaner, likely used on her. The gentle dog was bloodied and in a critical state."

Emergency veterinary care was immediately provided. Smiler was found to have swollen eyes shut, multiple serious injuries—including two large wounds on her head that required stitches, bruising, and a loose tooth that needed extraction—and had been subjected to painful cleaning treatments. The injuries indicated non-accidental trauma, and the veterinary exam confirmed that washing the chemicals into her eyes caused significant suffering.

During her week in treatment and recovery, Smiler gradually regained her health and strength, showing signs of physical and emotional improvement. Inspector Bagley noted: "She is recovering well—gaining weight, her skin and coat are improving, and she appears much brighter and happier. The cherry eye is being watched as per vet advice."

Bell, who had previous convictions for assault and heroin possession, was found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by inflicting trauma, neglecting her veterinary needs, and applying harmful cleaning products to her head and eyes. He was scheduled to appear before Bradford Magistrates Court on January 7 but did not attend; he was subsequently arrested on a warrant.

In explaining Smiler’s condition, Bell claimed that she might have cut her head on barbed wire during a walk, but Inspector Bagley remarked: "Bell offered no plausible explanation for her injuries. She is now on the mend, gaining weight, and showing signs of improving health. Her skin, coat, and overall demeanor are much better, and her cherry eye is currently being monitored."

Smiler is now under the care of the dedicated staff at RSPCA Sheffield, who have expressed their affection for her. Once fully recovered, she will be put up for adoption. Inspector Bagley summed up: "She is a very sweet dog who loves people. I look forward to hearing that she is thriving in a loving new home."

Bell received a sentence of 16 weeks in prison and was disqualified from owning animals for life.