GORDON CLARKE OF CRAWLEY SENTENCED FOR CRUELTY TO DOGS IN SQUALID CONDITIONS

Gordon Clarke, a breeder residing at 10 Black Dog Walk, Northgate, Crawley RH10 8HL, was convicted in 2022 for severe animal cruelty involving 15 dogs kept in deplorable conditions at his property. Clarke, born on August 24, 1959, has a long history of notoriety in the area, having been labeled Britain’s worst neighbour in 2012 due to a '25-year reign of terror' on the Crawley estate where he lives.

His latest conviction stems from a series of investigations by the RSPCA, which uncovered the extent of neglect and suffering inflicted upon the animals under his care. On April 6, 2021, RSPCA officers visited Clarke’s home after receiving concerns about the welfare of numerous animals living there. During this initial visit, they spoke with Clarke and provided advice regarding a spaniel with an extensively matted coat. However, Clarke refused to grant access to the rest of the property, prompting a follow-up visit on April 8, 2021, with Sussex Police, who had obtained a warrant under the Animal Welfare Act.

What investigators found was deeply disturbing. Multiple dogs were subjected to prolonged and serious neglect, living in squalid conditions that reflected a complete disregard for their well-being. An independent veterinarian examined all the animals, leading to the seizure of 16 dogs and two cats. These animals, which included chihuahuas, spaniels, and rottweilers, were taken for urgent veterinary treatment. Subsequently, all but one spaniel were successfully rehomed by the RSPCA, with the unfortunate exception of the spaniel who, despite extensive veterinary care and time, had to be euthanized due to the severity of its condition.

The living arrangements of the animals were equally distressing. The chihuahuas, rottweilers, and some cats were kept in the front room and upstairs areas of the house, while the five spaniels were confined to a small, bare, and filthy back room. Inspector Tony Woodley, who led the investigation, provided a detailed account of the conditions inside the property. He described the interior as dimly lit, with a living room area containing a sofa and a very large television, accessible to the dogs and cats, with food and water bowls present. Behind this area, there was a roughly 4 by 2.5-meter space where the spaniels were kept. This room was characterized by a strong, foul smell, with walls and floors stained with feces and dirt. A human bed with a stained mattress and soiled blankets was found in this space, along with missing sections of the concrete floor and two dogs cowering near a missing drawer from a wooden chest of drawers. Notably, there were no accessible food or water bowls in this area, although packs of dog food were present but unreachable for the animals.

In light of these findings, Gordon Clarke was sentenced to an 18-week prison term, which was suspended for 12 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 10 days of rehabilitation activities, pay costs and charges amounting to £278, and was issued a lifetime ban on owning or keeping any animals. The case received coverage from the Mid Sussex Times and The Argus, highlighting the severity of the neglect.

In September 2022, further developments revealed that Clarke’s wife, Jay Clarke, was also sentenced for her involvement in the cruelty. She received a suspended prison sentence and a lifetime ban, underscoring the collective responsibility of those involved in the mistreatment of the animals at the Crawley property.